Peoria, Illinois-based JK Williams Distilling recently took home silver medals from The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) for its Gold Zephyr Bourbon and Stormy River Rye. Founded in 2000, the SFWSC is one of the oldest competitions of its kind. The competition’s medal winners range from some of the most renowned international distillers to small-batch producers. This is the first time the distillery has entered the renowned competition.
“We were honored to hear the judges enjoyed our whiskeys as much as we do,” said Jeff Murphy, JK Williams Head Distiller. “Peoria was once known as Whiskey Capital of the World, before Prohibition. These medals bring us one step closer to re-establishing Peoria as a whiskey city and proving that J.K. Williams’ recipes make quality whiskey.”
Gold Zephyr is a four-year bourbon made with notes of dark cherries, light tobacco, and honeysuckle with fresh mint bursting through on the nose. The finish is long and warm with oak tannins and hints of berries. Stormy River Rye is a rich, flavorful whiskey with spice and hints of apple blossom honey and dried dark fruit towards the finish. Both whiskeys are presented at 90 proof and are made using the original century-old recipes created by Bootician J.K. Williams.
Gold Zephyr Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Stormy River High Rye Whiskey have a suggested retail price of $59.99 and $65.99 respectively and sold at select retailers in Central Illinois, with plans to distribute to more states soon.