2015 was an exciting year for Icons of Whisky with the launch of the new nominations and voting process. We decided it was time the industry had a say and helped us recognise the very best in the world of whisky. Producers, retailers, distributors and importers were invited to nominate iconic companies and individuals and help draw up a shortlist of those who deserve an Icons of Whisky title.
We then opened up the voting on www.iconsofwhisky.com where those in the industry voted for their top three. With almost 4,000 votes, Whisky Magazine’s editorial panel had the final task of reviewing the votes, and we are now delighted to present the results of the Icons of Whisky America 2015.
Distiller of the Year
Sponsored by Glencairn Crystal
Four Roses Distillery
“Four Roses. One Brand. Ten Recipes.” Master distiller Jim Rutledge prides himself on producing ten unique Four Roses Bourbon recipes. The unmistakable spicy and rich, fruity character makes this brand the dram of choice for many.
Highly Commended
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Nominees
Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling
Brown-Forman / Woodford Reserve Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Four Roses Distillery
George Dickel
Heaven Hill Distilleries
Jim Beam
Maker’s Mark
Wild Turkey Distillery
Brand Innovator of the Year
Sponsored by Multi Packaging Solutions
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery has won numerous awards and titles over the years and recently added National Historic Landmark to the list. But it is the impressive portfolio of innovative brands that has earned it the Icons title of Whisky Brand Innovator of the year. Whether it be Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle or master distiller Harlan Wheatley’s handcrafted vodka, it is fair to say that they produce a quality dram for every occasion.
Highly Commended
Beam Suntory
Nominees
Beam Suntory
Brown-Forman
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Few Spirits
Heaven Hill Distilleries
Koval Distillery
Sons of Liberty Spirits
Tuthilltown Spirits
Craft Producer of the Year
St. George Spirits
St. George Spirits has been producing a fine array of artisanal products since 1982. Among these are single malt whiskey, Bourbon, agricole rum, absinthe and a selection of gins, brandies and liqueurs. Their latest release of St. George Single Malt Whiskey, Lot 14 is due for release in September 2014, just in time to celebrate their Icons of Whisky success!
Highly Commended
Koval Distillery
Nominees
Ascendant Spirits
A. Smith Bowman Distillery
Catoctin Creek Distilling Company
Charbay Artisan Distillery and Winery
Distillery 291
Dry Fly Distillery
Few Spirits
Garrison Brothers Distillery
Kings County Distillery
Koval Distillery
Sons of Liberty Spirits
St. George Spirits
Still 630 Distillery
Tuthilltown Spirits
Wiggly Bridge Distillery
American Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year
Fred Noe – Beam Suntory
“Fred Noe 7th Generation master distiller and great grandson of Jim Beam is, from the brand’s perspective, the single most important individual in the marketing of the Jim Beam brand. He guards the Bourbon family flame that has burned for over 200 years.”
Highly Commended
Al Young – Four Roses Distillery
Nominees
Alison Mouratis – Few Spirits
Al Young – Four Roses Distillery
Bernie Lubbers – Heaven Hill Distilleries
Fred Noe – Beam Suntory
Douglas Kragel – George Dickel, Diageo
Emerson Lamb – Westland Whiskey
Ewan Morgan – Diageo
Gable Erenzo – Tuthilltown Spirits
Gardner Dunn – Next Level Marketing
Mark Coffman – River City
Matt Jones – Beam Suntory
Neyah White – Next Level Marketing
Stephen Gertman – Ascendant Spirits
Steve Beal – Diageo
ICONS OF WHISKY 