Chattanooga Whiskey Wins Best Craft Producer 2026

Chattanooga Whiskey just scored Best American Craft Producer at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards, marking their second win in this category since 2023. The Tennessee distillery took home the honor at a ceremony in Louisville on February 12, beating out competitors with a year that saw over 22 distinct whiskey releases. They'll now compete for the global title at the worldwide finals in London this March.

The Details on the Win

The World Whiskies Awards announced winners for the American round at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, recognizing Chattanooga Whiskey's consistent innovation and quality. This is the distillery's second Best American Craft Producer award in four years—they previously won both the American and global craft producer titles back in 2023. The back-to-back recognition is rare in the competitive craft whiskey space, where dozens of upstart distilleries compete for attention.

Over the past year, Chattanooga released 22+ different whiskeys and spirits, including an experimental pre-Prohibition style bourbon, collaborative single barrels with New Riff Distillery, and a bourbon liqueur called Intergalactic Comet Crusher. The pace and variety of releases helped cement their reputation as one of the country's most active craft operations.

Why This Win Matters

Chattanooga's repeat win signals something important: consistency matters as much as flash in craft whiskey. While plenty of distilleries can nail one great release, keeping quality high across two dozen bottles in a single year is a different challenge entirely. Founding Distiller Grant McCracken noted that American whiskey's bar has risen significantly since their 2023 win, meaning the competition got harder, not easier.

The broader context makes this achievement even more impressive. Chattanooga operates both a production distillery and a standalone experimental facility—the only one of its kind in the country. That setup lets them test wild ideas in small batches while maintaining core product quality. For whiskey fans, it means access to limited releases that push boundaries while reliable bottles like Chattanooga 91 and Cask 111 stay on shelves.

What to Look For

If you're hunting for Chattanooga bottles, start with their core range. Chattanooga Whiskey 91 is their flagship Tennessee High Malt bourbon, while Cask 111 offers a higher-proof option at 111 proof. The 99 Rye delivers if you prefer rye whiskey. All three are produced at their Riverfront Distillery and should be findable at most serious liquor stores.

The experimental releases are trickier. Produced in batches of 20 barrels or fewer at their Market Street location, these limited bottles sell out fast and don't get reproduced. If you spot something from their Barrel Finishing Series or a collaborative single barrel, grab it—these are the releases that helped win them the award. Prices vary widely depending on the release, but expect experimental bottles to command premium pricing due to scarcity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Chattanooga Whiskey near me?

Chattanooga Whiskey's core lineup—including Chattanooga 91, Cask 111, and 99 Rye—is distributed across most of the United States and should be available at well-stocked liquor stores. Use their website's store locator or call your local shop to check availability. Limited experimental releases are harder to find and typically sell out quickly at the distillery or select retailers.

How much does Chattanooga Whiskey cost?

Core Chattanooga Whiskey bottles typically range from $35 to $60 depending on the expression and your market. Chattanooga 91 usually sits around $35-40, while Cask 111 runs closer to $45-55. Limited experimental releases and special editions command higher prices, often $60-100+, reflecting their ultra-small batch sizes and collector appeal.

What makes Chattanooga Whiskey different from other Tennessee whiskey?

Chattanooga uses a Tennessee High Malt mash bill that differs from the traditional Tennessee whiskey profile made famous by bigger distilleries. Their approach emphasizes higher malted barley content, creating a different flavor profile. They also run the country's only standalone experimental distillery, allowing them to test unusual techniques and ingredients that larger producers typically avoid.

Did Chattanooga Whiskey win any awards in 2023?

Yes, Chattanooga Whiskey won both Best American Craft Producer and Best Global Craft Producer at the 2023 Icons of Whisky awards from Whisky Magazine. That double win put them on the map internationally and set the stage for their 2026 repeat performance at the World Whiskies Awards.

What is the Intergalactic Comet Crusher from Chattanooga Whiskey?

Intergalactic Comet Crusher is a bourbon liqueur released by Chattanooga Whiskey as part of their experimental lineup. The distillery describes it as "sci-fi-meets-satire," suggesting a playful, creative take on flavored whiskey. Details on flavor profile and availability are limited, as it's part of their rotating small-batch experimental program that doesn't stick around long.