Tim Piersant - Founder Chattanooga Whiskey
I talk with Tim Piersant of Chattanooga Whiskey about starting a distillery from scratch, sourcing whiskey as production ramped up, and changing Tennessee laws along the way. Also learn about the ONLY Tennessee High Malt Whiskey.
From Chattanooga Whiskey:
Inspired by our city's rich distilling history, Chattanooga Whiskey’s story began 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 a century. In 2015, we began the patient process of crafting our malt-forward style of straight bourbon we call Tennessee High Malt - 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.
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.
1860s-1900s
Chattanooga becomes a North American distilling hub, with over 30 distilleries and 98 liquor dealers coming into establishment.
1909
Prohibition in Tennessee begins, a full 10 years prior to the national prohibition. Production of whiskey is prohibited.
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.
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.
1920-1933
National Prohibition Act.
1933-2009
Post-National Prohibition. State laws permit 3 counties to distill spirits – Lincoln, Moore and Coffee.
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).
2011
Tim Piersant and Joe Ledbetter begin researching Chattanooga distilling laws, formulate plan to bring whiskey back to Hamilton County.
OCT. 2011
On October 14, 2011 “Would you Drink Chattanooga Whiskey?” appears on social media. Community response is overwhelming.
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.
AUG. 2012
Vote Whiskey campaign is launched, further galvanizing public support to change century-old distilling laws.
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.
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.
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.
MARCH 2015
Whiskey production begins at Experimental Distillery – the first time in 100 years followed by the grand opening on March 24, 2015.
NOV. 2015
Chattanooga Whiskey “100” released – the first whiskey produced in Chattanooga in 100 years.
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.
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.
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.
Chattanooga Whiskey Not Made in Chattanooga
By Drew Bollea A local liquor company is promoting a Chattanooga product that isn't made in town. Chattanooga Whiskey is sold in stores around this area, but it's actually distilled and bottled in Indiana.Legislation dating back to 1915 prohibits the making of whiskey in Hamilton County. That's why the creators of Chattanooga Whiskey are gauging public opinion and speaking with elected officials, to bring distillers back to the city. In pre-prohibition era Chattanooga, there were nearly 30 distilleries. We learned this information about a year ago, and decided that we wanted to bring whiskey back to Chattanooga, said founder of Chattanooga Whiskey Co. Joe Ledbetter.Allowing production in Hamilton county is a hurdle they are ready to tackle.From day one its been lets bring whiskey back to Chattanooga, said Ledbetter, in order to do that we have to make it here. In order to do that, we have to change the law so that's what were going to do.State Attorney General, Robert Cooper, suggested that Ledbetter appeal to the public and local leaders.Take it to the county commission and have them pass a resolution and send it to Nashville, is the plan for Ledbetter.The 2009 Craft Distilleries Bill allowed liquor production in dozens of counties in Tennessee, but did not include Hamilton.If a majority of the commissioners approve a resolution, it's possible that an amendment could be made to add Hamilton County to that list.Bottles and drinks of 1816 Reserve and 1816 Cask are already offered in the city, but bartenders say they want the product to actually be made here in town.It could be something direct and all that money could be kept inside the city limits, said Alex Rivers, a bartender at Urban Stack.Ledbetter agrees with keeping the money local.If we make it in Marion County then Chattanooga gets none of that revenue, none of those jobs, said Ledbetter. Ledbetter says his distillery would employ 15 people and boost the economy by 50,000 annually. Its now up to the people.If the public wants it then our local leaders will say 'Okay, this is what they want, lets do it,' said Ledbetter. Only Joe Graham was available for comment on the matter. He says he needed more information before offering an opinion on the topic, but says he does support growth and business in the city.There will be a proposed resolution on the next commission agenda.
Chattanooga Whiskey Pleads for Legal Distilleries
We've told you before that Chattanooga Whiskey is actually distilled in the midwest. That's because it is illegal for them to make it here in our area.The makers are hoping to change that.Tomorrow.. They make their case to Hamilton county leaders.So we've asked them to join us tonight to plead their case directly to the public. Co-founder Joe Ledbetter joins us tonight.