The 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition will pit craft whiskey distillers against each other in a rigorous judging process that celebrates agricultural innovation and spirit craftsmanship. Scheduled for July 15 in Indianapolis, the biennial competition will award prestigious honors across multiple whiskey categories, with a special emphasis on farmer-distillers.
The competition, sponsored by corn marketing associations from 21 states, will offer several key awards, including the coveted Top Farmer-Distiller Trophy and Best-of-State recognitions. These awards spotlight distilleries where owners also operate farms that grow corn, representing a critical intersection between agricultural production and premium spirit creation.
In the 2023 competition, over 30% of entries came from farmer-distillers, demonstrating the growing significance of this category. The competition serves as a platform for craft distillers to showcase their innovative techniques and exceptional whiskey production.
Margie A.S. Lehrman, CEO of the American Craft Spirits Association, emphasized the competition's importance in driving industry innovation. The judging panel will consist of expert mixologists and industry professionals who will evaluate entries across multiple whiskey categories, including bourbon, bottled in bond, and rye.
Winners will be announced in early September, with the potential to significantly enhance the reputation and visibility of participating craft distilleries. The competition not only celebrates individual achievement but also underscores the broader narrative of American craft spirits as a testament to quality, creativity, and agricultural heritage.
