Best Barrels

Prepare your palate for an extraordinary evening featuring some of the most sought-after bourbons and whiskeys available in today’s market. Join Preserve Chattanooga for Best Barrels, an exclusive evening celebrating the craftsmanship, heritage, and flavor of the world’s finest spirits. This immersive tasting event pairs exceptional spirits with curated culinary creations by St. John’s Executive Chef Patrick Sawyer, at the elegant St. John’s Event Hall. All proceeds directly support Preserve Chattanooga’s mission to protect and celebrate the city’s architectural heritage.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, June 20th
• Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
(VIP Early Access begins at 4:30 PM; VIP Exclusive Unicorn Tasting at 6 PM)
• Location: St. John’s Event Hall, 729 Chestnut St. Chattanooga, TN (2^nd Floor)

Featured Bourbon & Whiskey Selections

Exclusive VIP-Only Unicorn Tasting
VIP ticket holders gain access to a rare and highly coveted lineup featuring Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year, Van Winkle 12 Year "Lot B", plus an additional unicorn pour that will be unveiled exclusively at the event. This is a tasting opportunity bourbon enthusiasts won't want to miss.

Limited, Premium & Rare Collection
Sample an incredible lineup of hard-to-find favorites, including Blanton's, Elmer T. Lee,  Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend, Maker's Mark Star Hill Farm, Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve 15 Year, Rare Character Limited Release 2025, Starlight Family Reserve Rye 2025, Weller Antique 107, Angel’s Envy 10 Year Cask Strength Rye, Woodford Master’s Collection Batch Proof, and more exclusive releases.

30+ Hand-Selected Single Barrels
Discover more than 30 locally curated Barrel Picks from Greater Chattanooga's premier retailers. From celebrated heritage brands to innovative craft distillers and sought-after independent bottlers, every pour tells a unique story. Art of the Spirits, Augusta, Bardstown, Barrell, DREAM, Frey Ranch, Knob Creek, Maker’s Mark, Old Forester, Preservation, Sagamore, Shortbarrel & more. 

Additional Curated Pours
Enjoy an expansive tasting experience featuring beloved favorites such as Angel's Envy, Chattanooga Whiskey, Dark Arts, Elijah Craig, Heaven Hill, Jack Daniels, Leiper’s Fork, Old Dominick, Old Elk, Penelope, Peerless, Sweetens Cove, Woodford Reserve, and many more, generously presented by our local distribution partners.

Culinary Pairings

St. John’s Executive Chef Patrick Sawyer will craft heavy hors d’oeuvres to complement the array of pours using seasonal ingredients and deliberate techniques to highlight flavor profiles, elevate tasting experiences, and encourage exploration of proof, grain type, and aroma. Guests will experience the perfect union of bourbon and cuisine, designed to enhance both palate and social enjoyment.

Come for the Pours & Stay for the Experience

Whether you're a seasoned collector, a dedicated enthusiast, or simply looking for an incredible night out, this is your chance to experience rare pours, discover new favorites, and connect with fellow whiskey lovers. Secure your spot now—many of these bottles are rarely available in a single setting and ticket quantities are limited.

The Select Experience – $125

·       Standard Event Entry (5 PM–8 PM)

·       Kenzie Tasting Glass

·       Welcome Pour: Eagle Rare 10 YR

·       1 Premium pour from hand-picked allocated selections

·       3 Limited pours of carefully chosen upper tier selections

·       15 Single Barrel pours from locally curated selections

·       7 Curated pours from

·       Curated Food Pairings by Chef Patrick Sawyer

·       Free valet parking

The Reserve Experience – $175

·       Standard Event Entry (5 PM–8 PM)

·       Kenzie Tasting Glass

·       Welcome Pour: Eagle Rare 10 YR

·       5 Premium pours from hand-picked allocated selections

·       5 Limited pours of carefully chosen upper tier selections

·       15 Single Barrel pours from locally curated selections

·       2 Curated pours from top brands at local Distributors

·       Curated Food Pairings by Chef Patrick Sawyer

·       Free valet parking

The VIP Experience – $250 (Limited to 45 guests)

·       Early Event Entry (4:30 PM–8 PM)

·       4 Kenzie Tasting Glasses

·       Exclusive access to the Ferrari Room VIP Lounge with private patio

·       Guided Unicorn Tasting at 6 PM including Old Rip Van Winkle 10 YR and more.

·       Welcome Pour : Weller Antique 107

·       5 Premium pours from hand-picked allocated selections

·       5 Limited pours of carefully chosen upper tier selections

·       15 Single Barrel pours from locally curated selections

·       2 Curated pours from top brands at local Distributors

·       Specialty Food Pairings by Chef Patrick Sawyer

·       Cigar goodie bag to enjoy at the event or later

·       Free valet parking

DESIGNATED DRIVER TICKETS

A limited number of Designated Driver tickets are available for guests who wish to enjoy the evening without participating in tastings. For more information, please email nich@preservechattanooga.com.

BECOME A FOUNDING MEMBER
Want to become a Founding Member of Preserve Chattanooga and receive exclusive benefits? Click here.

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS, PARTNERS & SPONSORS
 

1 Stop Package

Athens Distributing

Best Brands

Chattanooga Bourbon Society

East Ridge Cork & Bottle

Easy Bistro / Main St. Meats / Little Coyote

Matt Hill

Hilltop Bottle Shop

Imbibe

Lipman

Corey Madding

Johnny & Georgia O’Brien

Pinnacle Financial Partners

Red Hot Liquors

St. John’s Restaurant

Bryan & Rachel Shannon

Signal Mountain Wine & Spirits

South & Barrel

Spice Trail

TN Crown

Vine & Barrel

ACCOMMODATIONS

Guests of Best Barrels receive a special discounted rate at Hotel Indigo. Rate available to book through Thursday, June 18 at 12:59pm. To book your accommodations, please click here.

QUESTIONS?

For more information or questions about the event, please email preservechattevents@gmail.com.