Bourbon Women is thrilled to announce the winners of the second annual 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 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 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 (Founder, Fields Kentucky Spirits)
- Master Distiller/Production Manager of the Year: Marlene K. Holmes (Master Distiller, Milam & Greene)
- Master Blender of the Year: Nancy Fraley (Founder, Nosing Services)
- Brand Ambassador of the Year: Creola Dickerson (Lead Single Barrel Ambassador, New Riff Distilling)
- Woman-Owned Brand of the Year: Whiskey Sisters Supply
- Bartender of the Year: Amie Ward, (Beverage Director, Camp Runamok)
- Spirits Influencer/Podcaster of the Year: Kerry Moynahan, (The Barrel Room Chronicles)
- Spirits Writer of the Year: Maggie Kimberl (Content Editor, American Whiskey Magazine)
- Spirits-Diversity Program of the Year: Camp Runamok
- Mike Keyes Champion/Ally of the Year: Dr Janice Fernheimer (Beam Institute, University of Kentucky)
This year, an additional award, the Peggy Noe Stevens Trailblazer Award was given to a recipient whose contributions to the whiskey industry and her community have transcended the Legacy Achievement award in recognition of the women who not only break barriers but fearlessly blaze trails for others. This year’s recipient is Elmer Lucille Allen, the first black chemist at Brown-Forman, and long-time community advocate and ceramic artist.
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. A rigorous selection process evaluated the candidates based on the information submitted and letters of recommendation from multiple sources in the community.
Heather Wibbels, Managing Director of Bourbon Women, said, “”We are thrilled to celebrate these leaders’ contributions and passion for the industry,” said Heather Wibbels, Bourbon Women Managing Director. “They represent a wave of change, and we’re proud to elevate them and the leadership they represent in the industry.”
During the event, the Kentucky Distillers Association also presented the long-standing Lois Mateus Award Networking Award to recognize the importance of connection and networking in the industry to Susan Westrom, 22 year member of the Kentucky General Assembly, now retired, for her efforts to modernize bourbon sampling laws in the 2010 session.
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 to empowering and celebrating the achievements of women in the industry.