We Won Craft Producer of the Year!
For the second time in four years, Chattanooga Whiskey wins the title of Best American Craft Producer, cementing its reputation as one of the most prolific and innovative distilleries in the world.
Chattanooga Whiskey took home Best Craft Producer at the American round of World Whiskies Awards and Icons of Whisky. The awards were announced at a ceremony held at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, on February 12, 2026, in an event that brought together celebrated members of the American whiskey community.
This was the second time the company has won the Best American Craft Producer in the span of four years, since winning both Best Craft Producer: America and Best Craft Producer: World in 2023. The company is now eligible once again for World’s Best Craft Producer, to be announced in March in London, U.K.
Over the past 12 months, the company has released over 22 innovative whiskeys and spirits, bolstering their reputation as one of the most prolific and innovative craft distilleries in the country. These releases have included an authentically-crafted pre-Prohibition style Experimental bourbon; a series of collaborative single barrels with fellow craft distiller, New Riff; and a sci-fi-meets-satire bourbon liqueur known as Intergalactic Comet Crusher. Collectively, these releases have offered an array of options for a variety of whiskey drinkers.
“Winning Best Craft Producer back in 2023 was a huge honor, but we didn’t want to rest on our laurels. Over the last three years, American whiskey has raised the bar in quality and execution, and our team answered by raising our own standards at every step. Winning again in 2026 just shows our commitment to making world-class whiskey and making Chattanooga proud.” – Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller
“This award truly belongs to our amazing team of creative producers, but it also belongs to our hometown. Without their support, we wouldn’t have changed Tennessee distilling laws back in 2013 and started this journey. We have been given the foundation to innovate beyond our imagination because of that support system. The people of Chattanooga and the state of Tennessee inspire us to make the best whiskey, and we’re proud to honor them with this award.” – Tim Piersant, Founder, CEO
Winners of the World Whiskies Awards America 2026 will go on to compete for the World’s Best title in their category, the results of which will be announced at the World Whiskies Awards 2026 Global Dinner in March in London, U.K.