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 not only a legal requirement of bourbon whiskey, but 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.
Locally and sustainably grown in Tennessee by like-minded independent business owners, Chattanooga Whiskey is grateful for our partnership with Catesa Farms!
Listen to our founder, Tim Piersant, speak about our partnership with Tennessee Farmer of the Year, George McDonald, of Catesa Farms: Made In Tennessee: Chattanooga Whiskey And Catesa Farms @ WUTC.com