Icons of Whisky America winners announced

Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky has become a highlight in the whisky calendar. The 2015 competition is already living up to its reputation following the American stage of the awards.

This has been an exciting year for Icons of Whisky with the launch of an all-new nominations and voting process. Producers, retailers, distributors and importers nominated and voted for those iconic companies and individuals, recognising and celebrating the very best in the world of whisky. With almost 4,000 votes, Whisky Magazine’s editorial panel had the final task of reviewing the votes in time to present the winners at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival on Wednesday, September 17, 2014.

Rupert Wheeler, managing editor of Whisky Magazine and chairman of the Icons of Whisky says: “I am extremely pleased that we are now in a position to announce the results of Icons of Whisky America 2015. With a new voting procedure, which allows for many more people within the industry to be involved, we received an overwhelming number of votes. I think this is a sign of how popular and prestigious these awards have become.”

The Winners and Highly Commended for each of the 13 Icons categories are as follows:

Whisky Distiller of the Year Sponsored by Glencairn Crystal
Winner: Four Roses Distillery
Highly Commended: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year Sponsored by Multi Packaging Solutions
Winner: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Highly Commended: Beam Suntory

Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year
Winner: Maker’s Mark
Highly Commended: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Craft Whiskey Producer of the Year
Winner: St. George Spirits
Highly Commended: Koval Distillery

Whisky Distillery Manager of the Year Sponsored by Guala Closures Group
Winner: Harlen Wheatley – Buffalo Trace Distillery
Highly Commended: Brian Lee – Tuthilltown Spirits

Whisky Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year
Winner: Julie Gorham – Four Roses Distillery
Highly Commended: Kimberley Bennett – Beam Suntory

American Whiskey Ambassador of the Year
Winner: Fred Noe – Beam Suntory
Highly Commended: Al Young – Four Roses Distillery

Scotch Whisky Ambassador of the Year
Winner: Rick Edwards – The Glenlivet / Aberlour, Pernod Ricard USA
Highly Commended: Brad Jarvis – International Spirits and Wines and Simon Brooking – Beam Suntory

Whisky Retailer – Multiple Outlets of the Year
Winner: Binny’s Beverage Depot
Highly Commended: Total Wine and More

Whisky Retailer – Single Outlet of the Year
Winner: Julio’s Liquors
Highly Commended: Park Avenue Liquor Shop 

Whisky Retailer – Online of the Year
Winner: Binny’s Beverage Depot – www.binnys.com
Highly Commended: The Whisky Shop – www.whiskyshop.com

Whisky Importer of the Year
Winner: Anchor Distilling Company 
Highly Commended: Purple Valley Imports

Whisky Distributor of the Year
Winner: Southern Wine and Spirits
Highly Commended: Empire Merchants

Full listings of results, including all nominees, can be found at http://www.whiskymag.com/awards/icons_of_whisky

19 September 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor