Summer Spotlight: Chattanooga Whiskey Batch 044 – Bourbon Barreled Limecello

Get ready to cool off with a twist—Chattanooga Whiskey just unveiled Batch 044: Bourbon Barreled Limecello, a citrus-forward, whiskey-based liqueur perfect for warm weather sipping.

What Is Batch 044?

• Citrus meets whiskey: The Liquid starts as Chattanooga’s own “Barrel 91” Tennessee High Malt—their award-winning mash bill of yellow corn, malted rye, caramel & honey barley.

• +130 pounds of peel: Lime and lemon peels, plus galangal root, are infused for two weeks, then the spirit is barrel-finished in new Tennessee High Malt 53-gallon barrels for nearly three months. 

• Just 5 barrels produced—this is a small-lot, experimental delight.

• Bottled at 83.2 proof, showcasing fresh, vibrant flavors.

Tasting the Sunshine

Expect a complex, refreshing profile:

• Key lime pie, lemon meringue, orange blossom tea—bright but balanced Subtle lemongrass, jasmine, and earthy galangal notes add sophistication.

• A sweet vanilla layer from the barrel finishing ties it all together.

Release Details

• On sale July 3, 2025, exclusivity kicks in at Chattanooga’s Experimental Distillery—Limited to just five barrels; first come, first served 750 ml bottle available for $44.99.

Why It Stands Out

• All‑natural ingredients, real whiskey: No neutral spirits or artificial flavors—100% genuine whiskey infused with real peel and botanicals.

• Continuation of the “cello” series: The third release in Chattanooga’s inventive liqueur portfolio, each blending whiskey craftsmanship with culinary infusions.

• Perfect for summer: Ready-to-drink elegance—just add ice, club soda, and a salt rim for a chic, homemade margarita twist.

Chattanooga’s Experimental Edge

This limited-time release exemplifies Chattanooga Whiskey's spirit of experimentation:

• The Experimental Distillery first opened in 2015, pioneering “Tennessee High Malt” drams.

• Since 2017, they've released over 40 experimental batches, each pushing flavor boundaries—from teas to amaro to fruit-forward potions.

• Their innovations earned them Craft Producer of the Year honors at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 Awards.

Final Sip

Batch 044 is a timely, sophisticated addition to Chattanooga’s lineup—an easy-to-love liqueur that nods to Italian tradition with Tennessee heart. At $44.99 and limited to just five barrels, it’s a can’t-miss for summer entertaining or adding flair to your evening.

BuffTurkey Bourbon: A Rare Collaboration Worth Noting

The buzz is real—BuffTurkey bourbon, a mash of Buffalo Trace distillation and Wild Turkey mash bill, has taken the bourbon scene by storm. Here’s what’s fueling the hype, straight from the source and bourbon community:

How It Came Together

• Why this mash-up?
  During Wild Turkey’s facility expansion in the early 2010s (after Campari’s 2009 acquisition), they tapped Buffalo Trace to help meet production demands. In March 2009, Buffalo Trace distilled bourbon using Wild Turkey’s signature 75/13/12 mash bill (corn/rye/barley), then shipped it back to be aged at Wild Turkey for 14–16 years

• Why not released under official labels?
  Though the bourbon was well-made, neither Wild Turkey nor Buffalo Trace felt it matched their established flavor profiles. Instead of discarding the barrels, they sold them to brokers—leading to widespread NDP (non-distiller producer) bottlings

Bottlings to Watch

Nearly two dozen NDPs have released BuffTurkey bottles aged 14–16 years, with popular examples including:

• Bluegrass Elkwood Reserve 15 yr

• S.N. Pike’s Magnolia 16 yr

• New Era Whiskey & Spirits Sunday Paper

• Dark Arts “Omnia Vanitas” 15 yr

• River Roots “Mecha Buff Turkey” 16 yr

• Seelbach’s 15 yr

• OKI 16 yr

• Augusta's Buckner’s 15 yr

Pricing & Collector Craze

• Retail prices: $250–$399.

• Secondary market: Many bottles now trade above $1,000–$2,500

• What drives demand: Quality aged bourbon + mystery provenance + limited supply = bourbon gold rush

Buyer Beware & Strategy

• Mash bill ≠ sure sign: That classic 75/13/12 mash appears in various distilleries—not all are BuffTurkey. Only NDP releases sourced from Buffalo Trace’s mash aged at Wild Turkey count

• Barrel consistency varies: Most are outstanding; a few may fall flat—barrel picks can make or break the experience .

Why it Matters

• Cross-distillery intrigue: Two powerhouse names, one rare liquid—BuffTurkey is a mash-up collectors dream of.

• Age premium: 14–16 years in barrel is uncommon and fiercely sought-after.

• Flavor surprise: Despite high proof, the bourbon is approachable and candy-rich, defying expectations.

• Hype engine: Hidden releases, barrel clubs, social media buzz—it’s bourbon treasure hunting in action.

Final Pour

BuffTurkey is more than a fad—it’s a testament to creative sourcing and standout aging. For collectors, each bottle is a story; for drinkers, it’s a flavor-packed reveal. Just don’t expect official labels or easy tracking—it’s bourbon behind the curtain, and that mystery is part of its allure.

Revival of a Tennessee Classic: Old Dominick Distillery

Memphis's Old Dominick Distillery is the city’s answer to historic whiskey revival—an elegant rebirth of a 150-year-old brand, blending deep roots with modern craftsmanship.

A Legacy Born in 1866

• Domenico Canale, an Italian immigrant, arrived in Memphis in 1859 at age 16 and launched D. Canale & Co. by 1866, selling produce—and whiskey—under the name Old Dominick 

• His "Old Dominick" bourbon, rye, and the signature Dominick Toddy cordial earned fame across the region by the 1880s

• Prohibition struck hard: Domenico died in 1919, and distilling ceased in 1920. Yet D. Canale thrived, pivoting to food and beer distribution following Repeal

Rediscovering the Brand: 2012–2017

• In 2013, Domenico’s descendants—Chris and Alex Canale Jr.—unearthed an original bottle of Dominick Toddy, inspiring the brand’s revival

• Construction for the new distillery began in 2016 on South Front Street—just steps from the original warehouse

• In 2017, it opened its doors as the first whiskey-distilling operation in Memphis since Prohibition

Meet the Mastermind: Alex Castle

• Alex Castle, a chemical engineer turned master distiller, joined early in the process and led production. Under her guidance, Old Dominick combined traditional methods with cutting-edge innovation

• Her goal? Build a true Memphis whiskey with local flavor—designed to unite people across backgrounds with excellent spirits

The Distillation Process & Unique Mash Bills

• The distillery sources grain from Ohio River Valley suppliers (same as Wild Turkey) and uses traditional 53-gallon barrels to ensure depth and complexity

• They employ two distinct distilling systems—one for whiskey and another for gin and vodka—for versatility and control .

• Their aging is palletized—safer and efficient, avoiding traditional rickhouses

The Current Whiskey Lineup

Old Dominick offers a dynamic range of whiskies that highlight both tradition and innovation:

Plus innovative Huling Station series from MGP:
Straight Bourbon, Straight Wheat, and Blend highlighting:

• One of the industry’s highest rye bourbons (~44% rye)

• A bold WH Wheat variant tapping wheat whiskey’s niche market .

• A blended “four‑grain” expression showcasing masterful barrel blending

Other offerings: Formula No. 10 gin, Memphis Vodka, Honeybell Citrus Vodka, and the revived apple‑spice Original Toddy cordial 

What Makes Old Dominick Unique?

• Historic pedigree: a revival of a 19th‑century Memphis brand grounded in family legacy.

• Craft + scale: modern Vendome stills paired with palletized aging and quality grain sourcing

• Masterful mash creativity: record‑high rye bourbon, wheat whiskey pioneer, and artful blends .

• Community hub: a distillery‑bar‑event space in historic downtown Memphis, with tours, tastings, rooftop events, and neighborhood ties

• Led by passion: Alex Castle’s vision of connection and craft transcends mere production—it’s about experience

Final Take

Old Dominick Distillery is more than distilling spirits—it’s reviving Memphis pride. With a rich heritage, bold innovation, and a vibrant tasting room steeped in local spirit, it’s a story of rebirth you can sip. Whether you’re drawn to bourbon’s spicy backbone, Tennessee whiskey’s smooth tradition, or gin and vodka craftsmanship, Old Dominick delivers.