Catesa Farms
Local, Award-Winning Tennessee Quality
Since 2019, Chattanooga Whiskey has sourced nearly 100% of our corn from Catesa Farms, of Riddleton, Tennessee.
Located just 2 hours north of Chattanooga, Catesa Farms is home to Tennessee’s 2-time Farmer of the Year, George McDonald (1996, 2024). Founded in 1927 by George’s great-grandfather (also, George), the McDonald Family operation continues to thrive nearly a century later – now growing a variety of seasonal crops including strawberries, soybeans, watermelon, wheat, and of course, yellow dent corn.
A Collaborative Corn Selection Process
As the farm’s exclusive distilling partner, Chattanooga Whiskey enjoys an uncommonly collaborative relationship with the nearby Tennessee farm – hand-selecting each corn variety used within our dozens of mash bills. Chosen from a wide-ranging seed library of non-GMO options, the Chattanooga Whiskey distilling team balances the needs of both grower and distiller, selecting varieties based on myriad factors including: yield, disease resistance, pest resistance, climate appropriateness, and, of course, flavor!
Tennessee Yellow Corn: The Foundation of Tennessee High Malt
Used at rates of up to 75% of the recipe, Catesa’s homegrown corn is the perfect foundational ingredient for our malt-forward sub-style of whiskey we call Tennessee High Malt. The flavor of the yellow dent corn is reminiscent of fresh cornbread, while its light & sweet flavor profile allows the character of our myriad roasted & toasted specialty malted grains to shine through each whiskey recipe – thereby giving each one its own distinctive personality.
Listen to our Founder, Tim Piersant, speak with George McDonald about our partnership: Made In Tennessee: Chattanooga Whiskey And Catesa Farms @ WUTC.com