Sazerac wins IWSC 2025 Bourbon Whiskey Producer Trophy

Sazerac has been named winner of the IWSC's 2025 Bourbon Whiskey Producer Trophy, capping a year of extraordinary challenges and achievements for America's oldest continuously operating distillery. 

For 252 years, through wars, prohibition, and economic upheaval, Buffalo Trace Distillery has never stopped making whiskey. Founded in 1773, it's home to legends who shaped bourbon history - Col. E.H. Taylor Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Elmer T. Lee. Today, under Sazerac's stewardship, it continues defining what America's native spirit can become. 

Bourbon's identity stems from strict legal requirements: at least 51% corn, new charred oak barrels, no artificial additives, and distillation in the United States. Corn provides signature sweetness whilst charred oak contributes vanilla, caramel and spice. Kentucky's dramatic seasonal temperature swings accelerate maturation, creating spirits that are bold, complex and unmistakably American. 

This year tested Buffalo Trace like no other. Historic flooding - among the largest ever recorded on-site - could have devastated operations. Instead, they safeguarded their workforce, resumed shipping within a week, and returned to full production in three months without job losses. 

Yet 2025 was defined by more than survival. The completion of their decade-long, $1.2 billion expansion - described as "one of the largest ever in Kentucky's bourbon industry" - ensures capacity without compromising accessibility. Buffalo Trace bourbon remains under $28, Eagle Rare below $50, maintaining bourbon's democratic spirit. Meanwhile, innovations like Weller 18 Year Old and Traveller Whiskey (MLB's first Official Whiskey) push creative boundaries. 

Judge David T. Smith highlighted their commanding performance: "Even just based on the medals, Sazerac were clear winners with one Gold Outstanding and six Golds under their belt."

Congratulations to Sazerac!