Wakeman Heritage
The Legacy
At the turn of the 20th century, Chattanooga, Tennessee stood at the crossroads of American commerce and Southern whiskey tradition. It was here, in 1902, that F. H. Wakeman founded The Wakeman Distilling Company, producing Tennessee whiskey during what is now considered the golden age of American distilling, known for its smooth character from aging in charred oak barrels.
Operating from Market Street in downtown Chattanooga, with its distillery at the corner of Cowart and Montgomery, Wakeman quickly established itself as both a distiller and wholesale merchant of fine whiskey. In 1905, the company registered its flagship brand, Old Wakeman, alongside another celebrated label, Queen of Tennessee.
For more than a decade, Wakeman whiskey flowed from Chattanooga to merchants and saloons across the region. But history intervened. When Tennessee enacted statewide prohibition in 1910, distilleries across the state were forced to close. By 1915, the Wakeman Distilling Company had fallen silent.
Whiskey Revival
More than a century later, Wakeman returns. Inspired by the original Chattanooga distillery and the craftsmanship of early Tennessee whiskey makers, the revived Wakeman Heritage Tennessee Whiskey honors a forgotten legacy while bringing a historic name back to life. Crafted in small batches with the same independent spirit that once filled stoneware jugs and lined Market Street shelves. This is more than a nod to the past – it’s the return of a Tennessee original, distilled with purpose, patience, and price. A legacy reborn.
Expressions Available
Tennessee Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 80 proof
Mash bill: 80% Corn | 10% Rye | 10% Malted Barley
Nose: Sweet stone fruit, caramel, maple, and buttery popcorn
Palate: Vanilla, dried fruit, baking spice, and gentle oak
Finish: Long and rich with lingering notes of corn, toffee, vanilla, and a touch of peppery spice.