Bourbon industry's female leaders to be recognized at national awards ceremony in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Women around the country will be recognized Friday in Louisville for their contributions to the bourbon industry.

The inaugural Women of Whiskey Awards will be held Aug. 16. The Bourbon Women Foundation is holding the ceremony during the Bourbon Women SIPosium.

More than 400 women will attend the Bourbon Women SIPosium from Aug. 15-18.

According to a news release Tuesday, the WOW Awards recognize women who have exhibited exemplary leadership, fostering opportunities for connection and community within the whiskey industry. Bourbon Women is the first female whiskey consumer group in the country.

"It's really special to us to be able to bring these women forward to these consumers and say 'here are some of the amazing women you need to know, and here are the amazing things that they're doing," said Heather Wibbels, Bourbon Women's managing director.

The finalists for the 2024 awards include:

Brand Ambassador of the Year: Avalon Oona Haas, Catoctin Creek Distilling, and Creola Dickerson, New Riff Distilling
Spirits Diversity Program of the Year: Camp Runamok, and STEPUP
Bartender of the Year: Amie Ward, Camp Runamok, and Megan Ford, Jeptha Creed Distillery
Spirits Writer of the Year: Maggie Kimberl, American Whiskey Magazine, and Shelley Sackier, Reservoir Distillery
Master Blender of the Year: Ashley Barnes, The Blending House and The Spirits Group, and Nancy Fraley, Nosing Services
Spirits Influencer/Podcaster of the Year: Kerry Moynahan, Barrel Room Chronicles, and Stephanie Burt, The Southern Fork
Master Distiller/Production Manager of the Year: Joyce Nethery, Jeptha Creed Distillery, and Marlene K. Holmes, Milam & Greene Whiskey
Mike Keyes Ally of the Year: Deborah Brenner, Women of the Vine and Spirits, and Dr Janice Fernheimer, University of Kentucky
Woman-Owned Brand of the Year: Jeptha Creed, and Whiskey Sisters Supply
Legacy Achievement Award: Erica Fields, Fields Kentucky Spirit, and Margie A. S. Lehrman, American Craft Spirits Association
Peggy Noe Stevens Trailblazer Award: Ms. Elmer Lucille Allen