Tennessee Stillhouse opens Tuesday in Chattanooga

On Tuesday, March 24, Chattanooga Whiskey, the upstart company that repealed a Prohibition-era law, will celebrate the grand opening of the Tennessee Stillhouse, the first legal distillery since 1915 in Chattanooga.

Organizers say the event is a chance to enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and “witness history in the making.”

Chattanooga Whiskey Co. was launched in October 2011, and its Indiana-made whiskey became available by February 2012. But by law, Chattanooga Whiskey couldn’t be made in Chattanooga. In October 2012, fueled by Kickstarter, the company began a campaign to overturn Tennessee’s ban on distilling. In May 2013, Gov. Bill Haslam signed a bill altering the state’s liquor distillery laws, providing the path for Chattanooga Whiskey to begin manufacturing in the city it calls home.

Located at 1439 Market St., across from the Chattanooga Choo Choo, the Tennessee Stillhouse microdistillery and tasting room will offer tastings and tours on a daily basis. Tastings include a sample of whiskey, neat or in a cocktail, plus the chance to learn about the process of making whiskey and Chattanooga’s whiskey history.

Tuesday’s event will be limited to 80 people per hour. First tours are at 4 p.m.; the last start at 9 p.m.

Normal operating hours will begin the next day at noon. Business hours will be extended on weekends, and the space also will be available for private parties.

For tickets, go here.