Review: Chattanooga Michigan Maple Syrup Cask Finished Bourbon
Chattanooga Whiskey was founded in 2011 by Chattanooga native Tim Piersant and Joe Ledbetter with a clear mission: to bring “Whiskey to the People.” After initially sourcing whiskey from MGP, the duo proudly opened Chattanooga’s first legal distillery since Prohibition in 2015. Specializing in high malt whiskey, Chattanooga Whiskey has distinguished itself by experimenting with a diverse range of unique mashbills that incorporate a higher proportion of malted grains than traditional bourbons and rye whiskeys. Each mashbill contains at least 25% specialty grains, showcasing the brand’s commitment to craft and innovation.
In 2021, Chattanooga Whiskey launched its Barrel Finishing Series, an ambitious program that pairs their Tennessee High Malt Bourbon with finishing barrels from various regions to enhance and elevate both the whiskey and the cask’s unique character. In August 2025, the distillery unveiled the seventh release in this series: the Chattanooga Whiskey Michigan Maple Syrup Cask Finished Straight Bourbon. This expression is a blend of two high malt bourbon mashbills — SB091 and SB076 — though the exact grain ratios remain proprietary. SB091 features yellow corn, malted rye, caramel malted barley, and honey malted barley, while SB076 includes yellow corn, pale malted rye, aromatic Munich malted barley, and caramel aromatic malted barley.
Aged for more than 4 years in total, the bourbon initially matured in 53-gallon toasted and charred barrels, the bourbon then spent a year finishing in Michigan maple syrup casks sourced from BLiS Gourmet in Grand Rapids. BLiS — an acronym for “Because Life is Short” — is renowned for its Kentucky bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup, a two-time sofi Gold Award winner from the Specialty Foods Association in 2016 and 2024. Michigan’s kettle-cooked, small-batch maple syrup is highly regarded for its depth and complexity, particularly the old growth, late harvest syrup used in these finishing barrels. Late harvest maple syrup is prized for its darker color and intense caramel notes with subtle roasted undertones — a flavor profile developed by lower sugar content in the sap and warmer spring temperatures, which increase microbial activity and caramelization during boiling.
Not all barrel-aged maple syrups are created equal — and the same goes for bourbons finished in maple syrup casks. By carefully sourcing exceptional maple syrup barrels, Chattanooga Whiskey has crafted a bourbon that aims to stand head and shoulders above the rest. But does it deliver? Let’s find out!
Chattanooga Michigan Maple Syrup Cask Finished Bourbon Review
The bouquet opens with a slightly earthy aroma of pumpkin pie that’s been left in the oven a touch too long. This overdone character works to the whiskey’s advantage, as it avoids becoming overly sweet right from the start. As the nose develops, aromas of maple fudge and caramel begin to show, bringing a layer of sweetness without overwhelming the senses. Just as that sweetness settles in, the slightly bitter edge of black walnuts arrives, adding structure and pulling things back into balance. The influence of the maple syrup cask is noticeable, but it steers clear of the sugary, breakfast-table profile often associated with pancake syrup.
On the palate, a cinnamon glaze comes through first, followed by a flavor that clearly nods to Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies. The maple here feels more grounded, delivering an earthy tone that sets it apart from the more sugary expressions often found in this style of finish. As it evolves, a milk chocolate note appears, accompanied by a medium-bodied, somewhat creamy mouthfeel. The chocolate continues into the finish, where it’s quickly joined by a spice cake flavor — something close to carrot cake without the vegetal element. Following this, a cream cheese frosting note appears, adding another layer of flavor that deepens the final impression.
Chattanooga Whiskey’s maple syrup cask finish stands apart from many others in the category. Where many maple finishes veer into syrupy excess, this one is far more refined. The use of late-harvest maple syrup brings out more roasted and nut-forward qualities rather than flooding the profile with sugar. It avoids the sticky, dessert-like character that can overwhelm some pours and instead offers something more grounded and complex. At $60, this is a strong choice for anyone looking to explore a well-executed maple cask finish that offers more than just sweetness.
95 proof.
A- / $60
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