Bourbon Women has announced the inaugural WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards in partnership with the Bourbon Women Foundation.
The industry’s leading women and supporters will gather at the Bourbon Women SIPosium on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, to celebrate and honor women making strides in the whiskey industry.
These first-of-their-kind awards recognize the women who are leaders in their craft, providing opportunities for connection and community in the whiskey industry, and who uplift and develop the women and underrepresented members of their team.
Brands, companies and individuals can nominate women in each of the awards categories. Nominations are now open at the official WOW awards page: bourbonwomen.org/wow-women-of-whiskey-awards.
A panel of industry experts will select the winners. The inaugural WOW Awards will celebrate women across 10 categories, with plans to expand the number of awards in the future. The 2023 categories include:
- Master Distiller/Production Manager of the Year
- Master Blender of the Year
- Woman-Owned Brand of the Year
- Brand Ambassador of the Year
- Spirits Writer of the Year
- Spirits Influencer/Podcaster of the Year
- Bartender of the Year
- Spirits Diversity Program of the Year
- Mike Keyes Champion of the Year
- Legacy Achievement Award
During the selection process, two finalists will be chosen for each category. The finalists will attend the WOW Awards as guests of Bourbon Women. Companies who nominate the women, alongside industry members and consumers, will be invited to purchase seats or tables at the Friday evening dinner.
“Bourbon Women has always championed and elevated women in the whiskey and hospitality industry,” says Heather Wibbels, Managing Director of Bourbon Women. “This awards program shines a light on those women leading the way, uplifting other women in the industry and developing vibrant, effective teams cultivating change in the whiskey world.”
For more information on the awards and to nominate those who meet the criteria, visit the Bourbon Women/WOW Awards website.
A pioneer in supporting female bourbon enthusiasts, Bourbon Women is the first female spirits consumer group in the nation.
