Louisville, Ky. (July 15, 2024) Calling all bourbon enthusiasts and history-makers! Bourbon Women is thrilled to unveil the finalists for the inaugural WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards. In partnership with the Bourbon Women Foundation, we’re raising a glass to the phenomenal women who are shaking up the whiskey world. The highly anticipated 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 outstanding women making remarkable strides in the whiskey industry.
The WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards proudly recognize exceptional women who have exhibited exemplary 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 immense pride in presenting the WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards as the next chapter in their commitment to honoring the achievements of women in spirits.
After a rigorous selection process, Bourbon Women is proud to present 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 as they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in their craft, making invaluable contributions to the whiskey industry. They embody the essence of innovation and dedication that inspires and uplifts others in the field.
Heather Wibbels, Managing Director of Bourbon Women, remarked on the significance of the finalists, saying, “The WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards honor the influential women who are redefining the whiskey industry through their innovation, leadership, and perseverance. 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 special guests of Bourbon Women during the annual Bourbon Women SIPosium Conference with more than four hundred women in attendance. Their accomplishments have made a profound impact on the industry and serve as an inspiration to all. Supporters in the industry and bourbon enthusiasts are invited to join Bourbon Women to celebrate these amazing women.
The Bourbon Women team extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists for their remarkable achievements. The WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards continue to build on Bourbon Women’s commitment empowering and celebrating the achievements of women in the industry.
For more information on the WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards and to explore the list of finalists, please visit the Bourbon Women website at https://bourbonwomen.org/wow-women-of-whiskey-awards/. For tickets to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-wow-women-of-whiskey-awards-by-bourbon-women-tickets-943514175297?aff=oddtdtcreator.
