Gatlinburg, Tennessee-based Ole Smoky Distillery announced it has earned an Impact Blue Chip Award from M. Shanken Communications for the fourth year in a row. Shanken is known for magazines including Wine Spectator, Impact, Market Watch, Food Arts and Cigar Aficionado. Each year, Impact recognizes the beverage alcohol industry’s best long-term performers with its Blue Chip Brands. To earn honors, brands must have:
- At least 10 consecutive years of volume growth or an average annual compound growth rate of at least 2% from 2013 to 2023 with at least eight annual increases the past ten years
- At least $25 million gross profit and at least 500,000 9-liter cases depleted in 2023
“Our team at Ole Smoky is honored to receive our fourth consecutive Impact Blue Chip Award,” said Robert Hall, CEO, Ole Smoky Distillery. “The growth that Ole Smoky has enjoyed in the last 10 years has pushed the company into the Top 20 spirits companies in the US and our team is very proud of this achievement, which not only reflects the relentless drive and creativity of our team, but also fuels our commitment to push for new heights in the spirits industry. We are always striving for excellence, and this recognition inspires us to continue leading with innovation and passion.”
In addition to the article in the Oct. 15 issue of Impact, there will also be a feature story on the Blue Chip Brands in the December issue of Market Watch.