What to Know About Chattanooga Whiskey 111 Before You Buy

Chattanooga Whiskey 111 is a high-proof Tennessee whiskey produced locally and sold in 750ml bottles at retail locations across the region. This guide covers what sets it apart in the local spirits market, where to find it, how its proof and price compare to similar options, and whether it makes sense for your collection or bar setup.

The Whiskey Itself

Chattanooga Whiskey 111 carries a 111-proof designation, which positions it in the upper-mid range for proof among Tennessee whiskeys. That translates to 55.5% alcohol by volume. The higher proof delivers more aggressive vanilla, caramel, and oak character than standard 80-proof releases, with less water dilution softening the spirit. This matters if you're choosing between it and lower-proof expressions or other Tennessee whiskeys at similar or lower proofs: you're paying partly for concentration.

The whiskey is produced at the Chattanooga Whiskey distillery in the Northshore neighborhood, one of the few distilleries operating within the city limits. The mash bill and aging process follow Tennessee whiskey legal requirements: bourbon-style production with filtering through sugar maple charcoal. The company ages in charred oak barrels, though specific age statements and barrel origins vary by release. Chattanooga Whiskey's production has expanded significantly since opening in 2014, but availability and barrel composition remain subjects worth checking with retailers, as limited releases and seasonal offerings are common.

Local Availability and Pricing

In Chattanooga proper, the whiskey appears at major retailers in the Downtown and Midtown areas, as well as liquor stores in Hixson and East Brainerd. Expect pricing between $50 and $65 for a 750ml bottle, depending on the specific release and retailer markup. This sits below premium allocated Tennessee whiskeys like George Dickel 13-year or Jack Daniel's Single Barrel, but above entry-level Tennessee whiskeys priced near $35. The distillery itself operates a visitor center and retail shop on Chestnut Street near the North Shore waterfront, where you sometimes find releases unavailable at off-premises retailers.

Availability fluctuates. High-proof expressions, particularly limited batches, sell quickly at local retailers and the distillery. If you want a specific proof or vintage, calling ahead to confirm stock at your preferred retailer saves a wasted trip.

How It Compares

Three whiskeys compete directly with Chattanooga Whiskey 111 in the local market and at similar price points: George Dickel No. 8, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey (proof varies), and Buffalo Trace Kentucky bourbon. None are produced in Chattanooga, though all distribute here.

George Dickel No. 8 runs 80 proof and sells for $30 to $40, making it significantly cheaper and lower-proof. The trade-off: less bold flavor and fewer tasting notes. Dickel's charcoal filtering produces a lighter, smoother profile. If you prefer subtlety or mix whiskey into cocktails at bars like those in the Southside district, the lower proof and price favor Dickel. For neat drinking or high-proof appeal, Chattanooga Whiskey 111 wins.

Jack Daniel's Single Barrel (at barrel-proof, often 125 to 140 proof) is more expensive, often $70 to $85, but delivers higher proof and vintage variation. You're paying for single-barrel uniqueness. Chattanooga Whiskey 111 is a standardized blend, so each bottle tastes consistent. Single Barrel suits collectors; 111 suits drinkers who want reliable quality without the premium.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky bourbon at standard proof ($25 to $35) is cheaper and does not carry the "made in Chattanooga" story. For bars and restaurants sourcing locally (common in Chattanooga's food and beverage scene), the hometown producer carries weight beyond pure flavor comparison.

Drinking and Using It

Neat or on a large ice cube, the 111-proof expression shows its strength without becoming harsh. The proof supports the oak and caramel notes without feeling thin. Water opens it slightly, releasing more vanilla. In cocktails, the proof and flavor intensity hold up well in Manhattans, Sazeracs, or Old Fashioneds; it won't disappear into mixers.

Local bars and restaurants increasingly feature Chattanooga Whiskey in house cocktails and whiskey lists, particularly in the North Shore and St. Elmo neighborhoods, where newer food and drink establishments emphasize regional sourcing. Using it in your own home bar signals the same localism.

Why This Matters for Chattanooga Specifically

Chattanooga's spirits industry is young relative to Kentucky bourbon country. The Chattanooga Whiskey distillery operates as one of the few production facilities downtown, and its success influences the city's identity as a maker, not just a consumer, of spirits. Choosing Chattanooga Whiskey 111 over an out-of-state equivalent supports that identity directly. For visitors and residents building a home bar, the local option serves as both a quality spirit and a point of connection to the city.

The Practical Decision

Buy Chattanooga Whiskey 111 if you want a higher-proof, locally made Tennessee whiskey at a mid-range price and you prefer neat sipping or classic cocktails. Skip it if you need budget pricing (go for entry-level options under $35) or if you actively seek allocated, single-barrel, or ultra-premium releases. The 750ml bottle is standard and opens no special storage or serving needs beyond any whiskey.

Verify current availability and proof at your retailer before purchasing, as limited releases change. The distillery's retail location on Chestnut Street stocks the widest range and can answer production questions no off-premises retailer will address.