Louisville, Ky. (August 17, 2024) Bourbon Women is thrilled to announce the winners of the WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards, presented in collaboration with the Bourbon Women Foundation. The awards were presented at a ceremony during the Bourbon Women SIPosium on Friday, August 16, 2024.

The WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards recognize exceptional women leaders who have made indelible marks in 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, reinforcing a commitment to honoring the achievements of women in spirits.

After a rigorous selection process, Bourbon Women is proud to present the winners of each of the 2024 award categories:

- Legacy Achievement Award: Erica Fields (Fields Kentucky Spirit)

- Master Distiller/Production Manager of the Year: Marlene K. Holmes (Milam & Greene Whiskey)

- Master Blender of the Year: Nancy Fraley (Nosing Services)

- Brand Ambassador of the Year: Creola Dickerson (New Riff Distilling)

- Woman-Owned Brand of the Year: Whiskey Sisters Supply

- Bartender of the Year: Amie Ward (Camp Runamok)

- Spirits Influencer/Podcaster of the Year: Kerry Moynahan (Barrel Room Chronicles)

- Spirits Writer of the Year: Maggie Kimberl (American Whiskey Magazine)

- Lois Mateus Networking Award: Susan Westrom

- Spirits-Diversity Program of the Year: Camp Runamok

- Mike Keyes Champion/Ally of the Year: Dr Janice Fernheimer (University of Kentucky)

- 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, Bourbon Women Managing Director, said, “These awards are a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and leadership that women bring to the whiskey industry. The honorees exemplify the very spirit of Bourbon Women—a community that empowers and uplifts each other in pursuit of excellence. We are proud to stand alongside these remarkable women as they continue to drive change and foster a more inclusive and vibrant future for all in the world of whiskey.”

The Bourbon Women team extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists for their remarkable achievements. The WOW 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 Awards and to explore the list of finalists, please visit the Bourbon Women/WOW Awards website at https://bourbonwomen.org/wow-women-of-whiskey-awards/.

‍Bourbon Women creates an empowering spirits environment by masterfully blending knowledge, community, fellowship and fun. We are leaders creating empowering and spirited environments for fearless whiskey women through exceptional adventures and experiences; blending spirits education, personal development, community and entertainment in our whiskey world. With 16 branches across the country, Bourbon Women's extensive presence spans the nation, reaching thousands of women from coast to coast. More information: https://bourbonwomen.org/

The Bourbon Women Foundation is a 501c3 Nonprofit whose mission is to support women in the beverage alcohol industry through educational opportunities. We will be fundraising to support programs such as our Angels Share training program as well as opportunities for subject matter experts to educate our Bourbon Women members. More information: https://bourbonwomenfoundation.org/