Top Farmer-Distiller Expands

For this competition, Top Farmer-Distiller will be expanded to three awards. The Top Farmer-Distiller trophy will be awarded to the entry from a sponsoring state with the top average score over three bottles. This is arguably the most difficult award to win in the entire competition and the trophy will go to a farmer!

In addition, two distinct awards will be given for single Farmer-Distiller bottles from sponsoring states: one for the top-scoring farmer-distilled bourbon; and, a second for the top scoring farmer-distilled whiskey in all other non-bourbon categories. Farmer-Distiller entries must come from distilleries whose owner(s) operate a working farm. 

The 2025 Farmer-Distiller program will give awards in three distinct categories:

• Top Farmer-Distiller Trophy — Awarded to the distillery with the highest average score across three different entries, this is considered the competition’s most challenging and prestigious honor;
• Best Farmer-Distilled Bourbon — Recognizing the highest-scoring bourbon produced by a farmer-distiller.
• Best Farmer-Distilled "Beyond Bourbon" Whiskey — Honoring the top whiskey outside of the bourbon category made by a farmer-distiller.

More than 30% of all 2023 competition distillers were farmer-distillers!