J.W. Kelly & Co. Distillery and The Read House have collaborated in order to celebrate the hotel’s 150th anniversary. The duo has paired up to release a Limited-Edition Single Barrel Double Oaked Straight Bourbon Whiskey – the cask strength expression is bottled at 114.8 proof and was selected in February this year at J.W. Kelly’s rickhouse in Chattanooga.
The two companies have previously worked together, with the first instance taking place in 1890, when J.W. Kelly purchased and operated The Read House’s bar and billiards room. Two years later, the whiskey company also leased the hotel’s cigar stand.
“We are honored to come full circle to salute the hotel’s 150th Anniversary with this limited-edition single barrel cask-strength whiskey,” said Ed Kohl, managing director of J.W. Kelly Whiskey Company and Keepers Quest Brands, Inc.
Originally opened on January 1, 1872, The Read House celebrates being the longest continuously operating hotel in the Southeast in 2022.
“The J.W. Kelly Distillery was once located across the street from The Read House, so it is fitting that we commemorate our 150th anniversary with a limited-edition single barrel whiskey pick. We look forward to sipping this delicious whiskey with our guests, residents and whiskey fans,” says Jim Bambrey, general manager of The Read House.
The Read House’s 150th Anniversary J.W. Kelly Limited Edition Double Oaked Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a single barrel select pick from barrels that are five to eight years old, then transferred into a new American oak barrel and aged for another eight to 12 months. Each bottle number of this single barrel will be hand-written on the label.
The Read House’s 150th Anniversary J.W. Kelly Limited Edition Double Oaked Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available at liquor stores. The suggested retail price is $60.00. The Read House will also feature the whiskey for guests to enjoy at the hotel’s restaurant, Bridgeman's Chophouse and at their Bar & Billiards Room.
To celebrate the occasion, The Read House has created the One Fifty Cocktail featuring their J.W. Kelly Single Barrel Bourbon, Orange Curacao, Campari, Fresh Lemon Juice and Absinthe Bitters.