Chattanooga Whiskey Wins Best American Craft Producer

Chattanooga Whiskey has secured its second Best American Craft Producer title at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards, taking home the honor at a ceremony in Louisville on February 12. The Tennessee distillery, which previously won both the American and World titles in 2023, now heads to London next month to compete for the global crown again—a remarkable achievement for a craft operation that's only been distilling since 2015.

Recognition Built on Relentless Innovation

The award reflects an extraordinary 12-month run for the Chattanooga operation. Over the past year, the distillery pushed out more than 22 different whiskeys and spirits from their twin facilities—the Experimental Distillery and the Riverfront production house. That's nearly two releases per month, each one a distinct expression that won't be recreated once the barrels are emptied.

Among those releases: an authentically-crafted pre-Prohibition style Experimental bourbon that reaches back to old-time mash bills; collaborative single barrel picks with New Riff Distilling that brought two craft voices together in the warehouse; and Intergalactic Comet Crusher, a bourbon liqueur that blends sci-fi storytelling with serious liquid. The breadth shows a distillery comfortable experimenting across the entire spectrum of whiskey production, from historical reverence to boundary-pushing creativity.

What Makes Chattanooga Different in the Craft Whiskey World

This recognition matters because it validates a production philosophy most distilleries won't touch. Chattanooga operates the country's only standalone experimental distillery, where batches top out at 20 barrels. That's rickhouse risk—small runs mean every barrel decision carries weight, and there's no safety net of blending away mistakes across thousands of barrels like the big operations enjoy.

Their Tennessee High Malt style sets them apart from traditional Tennessee whiskey, too. While most Tennessee producers lean heavily on corn-forward mash bills, Chattanooga pushes malted barley percentages higher, creating a flavor bridge between bourbon and malt whisky. It's a bold move in a state where Jack Daniel's and George Dickel have defined expectations for generations.

Founder Tim Piersant noted the award belongs as much to Chattanooga itself—the city that helped overturn a century-old distilling ban in 2013. That grassroots support gave the distillery room to innovate without looking over its shoulder, and founding distiller Grant McCracken emphasized their team hasn't coasted since the 2023 wins. The American whiskey landscape has gotten sharper and more competitive, and staying on top means constantly raising the bar on barrel selection, fermentation trials, and finishing techniques.

From Hometown Victory to World Stage Contender

Winning the American round puts Chattanooga back in the global conversation when judges convene in London next month. The distillery will face craft producers from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Australia, and emerging whiskey regions worldwide—all competing for World's Best Craft Producer. It's the kind of high-pressure tasting where barrel character, consistency across releases, and innovative vision all get scrutinized by some of the industry's most calibrated palates.

What gives Chattanooga an edge is their production model. With an experimental facility cranking out limited single-batch releases and a larger Riverfront distillery producing their core lineup—Chattanooga 91, Cask 111, 99 Rye, and various series—they demonstrate both creativity and consistency. Judges look for distilleries that can nail a flagship bourbon while still taking smart risks in the barrel room, and Chattanooga's 2023 global win proves they can deliver on both fronts.

The distillery now draws over 50,000 visitors annually to their Chattanooga locations, where tourists can see both the small-batch experimental warehouse and the full-scale production operation. That transparency matters in craft spirits—whiskey drinkers want to see the mash tuns, walk past the fermenting tanks, and smell the char from fresh barrels. It builds the kind of authenticity that translates into award-worthy whiskey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the World Whiskies Awards and how are craft producers judged?

The World Whiskies Awards is an annual competition that recognizes excellence across all whiskey categories globally, with regional rounds feeding into a world championship event. Craft producers are judged on the quality and consistency of their portfolio, innovation in production methods, and the distinctiveness of their house style. Judges—typically master distillers, spirits writers, and industry experts—blind taste multiple expressions from each producer to assess barrel selection, flavor development, and overall execution. Winners from regional rounds like the American competition then advance to compete against international craft distilleries for the global title announced in London.

What makes Chattanooga Whiskey different from other Tennessee whiskeys?

Chattanooga Whiskey uses a Tennessee High Malt style that features higher percentages of malted barley in the mash bill compared to traditional Tennessee whiskey, which typically relies heavily on corn. This creates a richer, more complex flavor profile that bridges bourbon and malt whisky characteristics. Additionally, Chattanooga operates the country's only standalone experimental distillery, where they produce ultra-limited single-batch releases of 20 barrels or less—whiskeys that are never fully recreated once they're gone. Unlike the Lincoln County Process used by most Tennessee whiskey producers, Chattanooga focuses on mash bill experimentation, barrel finishing techniques, and innovative fermentation approaches.

Where can I buy Chattanooga Whiskey products?

Chattanooga Whiskey's core lineup—including Chattanooga 91, Cask 111, and 99 Rye—is distributed across multiple states and available through specialty spirits retailers. Their limited experimental releases are typically available only at the distillery or through select craft whiskey shops that specialize in single-barrel and small-batch allocations. Because experimental batches are produced in runs of 20 barrels or less, these releases sell out quickly and are never reproduced, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Check with your local craft spirits retailer about availability and upcoming releases.

How did Chattanooga change Tennessee distilling laws?

Chattanooga Whiskey founders led a grassroots campaign that successfully overturned a local prohibition that had banned distilling in Chattanooga for over 100 years. In 2013, the effort resulted in changes to Tennessee law that allowed the city to issue distilling licenses for the first time since Prohibition era. This legal victory enabled the company to open their Experimental Distillery in 2015, followed by the larger Riverfront production facility in 2017. The law change also paved the way for other craft distillers in Tennessee, demonstrating how local advocacy can reshape state regulations around spirits production.

What will Chattanooga Whiskey compete for in London?

Chattanooga Whiskey will compete for World's Best Craft Producer at the World Whiskies Awards global event in London in March 2026. This title pits American round winners against the best craft distilleries from every whiskey-producing region worldwide, including Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Australia, and emerging markets. Judges evaluate each producer's complete portfolio, assessing innovation, consistency, and overall contribution to the global whiskey landscape. Chattanooga previously won this global title in 2023, making them one of the few American craft distilleries to claim the world crown.