Whisky Magazine announced the 2018 winners of its Icons of Whisky America awards at a drinks reception in New York on 27 February 2018.

Winners from the USA now go head to head with their contemporaries from Whisky Magazine’s other regions; Australia, India, Ireland, Rest of World and Scotland for the global title.

Hall of Fame Inductee 47 – Fritz Maytag III

Distiller of the Year – Buffalo Trace
Highly Commended – Heaven Hill Brands

Brand Innovator of the Year – Breckenridge Distillery
Highly Commended – Buffalo Trace

Craft Producer of the Year – Balcones Distillery
Highly Commended – Virginia Distilling Company

Visitor Attraction of the Year – Maker’s Mark Distillery
Highly Commended – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Master Distiller / Blender of the Year – Matthew Hofmann – Westland Distillery
Highly Commended – Marianne Barnes – Castle & Key Distillery

Distillery Manager of the Year – Victoria MacRae-Samuels – Maker’s Mark Distillery
Highly Commended – Ryan Ashley – Four Roses

American Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year – Adam Harris – Beam Suntory
Highly Commended – Winston Edwards – Balcones Distillery

Irish Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year – Donal O’Gallachoir – Glendalough
Highly Commended – Tim Herlihy – Tullamore D.E.W.

Scotch Whisky of the Year – David Laird – William Grant & Sons
Highly Commended – Robin Nance – Beam Suntory

World Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year – Allison Parc – Brenne
Highly Commended – Gardner Dunn – Beam Suntory

Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year – Matt Higgins – Buffalo Trace
Highly Commended – Cathy Erenzo – Tuthilltown Spirits

Multiple Outlets Retailer of the Year – Binny’s Beverage Depot
Highly Commended – Liquor Barn

Online Retailer of the Year – Binny’s Beverage Depot
Highly Commended – Ace Spirits

Single Outlet Retailer of the Year – Astor Wines & Spirits
Highly Commended – Ace Spirits

Travel Retailer of the Year – Duty Free Americas

American Whiskey Magazine will proudly partner with Whisky Magazine to present the 2019 awards.