Celebrating whiskey excellence
The Icons of Whisky awards are intent on finding the very best people, products and places within the world of whisk(e)y. They celebrate the hard work and ingenuity that goes into every bottle, the stories behind each brand, retailers who open the world up to consumers, and the bars that provide wonderful settings for whisk(e)y lovers to discover new favourites.
Since their inception, these awards have highlighted the heart-warming camaraderie between whisk(e)y professionals – one of the many aspects that makes it such a wonderful industry to work within.
Whisky Distiller of the Year
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, rich and fruity character makes this brand the dram of choice for many.
Highly Commended
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Whisky Distillery Manager of the Year
Harlen Wheatley
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Harlen tirelessly works to improve existing processes and innovate new products. Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Warehouse X, which has recently been completed, was all Harlen’s brainchild and will lead to interesting results that will impact the future of whiskey ageing worldwide.
Highly Commended
Brian Lee, Tuthilltown Spirits
Craft Whiskey 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
American Whiskey 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
Scotch Whisky Ambassador of the Year
Rick Edwards
The Glenlivet / Aberlour
Pernod Ricard USA
Rick Edwards has been working in the American Market since 1996. He has consulted on several Single Malt & Blended Scotch brands. Rick has spent a great deal of time travelling through Scotland and making his name as a Brand Ambassador. In 2001, he completed a course at the Royal Lochnagar Academy of Malt, earning him the title of ‘Master of Scotch’.
Highly Commended
Brad Jarvis, International Spirits & Wines
Simon Brooking, Beam Suntory
Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year
Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark distillery was designated a National Historic Landmark over 30 years ago and became the first Kentucky distillery to be named as such. Over the years, it has developed into a ‘must see’ on the Bourbon Trail. Ever wondered how they make each drip of iconic wax different on every bottle? A trip to the Bottling House will explain all.
Highly Commended
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year
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
Whisky Retailer of the Year – Single Outlet
Julio’s Liquors
We can sum up the reason for Julio’s Liquors Icons of Whisky title in just one word…passion. Julio’s provides more than just a platform for buying a vast range of whisky. With 17,000 square feet worth of shopping and a dedicated tasting room offering free tastings, this store guarantees a true whisky experience.
Highly Commended
Park Avenue Liquor Shop
Whisky Retailer of the Year – Multiple Outlets
Binny’s Beverage Depot
With over 4,000 spirits in more than 30 stores, you will definitely find what you need at Binny’s. If you are not able to make it to an outlet, their impressive online selection will surely help you find that hidden gem. With competitive prices and excellent customer care, it is no wonder they have hit the top spot in this Icons category.
Highly Commended
Total Wine & More
Whisky Retailer of the Year – Online
Binny’s Beverage Depot
www.binnys.com
Find everything you need in their online store at http://www.binnys.com.
Highly Commended
The Whisky Shop
Whisky Visitor Centre Manager of the Year
Julie Gorham
Four Roses Distillery
Julie has played a key role in supervising and managing the Four Roses Distillery Visitor Centre since July 2004 and she spearheaded the remodelling of the huge and beautiful distillery completed in autumn 2012. She is also involved in the remodelling of the new Cox’s Creek Visitor Centre. Under Julie’s management, visitors have grown from 3,677 to a massive 49,507 over the years. Her deep experience, retail and design knowledge, as well as her management skills and excellent ability with people, have enabled her to excel.
Highly Commended
Kimberley Bennett, Beam Suntory
Whisky Importer of the Year
Anchor Distillery Company
Anchor began proving itself as an innovator in 1996 when it produced such notable whiskies as the Old Potrero Rye whiskies using a small copper pot still and 100% rye mash in the tradition of America’s early distillers. With the amalgamation of Anchor Distilling Company, Anchor Brewing Company, Berry Bros. & Rudd and Preiss Imports,
this company prides itself on
importing handcrafted, artisanal products from multigenerational family-owned companies.
Highly Commended
Purple Valley Imports
Whisky Distributor of the Year
Southern Wine & Spirits
Southern Wine and Spirits puts customers and suppliers at the forefront of everything the company does. It currently operates in 35 states and constantly strives to be the leading distributor of alcohol thanks to superior quality service and continuous improvements to the business.
Highly Commended
Empire Merchants
Select another year
You are currently in the Icons of Whisky 2015 – America.