Dow Scoggins

Whiskey fans, here’s your updated guide to the Top 20 best selling whiskeys pours in America! The U.S. market saw a minor dip in 2024, but these reliable favorites continue to lead in volume (millions of 9-liter cases). Jim Beam remains the bourbon volume champ, with Jack Daniel’s as an eternal icon. Perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or mixing into classics.

The following are the top 20 best selling whiskeys brands in America, according to Circana , a market research firm that measures off-premise sales such as those in liquor, grocery, and convenience stores.

Top 20 best selling whiskeys in America

1. Jim Beam – Smooth Kentucky bourbon with vanilla and oak notes dominating sales.
   Address (Visitor Center): James B. Beam Distilling Co., 568 Happy Hollow Rd., Clermont, KY 40110
   Website:https://www.jimbeam.com
2. Jack Daniel’s – Charcoal-mellowed Tennessee whiskey, king of mixes.
   Address (Visitor Center): 133 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352
   Website:https://www.jackdaniels.com
3. Crown Royal – Velvety Canadian blend with vanilla vibes.
   Address (Distillery): 19107 Seagram Rd, Gimli, MB R0C 1B0, Canada (limited public tours)
   Website:https://www.crownroyal.com
4. Jameson – Triple-distilled Irish smoothness for shots and more.
   Address (Visitor Center): Jameson Distillery Bow St., Bow St., Smithfield, Dublin, Ireland (main U.S. production at Midleton, but iconic visitor site)
   Website:https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com
5. Fireball – Cinnamon-spiced fun in every shot.
   Address: No public distillery tours available
   Website:https://www.fireballwhisky.com
6. Maker’s Mark – Signature wheated bourbon with red wax seal.
   Address (Visitor Center): 3350 Burks Spring Rd., Loretto, KY 40037
   Website:https://www.makersmark.com
7. Evan Williams – Affordable Kentucky flavor powerhouse.
   Address (Visitor Center): Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Louisville, KY (on Whiskey Row)
   Website:https://evanwilliams.com
8. Wild Turkey – Bold, high-proof classics like 101.
   Address (Visitor Center): 1417 Versailles Rd., Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
   Website:https://www.wildturkeybourbon.com
9. Bulleit – High-rye spicy frontier style.
   Address (Visitor Center): Bulleit Distilling Co., 3464 Benson Pike, Shelbyville, KY 40065
   Website:https://www.bulleit.com
10. Woodford Reserve – Complex, balanced premium sipper.
    Address (Visitor Center): 7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383
    Website:https://www.woodfordreserve.com
11. Seagram’s 7 Crown – Classic blend for 7&7 cocktails.
    Address: No public distillery tours available
    Website:https://www.seagrams7.com
12. Southern Comfort – Fruity, spiced whiskey liqueur staple.
    Address: No public distillery tours available
    Website:https://www.southerncomfort.com
13. Canadian Club – Smooth, timeless Canadian blend.
    Address (Visitor Center): Canadian Club Brand Centre, Windsor, ON, Canada
    Website: (Brand under Beam Suntory; heritage site info available)
14. Canadian Mist – Light and easy Canadian whisky.
    Address (Distillery): Collingwood, ON, Canada (limited public access)
    Website: (Part of Sazerac portfolio)
15. Bulleit Rye – Spicy rye standout.
    Address (Visitor Center):  3464 Benson Pike, Shelbyville, KY 40065
    Website:https://www.bulleit.com 
16. Knob Creek – Robust, longer-aged Beam family gem.
    Address (Visitor Center): Produced at Jim Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY
    Website: (Part of Jim Beam portfolio) https://www.jimbeam.com
17. Buffalo Trace – Iconic gateway to premium bourbon.
    Address (Visitor Center): 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601
    Website:https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com
18. Four Roses – Versatile with unique recipes.
    Address (Visitor Center): 1224 Bonds Mill Rd., Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
    Website:https://www.fourrosesbourbon.com 
19. Old Forester – Historic first bottled bourbon.
    Address (Visitor Center): 119 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202
    Website:https://www.oldforester.com
20. Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond (or similar value bonds) – Solid everyday drinkers.
    Address (Visitor Center): Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Louisville, KY
    Website:https://heavenhilldistillery.com

What’s the difference in Whiskey and Whisky?
In the best selling whiskey list, you have whiskey and whisky. What is the difference? It’s all about where your dram comes from – a fun geographic quirk that’s been stirring debates (and pours) for ages! Countries with an ‘e’ in their name, like Ireland (Irish whiskey) and the United States (American whiskey, including bourbon), spell it with the extra letter for that smooth, approachable vibe. Meanwhile, Scotland (Scotch whisky), Canada, and Japan keep it lean without the ‘e’ – think elegant and traditional. The difference traces back to Gaelic roots (“uisce/uisge beatha” meaning water of life), with Irish distillers adding the ‘e’ in the 1800s to stand out from Scottish blends. At the end of the day, whether you sip a peaty Scotch whisky neat, an Irish whiskey in a cocktail, or a bold American bourbon on the rocks, it’s all delicious “water of life” – cheers to no wrong answers here!

About Circana
Circana (formerly IRI Worldwide), a leading global provider of consumer behavior insights and analytics formed from the 2022 merger of IRI and The NPD Group, delivers powerful data and trends for the beverage alcohol industry—including whiskey, bourbon, rye, and spirits. Through advanced technology like the Liquid Data® platform, Circana tracks sales performance, premiumization shifts, ready-to-drink innovations, and off-premise/on-premise dynamics across thousands of categories and stores worldwide—empowering brands, distilleries, and retailers to navigate market growth, spot emerging opportunities, and make data-driven decisions in the dynamic world of premium spirits.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

The 2025 Best of Texas Whiskey Competition, hosted by the Texas Whiskey Festival, showcased the booming craft whiskey scene in the Lone Star State. This annual event highlights Texas-produced (or Texas-influenced) whiskeys through rigorous blind judging, where experts evaluate entries purely on flavor, aroma, and quality—no labels, no brand hype, just the spirit in the glass. The competition underscores Texas’ growing reputation for innovative, high-caliber whiskeys, from classic bourbons and ryes to experimental cask finishes and flavored expressions.

While not every detail on entry numbers or judging panels is publicly detailed, the focus remains on celebrating local distilleries and encouraging consumers to explore based on taste alone. Winners span categories like bourbon, rye, malt, cask-finished, light, and flavored whiskeys, with additional fan-voted People’s Choice honors.

Here are the standout winners from the 2025 competition:

Best Bourbon in Texas
Gold: Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon – Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Silver: Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Straight Bourbon – Garrison Brothers Distillery
Bronze: Milam and Greene Unabridged Bourbon Volume 3

Best Rye Whiskeys in Texas
Gold: Devils River 5-Year Straight Rye Whiskey – Devils River Whiskey
Silver: IronRoot Slight of Hand Rye (a blend of Texas-made and sourced rye) – IronRoot Republic Distilling
Bronze: 1693 Elevation Rye Whiskey – 1693 Spirits

Best Malt Whiskeys in Texas
Gold: Ranger Creek Texas Landmark Single Malt – Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
Silver: UnBendt Straight Malt Whiskey Bottled in Bond – UnBendt (likely Bendt Distilling or similar)
Bronze: Spirit of Texas Pythagoras – Spirit of Texas

Best Cask-Finished Whiskey
Gold: Giant Texas Distilling Tejas Collaboration – Cigar Blend (Sweet Vermouth Finished) – Giant Texas Distilling
Silver: Ranger Creek 306 Malt Whiskey Finished in Tequila Barrels – Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
Bronze: Real Spirits Distilling Phoenixx Rising Batch 4 – Real Spirits Distilling

Best Light Whiskey in Texas
Gold: Austin Craft Spirits Austin 111 – Austin Craft Spirits
Silver: Texas Heartland Distilling Light Whiskey – Texas Heartland Distilling
Bronze: Andalusia Whiskey Co. Lighten Up, Jake! – Andalusia Whiskey Co.

Best Flavored Whiskey in Texas
Gold: Mossy Horn Pecan – Mossy Horn Whiskey (Andalusia Whiskey Co.)
Silver: Iron Wolf Ranch Iron Hot – Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery
Bronze: Andalusia Whiskey Co. Peach Whiskey – Andalusia Whiskey Co.

People’s Choice Awards (fan-voted favorites)
Gold: Mossy Horn Whiskey – Mossy Horn Whiskey (Andalusia Whiskey Co.)
Silver: Andalusia Whiskey Co. – Andalusia Whiskey Co.
Bronze: Milam & Greene Whiskey – Milam & Greene Whiskey

Texas whiskey continues to thrive, blending traditional techniques with bold experimentation—think mesquite smoking, local grains, and unique finishes influenced by the state’s climate and culture. Standouts like Ranger Creek’s single malt and Still Austin’s cask-strength bourbon highlight why the category is gaining national attention.

For more details, including tasting notes or where to buy, check the official Texas Whiskey Festival site at txwhiskeyfest.com or their awards page. Whether you’re a bourbon purist or a fan of flavored twists, 2025’s winners offer something for every palate. Cheers to Texas spirits—here’s to another year of excellence in the glass!

Top 25 Best Whiskey Bars and Saloons in the USA – 2026

Get ready, bourbon enthusiasts! Penelope Bourbon has just unveiled its 2025 Estate Collection, a dazzling lineup of five premium and ultra-premium straight bourbon whiskeys, each boasting a minimum age statement of 10 years. This highly anticipated release, hitting select markets in September 2025, brings bold flavors, innovative finishes, and increased availability to elevate your sipping experience. From the reimagined Founders Reserve to the groundbreaking Omega Straight Bourbon, here’s everything you need to know about this award-worthy collection.

What’s New in the 2025 Estate Collection?

This year’s collection is a celebration of craftsmanship, featuring:

• Founders Reserve 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: A cask-strength masterpiece aged for 13 years.

• Omega 11 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey: A new star finished in prestigious French Oak barrels.

• Single Barrel 10 Year Bourbon: Two unique mash bills showcasing unparalleled complexity.

• Private Select 10 Year Bourbon: An award-winning blend of hand-selected barrels.

• Expanded allocations across all releases, making it easier for bourbon fans to get their hands on these gems.

“Our Estate Collection brings together the best bourbons we release each year,” says Michael Paladini, Penelope Bourbon founder and VP of strategy for MGP Ingredients. “For 2025, we’re introducing Omega, finished in some of the most prestigious French Oak barrels in the world, and bringing back Founders Reserve as a 13-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon.”

Meet the Stars of the 2025 Estate Collection

1. Founders Reserve 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($199.99)

Aged for 13 years and bottled at a robust 121.4 proof (60.7% ABV), this cask-strength bourbon is a testament to patience and passion. With a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, it’s packaged in a luxurious deep green collectors’ box. Only 3,700 cases will be available starting September 2025.

• Aroma: Rich caramel, vanilla, hints of tobacco, and candied fruit.

• Taste: Toasted nuts, graham cracker, sweet oak, butterscotch, and dark fruit.

• Finish: Lingering spice, caramel sweetness, and black pepper.

2. Omega 11 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($129.99)

Introducing Omega, a game-changer finished for an extra year in Radoux Omega French Oak barrels, crafted with rare, tight-grain oak and advanced OakScan® technology for a precise flavor profile. Bottled at 109.8 proof (54.9% ABV) with the same mash bill as Founders Reserve, only 1,800 cases will hit shelves in September 2025, dressed in an elegant burgundy and gold label.

• Aroma: Warm vanilla, honey, toffee, and allspice.

• Taste: Brown sugar, dark fruit, leather, and cocoa.

• Finish: Sweet spice, cinnamon gum, and buttery nougat.

“We’re excited to introduce Omega as part of the Estate Collection,” says Danny Polise, Penelope’s Founder and Master Blender. “These French Oak finishing casks from Radoux Cooperage, built with oak from prestigious French forests, bring remarkable balance and modern craftsmanship.”

3. Single Barrel 10 Year Bourbon ($89.99)

Hand-selected for their exceptional quality, the 2025 Single Barrel releases offer two distinct mash bills:

• Mash Bill 1: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley at 99 proof (49.5% ABV).

  • Aroma: Vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, and plum.

  • Taste: Caramel, butter toffee, wild cherry candy, and light rye spice.

  • Finish: Cinnamon, frosting, and lingering spice.

  • Availability: 1,300 cases nationwide.

• Mash Bill 2: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley at 103 proof (51.5% ABV).

  • Aroma: Caramel, vanilla, and graham cracker.

  • Taste: Apricot, vanilla, and light chocolate.

  • Finish: Long rye spice with vanilla custard and roasted nuts.

  • Availability: 2,400 cases nationwide.

4. Private Select 10 Year Bourbon ($79.99)

This award-winning blend, aged for 10 years, features a mash bill of 74% corn, 20% rye, 1% wheat, and 5% malted barley. Bottled at 106.8 proof (53.4% ABV), 6,900 cases will be available nationwide starting September 2025.

• Aroma: Rich caramel, cinnamon, and red fruits.

• Taste: Caramel, brown sugar, cherry, and baking spice.

• Finish: Vanilla honey bun with oak spice and light smoke.

Award-Winning Legacy

The 2024 Penelope Estate Collection set the bar high, earning platinum at the 2025 ASCOT Awards and gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Awards for Single Barrel, plus gold at the 2025 ASCOT and SIP Awards for Private Select. The 2025 collection promises to raise the bar even higher with its bold flavors and innovative finishes.

Where to Find the 2025 Estate Collection

The full collection launches in select markets in September 2025, with exclusive first access at Lux Row Distillers starting Friday, September 5, at 9 a.m. EST. Can’t wait to find these bottles? Check out the Penelope Bourbon product locator to track down your favorites.

About Penelope Bourbon

Penelope Bourbon was founded in 2018 by Mike Paladini and his childhood friend Danny Polise in Roselle, New Jersey, to celebrate the birth of Paladini’s daughter, Penelope. Inspired by their shared love for bourbon and a desire to create a whiskey that appeals to both novice and seasoned drinkers, they partnered with MGP’s historic Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, founded in 1847. Initially a small operation with just 1,900 bottles, the brand gained traction through innovative blending and cask finishing, leading to its acquisition by MGP’s Luxco subsidiary in 2023 for $105 million, with a potential earn-out of up to $110.8 million by 2025. Penelope Bourbon has since expanded its reach across over 30 states and four countries, earning recognition for its approachable yet flavorful profiles and creative expressions.

The distillery produces a diverse portfolio, with its flagship Penelope Four Grain Bourbon, a blend of three mash bills (averaging 75% corn, 15% wheat, 7% rye, 3% malted barley), aged 2-5 years in new American oak barrels with #4 char staves and #2 char heads, bottled at 80 proof. Other core offerings include Barrel Strength (116.6 proof, uncut and non-chill filtered), Toasted Series (finished in freshly toasted barrels), and Architect (finished with French oak staves). The Cooper Series explores global wine cask finishes, such as Valencia (Vino de Naranja casks, 95 proof), Tokaji (Hungarian wine casks, 106-109 proof), and Rio (honey and amburana casks). Limited releases like the Founders Reserve, including a 13-year-old American light whiskey and 11-year-old wheat whiskey lots, showcase rare barrels. These expressions, often non-chill filtered, have earned accolades, including a double gold for Toasted Rye at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Raise a glass to Penelope Bourbon’s 2025 Estate Collection—cheers to bold flavors and unforgettable sips!

About Luxco

Since 1958, Luxco, now part of MGP Ingredients Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI), has been a leading producer of premium spirits. Operating distilleries like Ross & Squibb (home of Penelope and Remus), Lux Row Distillers (Rebel, Ezra Brooks, Blood Oath), Limestone Branch (Yellowstone), and Destiladora Gonzalez Lux (100% agave tequilas), Luxco delivers exceptional quality. Visit Luxco.com for more.

Cheers to bold flavors and unforgettable sips with the 2025 Penelope Bourbon Estate Collection!

101 Whiskey Quotes to Sooth the Soul and Maybe Get a Few Laughs – Click Here

SHELBYVILLE, Tennessee – Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most awarded American whiskey brand for five consecutive years, announces the launch of its innovative ‘Lost Chapter’ series. This exclusive collection of limited-edition whiskeys provides enthusiasts with access to previously unreleased chapters from Founder and CEO Fawn Weaver’s acclaimed bestseller, Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest. Released on June 18, the book has soared to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, while also earning spots on USA Today and Publishers Weekly lists and claiming the No. 1 position at Hudson Booksellers nationwide.

The series kicks off with Lost Chapter 1 – 777 (SRP: $139), a 7-year-old barrel-strength Tennessee whiskey bottled between 110-120 proof and limited to just 7,000 bottles in celebration of the brand’s seventh anniversary. Available starting July 19 at the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., select U.S. retailers, and online through ReserveBar.com, each purchase includes a special tag granting access to the book and an exclusive download link for the first lost chapter.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible response to Love & Whiskey—words like ‘grateful’ don’t quite capture it,” said Fawn Weaver. “With sold-out tour events and books flying off shelves, I’m excited to share more of the Uncle Nearest story as we mark this milestone year.”

For those unable to secure the limited-edition bottle, new releases of Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey (SRP: $89.99) rolling out this summer will feature updated neck tags with codes unlocking the same exclusive lost chapter. This acclaimed barrel-strength expression, the most awarded single barrel of 2023, boasts standout honors including a gold medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, platinum and Best Bourbon at the 2024 LA Spirits Awards, and platinum plus Best in Show Tennessee Whiskey at the 2024 TAG Global Spirits Awards.

“This release reflects our dedication to perfection—we patiently waited seven years to capture this whiskey at its peak,” shared Victoria Eady Butler, fifth-generation descendant of Nearest Green and four-time Master Blender of the Year. “I hope enthusiasts savor this bold barrel-strength whiskey alongside the inspiring history of our brand and my great-great-grandfather’s legacy. I know he’d approve.”

For more information about Love & Whiskey, visit www.loveandwhiskeybook.com and for more information on Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, please visit www.unclenearest.com or follow on Instagram @unclenearest.

About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

ncle Nearest Premium Whiskey pays tribute to Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first-known African American master distiller, who perfected the Lincoln County Process and mentored Jack Daniel in crafting what became Tennessee whiskey. Founded in 2017 by entrepreneur and CEO Fawn Weaver after she uncovered Green’s overlooked legacy, the brand has grown into the fastest-growing independent American whiskey in U.S. history and the most awarded bourbon or American whiskey portfolio from 2019 through 2024, with over 1,450 accolades. Produced at the state-of-the-art Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee—a 432-acre landmark dubbed “Malt Disney World”—Uncle Nearest is celebrated for its commitment to quality, history, and innovation under the guidance of four-time Master Blender of the Year Victoria Eady Butler, Green’s fifth-generation descendant.

The acclaimed lineup features core expressions like the bold Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey (100 proof, aged 8-14 years with notes of caramel and vanilla), the smooth 1884 Small Batch Whiskey (93 proof), a distinctive Straight Rye Whiskey, exclusive Single Barrel selections, and limited releases such as the 2025 Master Blend Edition—a cask-strength masterpiece recently crowned World’s Best Bourbon. Available in all 50 states and 26 countries, these premium Tennessee whiskeys deliver exceptional depth and versatility, ideal for sipping neat or crafting elevated cocktails, while honoring a profound American story of resilience and craftsmanship.
Address: 3125 US-231 North Shelbyville, TN 37160
Website: https://unclenearest.com/

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – In a move toward diversifying its portfolio and reaching spirits consumers, Goodwood Brewing Company announced a foray into the crafts spirits space with the launch of a Premium Bourbon aged in stout barrels in 2019. A year later, they are adding a Rye Whiskey to their lineup.

The 90 proof, small-batch rye is the fourth product to be launched under the Goodwood Spirits line. As with all Goodwood Brewing products, an emphasis was placed on quality and craftsmanship, with months of preparation and experimentation going into the spirit.

Goodwood Rye Whiskey is aged for two years, before being finished in Goodwood English Mild beer barrels, for a special flavor that can only develop from this process. Tasting notes of caramel and vanilla fade to a complex spice and smoky body.

Goodwood Rye will be released in early May in select retail stores and exclusive accounts throughout the Louisville area, and will enter the rest of Kentucky in the near future. Goodwood Spirits can also be purchased at the Goodwood Brewing Taproom in Louisville, KY.

Other spirits in development from Goodwood Brewing and Spirits include a Walnut Brown and an Imperial Stout.

ABOUT GOODWOOD BREWING
Goodwood Brewing and Spirits, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, continues to blend the rich traditions of Kentucky bourbon culture with innovative craft brewing. Known for its signature wood-aged beers crafted with pure limestone water—the same source that makes Kentucky bourbon world-famous—Goodwood produces a range of flavorful offerings, including bourbon barrel-aged ales, stouts, and seasonal specialties. The brewery’s commitment to quality extends to barrel-finished spirits and house-made food, creating unique experiences at its taprooms where guests enjoy made-from-scratch dishes paired perfectly with fresh brews.

With multiple locations across Kentucky, including flagship spots in downtown Louisville and Whiskey Row, as well as expansions into neighboring states, Goodwood Brewing and Spirits fosters community through live music, events, and a welcoming atmosphere for beer enthusiasts and whiskey lovers alike. Whether savoring a classic Bourbon Barrel Ale or exploring rotating small-batch creations, visitors discover why Goodwood believes what’s good for bourbon is even better for beer. For more information, visit goodwoodbrewing.com.

 

Complete Listing of Medal Winners: CLICK HERE

Oxford, Ohio – The 2024 U.S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship proudly announces the medal winners and Grand National Champions.

Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee won the U.S. Open Whiskey Championship’s Grand National Champion’s Trophy. Nearest Green took home 4 gold medals in the most competitive whiskey categories in the competition. Their Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey was a favorite among the judges. In the past 2 years, Nearest Green has finished in the Top 5 at the U.S. Open. Today, Nearest Green Distillery is the most successful Black-owned distillery in the world and now has a U.S. Open title. Two-time Grand National Champion, Moylan’s Distillery in Petaluma, California finished a close second after winning 2 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals.

In the U.S. Open Spirits Championship, the U.S. Open had a first, a tie for the Grand National Champion’s Trophy. Oxford Oaks Distillery in Oxford, North Carolina, and Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery in Dayton, Ohio, each won 3 gold medals. The North Carolina distiller won gold medals in the Vodka, Flavored Vodka, and Rum categories, while the Ohio distiller took home golds in the Gin, Barrel Aged Gin, and Specialty Spirits categories. 2024 is the first year that the U.S. Open awarded a Grand National Champion Trophy for best can and bottle cocktails. This year’s Grand National Champion is Safe House Distilling in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They took home 2 golds and a bronze medal for their can cocktails.

Judging in the U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Championships is blind; the judges know only the categories and do not know what they are tasting. The first round of judging was held in Oxford, Ohio at “The Barn”, while the finals were held in Niagara Falls, New York. The U.S. Open works with the Niagara College Teaching Distillery in Ontario. The final round of judges consisted of Niagara College’s Instructors and industry experts from the surrounding area.

Here are the top 5 Whiskey and Spirits Distilleries:

Top 5 Whiskey Distilleries
1. Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
2. Moylan’s Distilling – California
3. Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
4. Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
5. Knox Joseph Distillery – Ohio
5. Safe House Distilling – New Mexico

Top 5 Spirits Distilleries
1. Oxford Oaks Distillery – North Carolina
1. Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
3. Niagara College Teaching Distillery – Ontario
4. Kupu Spirits – Hawaii
4. Red Horse Distillery – Florida
4. New Realm Distilling – Virginia

Complete Listing of Medal Winners: CLICK HERE

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

Indian Creek Distillery: A Sip of History with America’s Oldest Working Stills

Nestled along the serene banks of Indian Creek in New Carlisle, Ohio, lies a living testament to America’s whiskey-making heritage: Indian Creek Distillery. Situated on the historic Staley Mill Farm, this family-owned artisan distillery is home to the oldest working stills in the United States, copper pot stills that have been crafting whiskey since 1820. Operated by sixth-generation distillers Missy and Joe Duer, Indian Creek Distillery is not just a place to savor award-winning rye and corn whiskeys—it’s a journey back to the rugged, spirited days of the Ohio frontier.

A Legacy Forged in Copper
The story of Indian Creek Distillery begins in the early 1800s, when Elias Staley, a millwright and distiller from Pennsylvania, ventured west to the Northwest Territory. In 1818, Elias purchased a 160-acre tract in Miami County, Ohio, where he built a gristmill and a distillery along Indian Creek. His double copper pot stills, affectionately called “the girls” by the current proprietors, were the heart of the operation, producing Staley Rye Whiskey that became renowned for its quality. Customers, including local Native Americans, traveled miles to fill their jugs with this “liquid gold,” which was sold for as little as 10 cents a quart.

The distillery thrived, producing 30 to 35 gallons of rye whiskey daily, with up to 100 barrels aging in the bond house. But in 1862, Elias shuttered the stills in protest of a federal whiskey tax imposed to fund the Civil War. After his death in 1866, his sons—Andrew, Simon, and John—reopened the distillery, registering it as Distillery No. 5 in Ohio’s District 10. The operation continued until Prohibition in 1920, when George Washington Staley, Elias’s grandson, hid the stills and equipment from government agents, preserving them for future generations.

Reviving a Frontier Tradition
Fast forward to 2010, when Missy Duer, a sixth-generation Staley, and her husband Joe took up the mantle to revive the family legacy. With distilling illegal in Ohio until the early 2000s, no Staley had distilled since Prohibition. Armed with the original 1820 copper stills, George’s handwritten 200-year-old rye whiskey recipe (titled “Method of Operation”), and a passion for authenticity, the Duers built a new stillhouse on the farm, designed to reflect the architectural style of the early 1800s.

Relearning the craft was no small feat. Joe faced a “steep learning curve,” deciphering cryptic instructions from old letters, such as “heat your water and cool your water.” He discovered that “heating” meant water warm enough to hold a hand in for a minute, and “cooling” referred to the temperature of fresh cow’s milk—an issue, as Joe quipped, since “I didn’t have a cow.” Despite these challenges, the Duers stayed true to the original process, using locally grown rye and non-GMO corn, artisanal spring water, and an open-top mashing method influenced by the weather, just as Elias did.

Today, those 1820 stills—America’s oldest working stills—are once again flowing with whiskey. At roughly 100 gallons each, they produce small-batch rye and corn whiskeys that capture the essence of early American distilling. The Duers age their whiskey in 10-gallon barrels (originally to meet demand quickly) and hickory barrels, a nod to the hickory trees abundant in the area during Elias’s time, imparting unique flavors of hickory and hops.

A True Sip of History
Indian Creek Distillery’s whiskeys are a bridge between past and present. The flagship Staley Rye Whiskey, made with a mash bill of 65% rye, 20% corn, and malted barley, is bright and flavorful, with earthy, grassy notes and a long, pleasant finish. The distillery also offers unaged “white rye” (straight from the still, clear as water) and corn whiskey, both aged and unaged, each batch reflecting the distiller’s mood and the ancient art of double copper pot distillation. Their whiskeys have earned medals of excellence in international tasting competitions, a testament to their quality and authenticity.

Beyond whiskey, the Duers produce StillHouse Maple Syrup, aged in used whiskey barrels, which has found its way to Whole Foods and local stores. The distillery’s Mercantile Shop offers whiskey glasses, candles, soaps, and other small-batch goods, while the tasting room, adorned with historic photos and artifacts, invites visitors to savor the farm’s 200-year legacy.

Stepping Back in Time
A visit to Indian Creek Distillery is like stepping into the “Old Northwest Territory.” The 160-acre Staley Mill Farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features Ohio’s oldest original gristmill (built in 1818), remnants of the original brick distillery, and the intact warehouse and mash house. The Duers offer Stillhouse tours on Saturdays ($20, including a guided tasting flight) and tastings Tuesday through Saturday, drawing historians, whiskey enthusiasts, and “whiskey historians” alike. For a deeper dive, the Legendary Tour ($45, by reservation) explores the entire farm, from the gristmill to the modern distillery.

The farm also hosts events like concerts, weddings, and tastings with a mixologist crafting cocktails. Visitors praise the gorgeous setting, the warmth of Missy and Joe, and the chance to taste history. As one Yelp reviewer noted, “If you like history and whiskey, then you will love visiting this beautiful distillery. Oldest working copper stills in the country.”

A Family Legacy for the Future
Missy and Joe’s dedication goes beyond whiskey—they’re preserving a way of life. Missy, who says she’s got “whiskey in my blood,” radiates confidence in her role as a docent of this legacy. Their daughter, Carmony, oversees bottling and is poised to carry the tradition forward, perhaps with her own daughters someday. The Duers’ commitment to local sourcing (partnering with farmer Greg McGlinch for grain) and American-made materials underscores their pioneer spirit.

Indian Creek Distillery isn’t just about making whiskey; it’s about distilling truth, aging it with wisdom, and crafting a spirit as old as America itself. As Missy puts it, “Six generations later, the Staley Farm is a living monument to the past, where history is alive and well.” Whether you’re sipping their rye, strolling the farm, or marveling at the 200-year-old stills, a visit to Indian Creek is a chance to taste the spirit of the frontier.

Plan Your Visit: Indian Creek Distillery is open Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM, at 7095 Staley Road, New Carlisle, OH. Call 937-846-1443 for tour reservations or whiskey availability. Products are sold on-site, in over 150 Ohio liquor stores, and at select locations in Kentucky.

 

 

 

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