Chattanooga Whiskey Triple Islay Tennessee High Malt Whiskey Review.
Chattanooga Whiskey Triple Islay Tennessee High Malt Whiskey Review.
From the moment I laid eyes on this bottle, I had a hunch it would be something special. Chattanooga Whiskey has been gaining a reputation in the craft world for its meticulous attention to detail and innovation in high malt Tennessee whiskey. Though my experience with the distillery had been limited, I was already a fan. When I stumbled upon this bottle of Triple Islay Cask Finish at a local shop, it felt like striking gold. Released in 2025 as part of what appears to be a recurring limited series, this expression had built quite a bit of buzz online, and for good reason.
This is not your average American whiskey. Chattanooga went above and beyond with this one, blending precision and creativity in every step. The whiskey begins with three distinct mash bills (listed below). Each mash bill is aged separately in peated scotch casks sourced from three unnamed but heavily speculated distilleries After maturing for at least five years, these components are blended into a final expression.
Age Statement: 5+ years.
ABV: 55.5%.
Mash bill:
B004: Yellow corn, peated malted barley, naked malted oats, and honey malted barley.
R1972: 100% peated malted barley.
B033: Yellow corn, three styles of peated barley, honey malted barley, and malted rye.
Area of Distillation: Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Appearance: Dark Redwood.
On the nose:
On the nose:
The nose is a stunning balance of contradiction and harmony. Peat hits first, earthy, ashy, and medicinal in all the right ways. There’s clear influence from Islay, especially Laphroaig, with notes of iodine, sea salt, and smoked seaweed. But then, it turns. Sweet honey, oats, and granola rise up from beneath, bringing a creamy, malty warmth. Corn dust and buttery richness remind you of its American roots, while subtle rye spice, cinnamon and clove, add another layer. Hints of lemon zest peek out, likely courtesy of the Ardbeg casks, and an undercurrent of meaty smoke, reminiscent of Lagavulin, rounds things out. This nose is not just complex; it’s a masterclass.
Taste:
The first sip confirms everything promised on the nose, and then some. Peat is prominent, but not overbearing. Ashy smoke, briny sea air, and herbal heather wrap around a core of honeyed grain and warm granola. The malted rye brings a spicy brightness, while the sweet corn and barley give the body a waxy, velvety texture. It’s sweet, it’s smoky, it’s savory — all dancing together in balance. It’s almost as if a Scotch distillery tried its hand at making a bourbon and somehow got everything right.
Finish:
Long, lingering, and layered. Smoky ash, toasted oak, and sea salt fade gradually, leaving behind waves of granola, sweet malt, and subtle citrus. There’s a tingling spice and a slight herbal bitterness that keeps things interesting right to the end. The ABV is shockingly well-integrated, no harshness, no burn, just a smooth, warming ride.
Final Thoughts:
Chattanooga Whiskey’s Triple Islay is not just a standout high malt whiskey, it’s a standout whiskey, period. The craftsmanship, the complexity, and the balance of this release make it one of the finest American whiskies I’ve tasted, especially when it comes to smoked elements. Everything about it feels deliberate, from grain selection to barrel sourcing to the final blend. It’s bold yet refined, and the six-month finishing period in peated casks is the final stroke of brilliance.
Rating: A+ (Perfection).
Cost: $64.99 for 750ml.
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