Icons of Whisky USA 2018 winners announced

The next stop is London, and the Global finale, as Whisky Magazine announced its American winners in the Icons of Whisky Awards 2018.

At a drinks reception in New York, the final regional awards were announced and now winners from across the globe will meet in London to find out who has triumphed.

Hall of Fame Inductee 47 – Fritz Maytag III

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

Brand Innovator of the Year, sponsored by Multi Packaging Solutions – Breckenridge Distillery
Highly Commended – Buffalo Trace Distillery

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, sponsored by Procurus – 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 – Eric Arginsky – Tuthilltown Spirits

Multiple Outlets Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Amrut Distilleries – 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

The presentation concluded with the announcement that American Whiskey Magazine will proudly partner with Whisky Magazine to present the 2019 awards.

Full results for the regional stages of the Icons of Whisky Awards 2018 can be found at www.iconsofwhisky.wordpress.com,

28 February 2018 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor