CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland Whiskey’s Underground Bourbon Whiskey finished with Black Cherry Wood was awarded a rare double gold medal and their Underground Rye Whiskey finished with Black Cherry Wood a gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). A competition whose awards are considered one of the most reliable indications of spirits excellence in the world. Wheat Penny Bourbon® was awarded a Silver medal.
The competition ensures equal consideration by having highly controlled blind tastings. Judges do not receive any information on the producer or the price point. They determine which entries are worthy of a Gold, Silver, or Bronze medal based on tasting alone. Only those entries that receive a Gold medal from all the judges on a panel earn a Double Gold award.
In 2009 Tom Lix, founder, and CEO, set out to make bourbon and whiskey differently with technology. In 2013, the first bottles of Cleveland Whiskey hit the shelfs and in 2015, the Cleveland Underground® series was born. “Accelerating the aging process was just the first step in applying technology to make whiskey differently.” Tom Lix said, “Bigger and better opportunities lie in being able to make whiskeys with woods other than oak and the Underground whiskeys finished with Black Cherry Wood and Wheat Penny Bourbon are great examples of that.”
Today, Cleveland Whiskey is in the process of moving into a larger facility in the heart of Cleveland. The new space, situated on the Cuyahoga river in the south flats, is ten times larger than the current space and will enable them to significantly increase production. Best of all, the expansion plans include a distillery brand experience that will be a “must-see” destination in the City of Cleveland.
“Our mission is simple; every day make good whiskey and do the right thing. Over the past year we have lived that by making and donating hand sanitizer to the frontline workers in our community including the Cleveland Clinic’s 51,000 healthcare workers, nursing homes, Cuyahoga County’s Police, Fire and EMS, and more. The awards help show we have delivered on the other part of our promise, we made good whiskey everyday too,” said Tom Lix, founder and CEO of the company.
About Cleveland Whiskey
Founded in 2009, Cleveland Whiskey is a maker of Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys. Named “Whiskey Distillery Innovator of the Year,” Cleveland Whiskey has won more than 100 medals and counting at competitions around the world. Unique finishes with woods that include black cherry, sugar maple, and apple, limited runs of coffee infusions plus local craft beer and honey barrel aged bourbons. We are always pushing the traditional limits of whiskey. Visit us at www.clevelandwhiskey.com. Follow us @clevelandwhiskey on Instagram and Facebook.