Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, Chattanooga (must see)

The Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery is a landmark destination for whiskey enthusiasts, marking the first legal distillery in Chattanooga in over a century. Located downtown on historic Market Street, directly across from the Chattanooga Choo Choo, the distillery serves as both a tourist attraction and research facility.

Visitors can take an immersive tour that highlights the history of Chattanooga’s distilling past, offers a hands-on look at the whiskey-making process, and concludes with a tasting flight in the beautifully designed tasting room. With over 100 experimental barrels maturing in the facility’s aging cellar, every visit offers a unique glimpse into the evolving craft of Chattanooga whiskey.

Founded in 2011 by Chattanooga-native Tim Piersant, Chattanooga Whiskey set out with the mission of bringing "Whiskey to the People" by reviving the city’s long-dormant distilling tradition. The company played a key role in changing Prohibition-era laws that had banned whiskey production in Chattanooga for over 100 years. By 2015, the Experimental Distillery officially opened, making Chattanooga home to the only standalone experimental whiskey distillery in the United States.

Over a period of two years, the distillery developed a signature style known as Tennessee High Malt, a unique take on traditional bourbon. The facility is also home to the Experimental Single Batch Series, an ever-changing lineup of small-batch whiskeys that showcase the distillery’s innovative approach to aging, blending, and finishing techniques.

In addition to its Experimental Distillery, Chattanooga Whiskey also operates a large-scale production facility on the riverfront, known as the Riverfront Distillery. This facility produces the company’s flagship expressions, including Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Cask 111, and 99 Rye, along with special releases like the Bottled in Bond Vintage Series, Barrel Finishing Series, and the Founder's Anniversary Blend. Since its first release in 2017, Chattanooga Whiskey has grown into one of Tennessee’s leading craft whiskey producers, blending tradition with modern innovation.