Four Distilleries Vying For IWSC’s Bourbon Producer Of The Year Trophy

Four storied distilleries have made the shortlist for the International Wines & Spirits Competition (IWSC) Bourbon Producer of the Year Trophy. The four are a mix of established whiskey producers and new up-and-comers. The four distilleries won 52 medals at the recently completed 2024 IWSC American Whisky Judging and the previously held London Judging. These distilleries have produced some of America’s most iconic whiskeys. The IWSC Gala in London will announce the trophy winner on November 12. Here are the nominees.

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.

The Peerless Distillery was founded by Henry Kraver in Henderson, Kentucky, in 1889. It became known for high-quality whiskey production until Prohibition halted operations. The distillery was dormant for nearly a century until Henry’s descendants, Corky and Carson Taylor, revived it in 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky. Today, Peerless is known for its small-batch, non-chill-filtered bourbon, and rye whiskeys, which focus on traditional methods and craftsmanship.

Kentucky Peerless Small Batch Bourbon is bottled at barrel proof, meaning it’s not diluted after aging, offering a robust and unfiltered whiskey experience. The bourbon is known for flavors of caramel, oak, and a touch of sweetness, with layers of spice and fruit from its non-chill-filtered profile. Aged for over four years, Peerless produces its bourbon in smaller, carefully monitored batches for consistent quality. At the 2024 IWSC American Whiskey Judging, Peerless won three medals, including a Gold Outstanding Medal for its Toasted Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Buffalo Trace (Sazerac Company)

Buffalo Trace Distillery, based in Frankfort, Kentucky, is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the U.S., with production dating back to at least 1775. Known for its resilience during Prohibition, when it sold “medicinal whiskey” from its existing inventory, Buffalo Trace is now owned by the Sazerac Company. The distillery is famous for a wide range of bourbons, including its namesake Buffalo Trace Bourbon and highly sought-after labels like Pappy Van Winkle and the Antique Collection.

Many of Buffalo Trace’s bourbons use a high-wheat mash bill and are known for their smoothness and balance. They typically offer a nose of caramel, molasses, and fresh mint, with rich toffee, vanilla, and candied fruit flavors. The finish is long and deep, with dark fruit and spice nuances. Their bourbons are aged in new American oak barrels and present a classic, approachable bourbon profile. Their entry-level bourbons offer outstanding value and quality at a reasonable price point. At the 2024 IWSC American Whisky Judging, the Sazerac company had the largest haul of medals, winning 31 awards.

Uncle Nearest

Uncle Nearest honors Nathan "Nearest" Green, an African American master distiller who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey in the mid-1800s. In 2017, entrepreneur Fawn Weaver launched the Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey brand to bring attention to Green’s contributions to Tennessee whiskey. Based in Shelbyville, Tennessee, the company produces whiskey using the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering the whiskey through charcoal before aging, a hallmark of Tennessee whiskey.

Although Uncle Nearest does produce bourbon in its whiskey lineup, it is better known for its Tennessee and Blended whiskey expressions. For competition purposes, the IWSC considers Tennessee whiskey a bourbon variant: a bourbon that has undergone the Lincoln County Process.

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey, a high-proof Tennessee whiskey aged between 8 and 14 years, is typical of Uncle Nearest's aroma and taste profile. It features rich, robust caramel, maple, and stone fruit flavors with a smooth, smoky finish. The whiskey honors Nearest Green’s legacy while introducing a premium expression of Tennessee whiskey that competes with bourbon in taste and complexity. At the IWSC 2024 American Whiskey Judging, Uncle Nearest won four medals.

Heaven Hill Distillery

Heaven Hill Distillery, founded in 1935 by the Shapira family, is the largest independent, family-owned distillery in the U.S. Based in Bardstown, Kentucky, Heaven Hill has become a major player in the bourbon industry, producing iconic labels like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny. Over the decades, Heaven Hill has built a reputation for innovation and quality, with deep roots in the heritage of Kentucky bourbon.

Elijah Craig Small Batch is one of Heaven Hill’s flagship bourbons. It is named after the Baptist minister, who is often credited with inventing the process of aging bourbon in charred barrels. It’s typical of the aroma and taste profiles of Heaven Hill whiskeys. The bourbon is known for its complex and well-balanced flavor, offering notes of vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of fruit. The small batch expression is 8 to 12 years old, giving it depth and complexity that appeals to casual drinkers and connoisseurs. Heaven Hill won 14 medals at the 2024 IWSC American Whiskey Judging.

Each of these distilleries has contributed significantly to the bourbon and whiskey landscape, offering a range of whisky expressions, from traditional Kentucky bourbons to Blended whiskey to Tennessee whiskey, with unique legacies and stories behind them.

For a detailed look at the 2024 IWSC American Whisky Judging results, see The Top Bourbon According to the 2024 IWSC American Whisky Judging.