Chattanooga Whiskey’s Riverfront Distillery sits right on the Tennessee River at 765 W M.L.K. Blvd, housed in a restored early 1900s building that once served as a flour mill. Founded by Tim Piersant and Ned Vickers in 2011, this operation grew from a dream to revive legal whiskey production in Chattanooga after a century-long prohibition era ban. They literally had to change Tennessee state law to make their distillery possible, convincing lawmakers to allow small distilleries to operate within city limits. The 20,000-square-foot facility produces their signature high-rye bourbon and experimental whiskeys using a unique solera-style aging system they call the “91 Series.” Piersant and Vickers weren’t lifelong distillers—they were entrepreneurs who fell in love with whiskey culture and saw Chattanooga’s rich pre-Prohibition distilling history as worth reviving. Master Distiller Grant McCracken, who came from MGP Ingredients, leads production using custom-designed equipment including their distinctive copper pot stills. What started as contract distilling while they built their facility has evolved into a full production operation that’s become a cornerstone of Chattanooga’s growing craft spirits scene. They’ve gone from selling 1,000 cases their first year to becoming one of Tennessee’s most recognized craft whiskey brands. The riverfront location isn’t just scenic—it’s functional, with the building’s industrial bones perfectly suited for large-scale whiskey production. You’ll find a working distillery, tasting room, and cocktail bar all under one roof, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Tennessee River. The space feels authentically industrial rather than polished tourist destination, and the team’s genuine enthusiasm for their experimental approach to bourbon making comes through in every interaction. This isn’t a quick photo-op stop—it’s a place where you can actually watch whiskey being made while learning about their unconventional aging techniques.