Skip to content
Home » Blog » Women of Whiskey Awards Celebrate Female Bourbon Enthusiasts

Women of Whiskey Awards Celebrate Female Bourbon Enthusiasts

Women of Whiskey Awards Celebrate Female Bourbon Enthusiasts

Celebrating Excellence at the Women of Whiskey Awards

A scene from last year‘s awards show was unforgettable. bourbon Women has unveiled the finalists for the inaugural WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards, hosted in partnership with the Bourbon Women Foundation. This exciting event will take place during the Bourbon Women SIPosium on Friday, August 16, 2024.

Honoring Trailblazers in Whiskey

The Women of whiskey awards recognize women who exhibit leadership, creating opportunities for connection and community within the whiskey industry. Bourbon Women, the first female whiskey consumer group in the nation, takes immense pride in presenting these awards. This initiative marks a new chapter in their commitment to celebrating the achievements of female bourbon enthusiasts.

Meet the 2024 Finalists

The selection process has brought forth exceptional finalists in various 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

Impact of the Women of Whiskey Awards

Heather Wibbels, managing director of Bourbon Women, expresses that the awards honor influential women who are redefining the whiskey industry through innovation, leadership, and perseverance. These finalists symbolize excellence and inspire women globally to pursue careers and succeed in the world of whiskey.

Join the Celebration

The finalists will attend the Women of Whiskey Awards ceremony as guests of Bourbon Women during the annual Bourbon Women SIPosium Conference. With more than four hundred attendees, supporters in the industry and bourbon enthusiasts are invited to join in celebrating the finalists.

A Look Back and Forward

Last year’s awards show set a high standard, and this year’s inaugural WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards promises to elevate the celebration further. The commitment of the Bourbon Women Foundation and the recognition of female bourbon enthusiasts’ efforts continue to shape and support the vibrant community within the whiskey industry.

Table: Categories and Finalists

Category Finalists
Brand Ambassador of the Year Avalon Oona Hass, Creola Dickerson
Bartender of the Year Amie Ward, Megan Ford
Master Blender of the Year Ashley Barnes, Nancy Fraley
Spirits Writer of the Year Maggie Kimberl, Shelley Sackier
Woman-Owned Brand of the Year Jeptha Creed, Whiskey Sisters Supply
Share this post on social!
Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith is a renowned bourbon connoisseur and author, whose passion for the amber spirit has taken him on a journey through America's distilleries, discovering the rich history and complex flavors that define bourbon. With more than a decade of first-hand experience and research, Dylan's expertise is unmatched, offering insights into the art of bourbon tasting, production, and collecting. His writings not only enlighten enthusiasts but also guide newcomers through the intricacies of this celebrated American whisky, making him a revered voice in the bourbon community.