The Chattanooga Whiskey Story
Inspired by our city's rich distilling history, Chattanooga Whiskey was founded in 2011 with a mission to bring back "Whiskey to the People." Following the success of our community-powered Vote Whiskey campaign, we eventually became the first distillery in Chattanooga in over a century. In 2015, we began the patient process of crafting our malt-forward style of straight bourbon whiskey we call Tennessee High Malt. After 8 years in the making, our Tennessee High Malt was released in August 2019, marking a new era in our company history with a whiskey that celebrates the future as much as the history that got us here today.
1816
John Ross establishes a trading post on the banks of the Tennessee River – what is now the corner of Market Street and Riverfront Parkway. The location becomes known as Ross’s Landing.
1860s-1900s
Chattanooga becomes a North American distilling hub, with over 30 distilleries and 98 liquor dealers coming into establishment.
1915
Police Commissioner and local distiller caught smuggling whiskey out of the state, in coffins. One of the last mentions of distilling in Chattanooga, pre prohibition.
1920-1933
National Prohibition Act.
1933-2009
Post-National Prohibition. State laws permit 3 counties to distill spirits – Lincoln, Moore and Coffee.
2011
Tim Piersant and Joe Ledbetter begin researching Chattanooga distilling laws, formulate plan to bring whiskey back to Hamilton County.
NOV. 2011
Chattanooga Whiskey Co. founded. Company announces intentions to help change Chattanooga distilling laws.
JAN. 2012
As they begin their law-changing efforts, the company approaches Lawrenceburg Distillers of Indiana (LDI) to produce a whiskey for them, select a high-rye bourbon recipe and purchase first barrels.
APRIL 2012
Both 1816 Reserve and Cask are released into distribution.
NOV. 2012
Tim and Joe take their efforts to change laws to the local government. Present a pro-economic case to a crowded Hamilton County commission chamber. With substantial community support behind them, commission votes 7-0 to adopt a nonbinding resolution to the Tennessee General Assembly, requesting the state law to be amended.
SEPT. 2014
Chattanooga Whiskey begins development on Experimental micro-distillery on Market St. Designed to be the home of their R&D process, making only ~1 barrel/week.
DEC. 2014
Team hires former brewer, Grant McCracken as Head Distiller.
NOV. 2015
Chattanooga Whiskey “100” released – the first whiskey produced in Chattanooga in 100 years.
AUG. 2017
Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Single Batch Series launches with Batch 001 – A “Tennessee High Malt” Bourbon – the first aged whiskey released in Chattanooga in 102 years.
AUG. 2019
Chattanooga Whiskey 91 and Chattanooga Whiskey Cask 111, the Only Tennessee High Malt Whiskey, are released from the Riverfront Distillery.
JUNE 2021
Bottled in Bond Vintage Series debuts.
APRIL 2022
Founder's 10th Anniversary Blend is released, celebrating 10 years of Chattanooga Whiskey.
1839
The community of Ross’s Landing incorporates as the city of Chattanooga – a Muscogee word meaning "rock rising to a point" – describing Lookout Mountain.
1909
Prohibition in Tennessee begins, a full 10 years prior to the national prohibition. Production of whiskey is prohibited.
1915
Tennessee prohibition laws become increasingly strict, and Chattanooga’s remaining distilleries are forced to shut down.
1917
“Bone Dry Bill” brings full prohibition to Tennessee, eliminating possession and distribution loopholes.
2009
After Great Recession, Tennessee lawmakers vote 57-26 in favor of expanding spirits production to 41 additional Tennessee counties. This expansion does not include Hamilton County (Chattanooga, TN).
OCT. 2011
On October 14, 2011 “Would you Drink Chattanooga Whiskey?” appears on social media. Community response is overwhelming.
AUG. 2012
Vote Whiskey campaign is launched, further galvanizing public support to change century-old distilling laws.
JAN. 2013
House Bill 102 (Senate Bill 129), nicknamed “The Whiskey Bill”, is drafted and sponsored by Joe Carr, R-Lascassas
MARCH 2013
“Whiskey Bill” nearly derailed after a disguised lobbying group attempts to amend HB 102, thereby making the legislation inoperable.
MAY 2013
HB 102, “The Whiskey Bill”, passes with 57 House members in favor and 31 opposed. Bill Haslam signs into law on May 16, 2013.
MARCH 2015
Whiskey production begins at Experimental Distillery – the first time in 100 years followed by the grand opening on March 24, 2015.
JULY 2016
Company begins work on a 45,000 sq ft. Riverfront Distillery - a facility with enough capacity to produce 50-60 barrels/week.
MARCH 2017
Riverfront Distillery goes online, begins producing a number of recipes selected from their Experimental Distillery.
SEPT. 2018
The Road to Tennessee High Malt begins – a month-by-month release of 10 single barrels, selected from the first 100 produced at the Experimental Distillery - culminating with Barrel #91, the future flagship recipe.
JULY 2020
Tennessee Rye Malt is released.
