Chattanooga Whiskey 99 Rye Vs. Wheel Horse Rye

This comparison came about simply because I picked both of these ryes up on the same day, for similar prices, and was curious which one was the better buy!
Wheel Horse Rye is the first product out of the newly re-opened O.Z. Tyler Distillery in Owensboro, KY, originally built in 1885.
Chattanooga 99 is made with greater than 51% malted-rye, which is very unusual. That malting process for the rye should make this one very unique.
Fancy Glencairn just likes that unique Chattanooga bottle, let’s see if her eye leads to a victory!

Wheel Horse) $30, 101 proof. 95% rye, 5% barley, Aged 2-3yrs.
-The Nose starts with classic young, green rye bread notes, a little buttered popcorn, black pepper, and a slight floral note (lavender?).
-The Palate is more green rye bread, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of ginger.
-The Finish is medium and moves into more black pepper, cut grass, and cinnamon.
Overall this is a perfectly fine, enjoyable rye, but it does taste young, and really doesn’t stand out from other young ryes in my memory.

Chattanooga) $40, 99 proof, aged 3+ years, (see photos 2 & 3 for mash info)
-The Nose is like smelling a freshly opened bag of gummy bears. Intensely fruity, with orange citrus standing out. There is also vanilla, and hints of pine. I LOVE this nose.
-The Palate is initially very sugary sweet, but quickly moves into unique flavors of graham crackers, cherry coke, cinnamon, and then chocolate hazelnut as it moves into the finish.
-The Finish is medium-long, with much more rye-spice finally showing up. Notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa. As I chew some apple-cider shows up too!
Overall this is one of the most unique whiskies I’ve had this year. It’s also very enjoyable. I love the fruit to sweet to spicy journey with lots of complexity on the way!

VERDICT) Chattanooga 99 Rye is the clear champion today! For $40 it’s a STRONG recommendation from me and Fancy! Wheel Horse is not bad by any means, and for $30 is a good value. But if you are looking for something to shock your taste buds, look to the 99 Rye!

What do you guys think of these?
Oh, and should I keep the “Vs” graphic?