[Updated] Chattanooga Whiskey Founder's 10th Anniversary Blend begins with a wonderfully creamy dark caramel aroma with strong aged oak notes. The creaminess of the aroma is a clear reflection of the dark appearance of this bourbon—rich, creamy oak with a little bit of rye spice. The scent is decadent, albeit not complex. I can smell this all day.
On the first taste of the first pour, Chattanooga Whiskey Founder's 10th Anniversary Blend was a little salty and sharp. I wanted to ensure it was not my palate, so I cleaned it. However, those initial notes continued. The sharpness of the alcohol makes it drink hotter than 100 proof: leathery, spicy oak, a little tobacco, and powdered cocoa. The harshness of the palate is a little disappointing, considering the beautiful aroma and the richness of its appearance. The sharpness goes away on subsequent pours and tastings, so give this time to open up.
The finish is between short and moderate in length, with a tobacco aftertaste and a lot of cracked black pepper and season oak: leather and ethanol.
Again, the first pour of Chattanooga Whiskey Founder's 10th Anniversary Blend was a little uneven. I revisited it weeks later, and it was a much, much better experience.