Bourbon Women is thrilled to announce the inaugural WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards in partnership with the Bourbon Women Foundation. Prepare for an extraordinary evening as the industry’s leading women and supporters gather at the Bourbon Women SIPosium on Friday, August 25, 2023, to celebrate and honor the outstanding women making strides in the whiskey industry.
These prestigious, first of their kind awards recognize the remarkable women who are leaders in their craft, providing opportunities for connection and community in the whiskey industry, who uplift and develop the women and underrepresented members of their team, and who represent the very best of the talented women in the industry. As a pioneer in supporting female bourbon enthusiasts, Bourbon Women is the first female spirits consumer group in the nation and takes immense pride in presenting the WOW Awards as the next chapter in their commitment to honoring the achievements of women in the spirits world.
Brands, companies, and individuals will have the opportunity to nominate deserving women who embody the essence of excellence in each award category. Nominations are now open at the official WOW awards page: https://bourbonwomen.org/wow-women-of-whiskey-awards/. A distinguished panel of industry experts will carefully 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 have the honor of attending the WOW Awards as special guests of Bourbon Women. Companies who nominate the extraordinary women, alongside industry members and consumers, will be invited to purchase seats or tables at the Friday evening dinner.
Heather Wibbels, Managing Director of Bourbon Women, said of the awards, “Bourbon Women has always championed and elevated women in the whiskey and hospitality industry. 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, please visit the Bourbon Women/WOW Awards website at https://bourbonwomen.org/wow-women-of-whiskey-awards/. Join us as we celebrate the exceptional women shaping the whiskey industry with their unwavering passion and contributions.