The Story of Whiskey Thief
Engrained in the fabric of distilling history, a whiskey thief is the Master Distiller’s most critical tool. As the name implies, this tool “steals” a sample of a whiskey batch straight from the barrel and then releases it into a cup.
Whiskey Thief Chattanooga is named after this iconic tool and strives to celebrate Tennessee through the artful delivery of its signature spirit.
Matthew Lawson, Lead Bartender
Matthew Lawson is a Chattanooga, Tennessee native with a deep passion in the art of Mixology.
With nine years’ experience in hospitality, he aims to create innovative and flavorful cocktails using local and seasonal ingredients, showcasing the best of Chattanooga and the surrounding area. Creating a unique and memorable cocktail experience is always at the foundation of Matt’s creative process. Matthew frequently represents Whiskey Thief in cocktail competitions, both domestically and internationally, showcasing his creations and garnering recognition as one of the best mixologists in the Southeast.
Kevin Korman, Executive Chef
Executive Chef Kevin Korman has spent the last nineteen years cultivating a love of food and perfection. He graduated from Baltimore International College in 2002 where he studied classic French technique.
He then began his career in a fine dining establishment under the watchful eye of Rudolph Speckhamp, one of the very few certified master chefs in the US. Looking to expand his palate, he transitioned to a position at the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation in Eatonton, GA. It was in this capacity that he explored and created his own style of cooking. In the following years, he moved back to Maryland to accept a position as instructor at the Lincoln Culinary Institute, adding an additional dimension to his repertoire.
Rounding out his final years in Maryland, Korman served as the executive chef of Santoni’s Marketplace & Catering Company. With over seventy employees, he mastered yet another aspect of hospitality management. His unrelenting pursuit of knowledge and creativity led him to Caliza in Alys Beach, Florida to refine his style of modern American cuisine. Here he grew from chef de cuisine of Caliza Restaurant to executive chef of all Alys Beach outlets.
In 2015, Chef and his wife Angela opened Roselie Dining & Seafood Bar, a modern American seafood restaurant located in Inlet Beach Florida. He has been featured on local and national television broadcasting, along with featured articles in The Local Palate magazine, Men’s Fitness, Garden and Gun, and Southern Living. He has also been repeatedly invited to represent South Walton Beach restaurants at a variety of notable food festivals, including the Nashville Food & Wine Festival, where he presented alongside various Food Network celebrity chefs.
About
Whiskey Thief Chattanooga is named after this iconic tool and strives to celebrate Tennessee through the artful delivery of its signature spirit.
Events
Our rooftop cocktail lounge and meeting space boasts sweeping views of the Tennessee River and Chattanooga’s North Shore.
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