Chattanooga Whisky Wins Best American Craft Producer Title

Local distillery takes home prestigious award for second time in four years.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Chattanooga Whiskey has been named the Best Craft Producer at the American round of the World Whiskies Awards and Icons of Whisky. This marks the second time the Tennessee-based distillery has won the award in the past four years, having previously been recognized in 2023 as the Best Craft Producer in America and the World.

Why it matters

Chattanooga Whiskey's back-to-back wins as the Best American Craft Producer solidify its reputation as a leader in the rapidly growing craft spirits industry. The award highlights the distillery's commitment to innovation and quality, as it continues to push the boundaries of American whiskey production.

The details

Over the past 12 months, Chattanooga Whiskey has released more than 22 new and innovative whiskeys and spirits. The company credits its team's dedication to raising standards and making "world-class whiskey" as key factors in securing the prestigious award for a second time.

  • The awards ceremony was held on February 12, 2026 at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • Chattanooga Whiskey previously won Best Craft Producer: America and Best Craft Producer: World in 2023.

The players

Chattanooga Whiskey

A Tennessee-based distillery known for its innovative and award-winning whiskey and spirits.

Grant McCracken

The founding distiller of Chattanooga Whiskey.

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What they’re saying

“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

What’s next

Chattanooga Whiskey is now eligible to compete for the World's Best Craft Producer award, which will be announced next month in London, U.K.

The takeaway

Chattanooga Whiskey's back-to-back wins as the Best American Craft Producer demonstrate the distillery's unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and putting Chattanooga on the map as a hub for world-class whiskey production.