The Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Awards have returned in a virtual format to present this year’s American regional winners, as well as a new inductee into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame

In a year that had brought with it a new array of challenges for the whisky industry, the moment arose to celebrate the dedication and creativity of its people and places in the Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky awards, as well as the precision and resourcefulness of its producers in the World Whiskies Awards.

On Tuesday 8th February, hosted on both Whisky Magazine and American Whiskey Magazine’s Facebook pages, the virtual presentation reached whisky lovers across the globe to announce the American regional results of the Icons and WWA 2022 winners.

This year the most coveted of the Icons awards, Distiller of the Year, was awarded to Buffalo Trace Distillery, while Craft Distiller of the Year, which is proving to be more competitive than ever, was awarded to Distillery 291.

The virtual event also announced the Best American winners for the World Whiskies Awards 2022, while also unveiling inductee 76 into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame: Garvin Brown.

The World Whiskies Awards commend the best whiskies from around the world in categories including Single Malt, Bourbon, Blended, and Single Cask. More information can be found at www.worldwhiskiesawards.com.

Phoebe Calver, Editor of American Whiskey Magazine, said: “This year’s winners have proven themselves to be a shining light in the industry during tough times. It’s such a pleasure to be able to watch the development of the American whiskey industry and the way that distillers are challenging perceptions, while pushing standards higher and higher.”

Anita Ujszaszi, awards director, said: “It’s been an incredible year for the World Whiskies Awards, with more than 250 entries from the USA. The opportunity to host the US leg of tastings for the awards in Washington DC in November, after a break last year was truly wonderful. Many thanks go to all our judges, especially Steve Beal as chair of judges for the US, and also to Jack Rose for hosting us.”

Icons of Whisky America 2022 Winners and Highly Commended

Distiller
Winner
Buffalo Trace Distillery

Highly Commended
Westland Distillery

Craft Distiller
Winner
Distillery 291

Highly Commended
Corsair Distillery

Sustainable Distillery
Winner
Westland Distillery

Brand Innovator
Winner
Westland Distillery

Highly Commended
A.Smith Bowman

Campaign Innovator
Winner
Westland Distillery

Highly Commended
Breckenridge Distillery

Visitor Attraction
Winner
Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience

Independent Bottler
Winner
Proof and Wood Ventures, Inc.

Master Distiller/Blender
Winner
Victoria Eady Butler, Uncle Nearest

Highly Commended
Shane Armstrong, Westland Distillery

Distillery Manager
Winner
Marcia Likarish, Ironroot Republic

Highly Commended
Tyler Pederson, Westland Distillery

Visitor Attraction Manager
Winner
Jeff Crowe, Heaven Hill Brands

Highly Commended
Matt Higgins, Buffalo Trace Distillery

American Whiskey Brand Ambassador
Winner
Philip Rawleigh, Distillery 291

Highly Commended
Richie Michaels, Uncle Nearest

Bar Group
Winner
Goodnight Group

Bar
Winner
Bourbons Bistro

Highly Commended
The Flatiron Room

Bartender
Winner
Darron Foy, The Flatiron Room

Highly Commended
Jose Guzman, Fine + Rare

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