Seven Tennessee Distilleries medal in 2021 Heartland Whiskey Competition
The American Craft Spirits Association announced earlier this month the medalists of the 2021 Heartland Whiskey Competition, which was open to craft whiskeys from all 50 states that incorporate a grain that is all important to their industry: CORN!
The competition, which was generously sponsored by state corn marketing associations, including Tennessee Corn, and judged by top mixologists, brand ambassadors, and whiskey aficionados, took place in late July in Louisville, Kentucky. Among the medalists were seven Tennessee distilleries. In total, Tennessee distillers had the most entries with 13 entries.
BEST IN STATE
Lost State Distilling | 1784 White Tennessee Whiskey
Lost State Distilling is a family-owned craft distillery located in Downtown Bristol Tennessee producing small batch Gin, Rum, and Tennessee Whiskey. They were voted America’s Best New Craft Distillery by USA Today in 2020.
CORN WHISKEY
Silver Medalist - Old Tennessee Distilling Co. | Premium American
Located in Kodak, Tennessee and specializing in farm to bottle spirits made from local ingenuity and produce, Old Tennessee Distilling Company master distillers use recipes handed down through the generations to create whiskey, moonshine, gin, vodka and bourbon that honors the name “Tennessee” on every label. Their Premium American whiskey, made with caramel, vanilla and smoked corn flavors, boasts numerous craft spirit awards.
BOURBON WHISKEY
Gold Medalist - Pennington Distilling Company | Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey - Small Batch
Established in 2011, Pennington Distilling Co. is an independent distillery that produces small batch premium spirits in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. After years of aging in oak barrels, they debuted their first whiskey recipe, Davidson Reserve Whiskey (Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey) in 2017: a delicious rye that carries notes of cinnamon, clove, honey, and just a hint of spice.
Silver Medalist - Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey | 1820 Premium Single Barrel Whiskey - US-53
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey was inspired by the best whiskey maker the world never knew, the first African-American master distiller on record in the United States, Nearest Green. The Uncle Nearest brand, wholly owned by Uncle Nearest, Inc., encompasses a premium aged whiskey, an 11-year-old single barrel product, and a 7-year-old small batch offering, all distilled, aged, bottled and hand-labeled in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Silver Medalist - Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey | Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey was inspired by the best whiskey maker the world never knew, the first African-American master distiller on record in the United States, Nearest Green. The Uncle Nearest brand, wholly owned by Uncle Nearest, Inc., encompasses a premium aged whiskey, an 11-year-old single barrel product, and a 7-year-old small batch offering, all distilled, aged, bottled and hand-labeled in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Bronze Medalist - Big Machine Distillery | Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey
A craft distiller of fine Tennessee spirits, Big Machine Distillery uses local Giles County corn and other fine ingredients to craft its small-batch whiskey. Located in Lynnville, Tennessee.
Bronze Medalist - Old Glory Distilling Co. | Old Glory Bourbon Whiskey
Old Glory Distilling Co. is a small-batch distillery located in Clarksville, Tennessee. Started by Clarksville-native Matt Cunningham, this craft distillery creates whiskey, gin, vodka, rum and moonshine.
FLAVORED SPIRIT
Bronze Medalist - Ole Smoky Distillery | Peanut Butter Whiskey
One of the nation’s fastest-growing spirits companies, Ole Smoky Distillery’s Peanut Butter Whiskey was recognized with 10 prestigious international awards during its first year of distribution. Ole Smoky Distilleries are located across Tennessee from Gatlingburg to Nashville.
OTHER
Gold Medalist - Lost State Distilling | 1784 White Tennessee Whiskey
Lost State Distilling is a family-owned craft distillery located in Downtown Bristol Tennessee producing small batch Gin, Rum, and Tennessee Whiskey. They were voted America’s Best New Craft Distillery by USA Today in 2020.
Best of Show was captured by Weldon Mills Distillery from Weldon, North Carolina, for its Rockfish Whiskey, which also earned the top score in the Corn Whiskey category. Weldon Mills Distillery will be presented with an award by the Corn Growers Association of North Carolina later this month.
To see all the category winners, visit americancraftspirits.org.