Chattanooga Whiskey
Chattanooga, TN (November, 2025) – Chattanooga Whiskey has announced the newest release in its award-winning Experimental Single Batch Series: Batch 046: Spiced Cacao Infused.
Inspired by the legendary Aztec drink Xocolatl (sho-co-LAHT-l), Batch 046 marks the return of fan-favorite, Experimental Batch 028: Cacao Infused, which was released in 2022. Like its predecessor, Batch 046 was infused with whole cacao nibs, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla beans; but this time also sees the addition of two varieties of dried chiles (Guajillo and Pasilla) to the all-natural infusion.
“The history and lineage of hot cocoa is literally much ‘hotter’ than most people realize. Early versions of sipping chocolate – which were developed by the Aztec and Mayan cultures – were actually served unsweetened and frothy at room temperature and often included the addition of hot chiles, which delivered a hot and spicy sensory experience.” - Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller
As a bourbon liqueur, this batch brings together three select high rye malt and wheat malt mash bills, which were distilled by a combination of pot and column distillation techniques. Together, the sweet and spicy characteristics of the bourbons blend seamlessly with the hot and spicy characteristics of the spiced cacao infusion. Infused with over 200 pounds of nibs and spices, each infusion ingredient was timed and removed according to its impact in the bourbon blend.
“At some point in the history of ‘hot cocoa’, the modern European style swapped out the capsaicin burn of Aztec intensity for the warm, sugary-sweet hot cocoa we Americans know of today. But who says you can’t have both? By employing our all-natural cacao and chile infusion and using a range of bourbon recipes, this liqueur delivers a sensory experience that’s both soul-comforting and sensory-wakening.” - Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller
Batch 046: Spiced Cacao Infused will be available at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery starting Thursday, November 20th, at $54.99 for a 750ml bottle and available online for shipping to select states on Seelbachs.com.
Described by the company as a “pre-built cocktail,” Batch 046 is bottled at a generous 85 proof (42.5% Alc/Vol) and arrives just in time for the holidays. Ideal for a cozy holiday morning pick-me-up or a post-meal dessert on ice, expect notes of dark chocolate, prune, toasted chile pepper, chocolate covered raisin, and creamy horchata.
About Chattanooga Whiskey:
Founded in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey challenged the laws and won the right to distill whiskey in Chattanooga for the first time in 100 years. As a result, the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery – the only standalone experimental distillery in the country – was born. The distillery now hosts over 50,000 visitors annually and serves as a hub of innovation and creativity to push the boundaries of craft whiskey.
In 2017, the Chattanooga Whiskey Riverfront Distillery opened as the production home of Chattanooga Whiskey’s signature expressions: Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Cask 111, and 99 Rye, as well as their Bottled in Bond Vintage Series, Barrel Finishing Series, and Founder's Anniversary Blend.
Independently owned and operated, Chattanooga Whiskey is committed to making whiskey that emphasizes quality, complexity, and authenticity through their one-of-a-kind Tennessee High Malt style. Most recently, Chattanooga Whiskey was named Icons of Whisky – Craft Producer of the Year (both America and Global) at Whisky Magazine's 2023 World Whiskies Awards.
Chattanooga Whiskey: www.chattanoogawhiskey.com
Experimental Distillery 1439 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN
Riverfront Distillery 890 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga, TN
