Bourbon Women has announced the winners of the inaugural 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 25, 2023.

The WOW Awards recognize women leaders who have made significant impacts on the whiskey industry.

After a selection process, Bourbon Women presented the winners of each of the 2023 award categories:

• Legacy Achievement Award: Rebecca Harris (Founder, Chief Distiller, Catoctin Creek Distilling Co.)
• Master Distiller/Production Manager of the Year: Alex Castle (Master Distiller and Senior Vice President, Old Dominick)
• Master Blender of the Year: Heather Greene (Master Distiller, Founder and CEO, Milam & Greene Whiskey)
• Brand Ambassador of the Year: Angel Teta (National Guardian of Advocacy & Brand Culture, Angel’s Envy)
• Woman-Owned Brand of the Year: Heaven Hill Brands.
• Bartender of the Year: Tiffanie Barriere (The Drinking Coach)
• Spirits Influencer/Podcaster of the Year: Sara Ahlgrim (It’s Bourbon Night)
• Spirits Writer of the Year: Pheobe Calver (Editor, American Whiskey Magazine)
• Spirits-Diversity Program of the Year: Beam Suntory
• Mike Keyes Champion/Ally of the year: Emma Hutchens (Chief of Human Resources, Heaven Hill Brands)

Finalists were nominated by their companies, their peers and their communities, as having demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their craft and making invaluable contributions to the whiskey industry. Finalists embody innovation and dedication that inspires and uplifts others in the field, the organization says.

“We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate the leadership and change that these individuals are bringing to the whiskey industry and the innovation and passion they share,” says Heather Wibbels, Managing Director of Bourbon Women. “Collectively, they represent a groundswell of change in the whiskey world, and we are proud to uplift and celebrate the phenomenal women who do that work every day.”

During the event, the Kentucky Distillers Association also presented the long-standing Lois Mateus Award Networking Award, recognizing the importance of connection and networking in the industry, to Sara Osborne of MML&K Government Solutions.

For more information on the WOW Awards and to explore the list of finalists, visit bourbonwomen.org/wow-women-of-whiskey-awards/.

As a pioneer in supporting female bourbon enthusiasts, Bourbon Women is the first female whiskey consumer group in the nation.