ALBANY — The New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association today announced that the next Heartland Whiskey Competition will take place July 22-23 in Louisville, Kentucky and craft distillers from New York are invited to compete. This is the third successive Heartland Whiskey Competition that state corn marketing associations throughout America’s Heartland have come together to sponsor. The biennial contest is sanctioned by the American Craft Spirits Association and strictly limited to craft whiskeys that contain some amount of corn as an ingredient. Any craft distiller in the U.S. is eligible to enter product for judging in several categories. The most coveted awards are “best of state” which are limited to only those 16 states sponsored by their respective corn associations and “best of show”, also limited to sponsor states.
“We are thrilled to once again work with the state corn associations and support a competition that highlights small distilleries in their individual states which this covers approximately 40 percent of all U.S. craft distilleries,” said Margie Lehrman, executive director of ACSA. “Our is a rapidly growing industry that requires continual support which corn growers have so graciously provided these last several years. This competition provides craft distilleries – many of which are independent, family-run businesses – a unique opportunity for visibility among consumers and distributors.”
Spirits competitions carry significant weight in the spirits industry, as award medals are often the reason a consumer purchases a product at retail. New York distillers have performed well in previous Heartland Whiskey competitions, earning several coveted medals. Most craft distilleries use corn mash sourced locally to make their product.
ACSA will select judges from accomplished mixologists who have experience with craft spirits. The actual judging will occur July 22 and 23 and winners will be announced in early August.
About American Craft Spirits Association
The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) is the only registered non-profit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry. Its mission is to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers, and membership in ACSA is open to anyone.
ACSA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the eligible voting members of the Association. Voting members must be independent licensed distillers (DSPs) annually removing fewer than 750,000 proof gallons from bond (the amount on which a Federal Excise Tax is paid.)
About the New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association
The New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association (NYCSGA) is a grassroots organization representing corn and soybean producers’ interests. The Association works to develop and expand markets, educate members and consumers and enhance public policy for corn and soybean growers in the Empire State. The Association sponsors research on corn and soybean production, utilization, and marketing; and hosts educational programs on management, production, and marketing. The Association is also a Qualified State Soybean Board and administers New York’s soybean checkoff.
–New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association