LOUISVILLE, Ky. (October 16, 2024) – The Sazerac Company, one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies, has been named the American Whiskey Producer of the Year at the 2024 International Spirits Challenge (ISC) for the fifth consecutive year. Now in its 29th year, the ISC is a premier competition founded on a rigorous and independent judging process. The competition, which receives thousands of entries from more than 70 countries worldwide, truly promotes outstanding quality spirits from across the globe.
Determined by a weighted points system, the American Whiskey Producer of the Year Award is an esteemed recognition honoring the best performing spirits producers in a single category. Winning a total of 46 medals across all brands, Sazerac Company won 32 medals in the American Whiskey category.
“We are humbled to receive the American Whiskey Producer of the Year award for the fifth consecutive year,” said Harlen Wheatley, Sazerac Master Distiller. “This award is more than just an honor- it’s a testament to our team’s relentless dedication, craftsmanship, and passion for making quality spirits. As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded that consistency and innovation go hand in hand with creating award-winning whiskey.”
At the top of the category was Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon, which was awarded a prestigious “trophy” award, the highest medal awarded within the tasting category. Other whiskeys in Sazerac’s portfolio that took home top medals in the competition include:
- Gold
- 1792 Aged 12 years
- 1792 Bottled in Bond
- 1792 Full Proof
- 1792 Single Barrel
- 1792 Small Batch
- Benchmark Single Barrel
- Benchmark Small Batch
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel
- Eagle Rare 10-year-old
- Eagle Rare 17-year-old
- Sazerac 18
- Sazerac Rye
- Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- W. L. Weller 12-year-old
- W. L. Weller Antique 107
- W. L. Weller C.Y.P.B.
- W. L. Weller Full Proof
- W. L. Weller Single Barrel
- W. L. Weller Special Reserve
Additional spirits across the total Sazerac portfolio that received top honors include:
- Double Gold
- Los Vecinos del Campo Ensamble No.1 Mezcal
- Gold
- Paddy Irish Whiskey
- Los Vecinos del Campo Espadin Mezcal
- Los Vecinos del Campo Tobala Mezcal
- Wheatley Vodka
All spirits entered into the ISC are judged over a rigorous 23-day process of blind tastings by more than 75 respected and experienced industry professionals. Each judge assesses the products’ aroma, appearance, taste and finish, which is combined to determine which medal can be awarded.
Results from the 2024 International Spirits Challenge can be found here.
