Bourbon Women has unveiled the finalists for the inaugural WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards, held in partnership with the Bourbon Women Foundation.
The award ceremony will take place during the Bourbon Women SIPosium on Friday, August 16, 2024, where industry leaders and supporters will gather to celebrate and honor the women making strides in the whiskey industry.
The WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards recognize women who have exhibited leadership, fostering opportunities for connection and community within the whiskey industry. As a pioneer in supporting female bourbon enthusiasts, Bourbon Women is the first female whiskey consumer group in the nation and takes pride in presenting the WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards, the organization says, as the next chapter in their commitment to honoring the achievements of women in spirits.
After a selection process, Bourbon Women has presented the finalists for each of the 2024 award categories:
- Brand Ambassador of the Year: Avalon Oona Hass, Catoctin Creek Distilling, and Creola Dickerson, New Riff Distilling
- Spirits Diversity Program of the Year: Camp Runamok, and STEPUP
- Bartender of the Year: Amie Ward, Camp Runamok, and Megan Ford, Jeptha Creed Distillery
- Spirits Writer of the Year: Maggie Kimberl, American Whiskey Magazine, and Shelley Sackier, Reservoir Distillery
- Master Blender of the Year: Ashley Barnes, The Blending House and The Spirits Group, and Nancy Fraley, Nosing Services
- Spirits Influencer/Podcaster of the Year: Kerry Moynahan, Barrel Room Chronicles, and Stephanie Burt, The Southern Fork
- Master Distiller/Production Manager of the Year: Joyce Nethery, Jeptha Creed Distillery, and Marlene K. Holmes, Milam & Greene Whiskey
- Mike Keyes Ally of the Year: Deborah Brenner, Women of the Vine and Spirits, and Dr Janice Fernheimer, University of Kentucky
- Woman-Owned Brand of the Year: Jeptha Creed, and Whiskey Sisters Supply
- Legacy Achievement Award: Erica Fields, Fields Kentucky Spirit, and Margie A. S. Lehrman, American Craft Spirits Association
- Peggy Noe Stevens Trailblazer Award: Ms. Elmer Lucille Allen
Finalists were nominated by their companies, their peers and their communities.
“The WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards honor the influential women who are redefining the whiskey industry through their innovation, leadership and perseverance,” says Heather Wibbels, managing director of Bourbon Women. “These finalists exemplify the spirit of excellence and serve as powerful role models, motivating women everywhere to pursue and succeed in the world of whiskey.”
The finalists will be invited to attend the WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards ceremony as guests of Bourbon Women during the annual Bourbon Women SIPosium Conference with more than four hundred women in attendance. Supporters in the industry and bourbon enthusiasts are invited to join Bourbon Women to celebrate the finalists.
The post Bourbon Women Announce 2024 WOW Awards Finalists appeared first on Beverage Dynamics.
