Every two years, craft whiskey makers from across the United States gather to showcase their skills, creativity, and deep connection to one of the nation’s most vital crops: corn. The 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition, set to take place on July 15 in Indianapolis, Indiana, is more than just a contest—it’s a celebration of small distilleries, family-owned farms, and the agricultural roots that make American whiskey so special. This biennial event, organized by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and backed by state corn marketing associations, shines a spotlight on the craft distillers who turn locally grown corn into award-winning spirits.
A Competition Rooted in Tradition and Innovation
The Heartland Whiskey Competition, which began in 2017, is unique because it focuses exclusively on craft whiskeys that use corn as a key ingredient. Corn is the backbone of many American whiskeys, especially bourbon, which by law must contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill (the mix of grains used to make whiskey). But this competition goes beyond bourbon, welcoming entries in categories like rye, bottled in bond, and other whiskey styles, as long as corn plays a role. Any craft distiller in the U.S. can enter, making it a truly national stage for small, independent producers to showcase their work.
What sets this competition apart is its emphasis on recognizing the best of the best in specific states and among farmer-distillers—those who not only craft whiskey but also grow the corn used in their spirits. The 2025 event will continue this tradition, with judging hosted at West Fork Whiskey Co. in Indianapolis. A panel of respected industry professionals and expert mixologists will evaluate each entry through a blind tasting process, ensuring fairness and focusing purely on quality. Winners will be announced in early September, giving distillers plenty of time to leverage their awards in marketing and sales.
The Prestigious Awards at Stake
The Heartland Whiskey Competition offers a range of awards, but two stand out as the most sought-after: the “Best-of-State” and the Top Farmer-Distiller honors.
- Best-of-State Awards: These are given to the top-scoring whiskey from each of the 21 states sponsored by their respective corn marketing associations. These states, which include powerhouses like Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana, as well as others like Colorado, Maryland, and Tennessee, represent over 75% of all U.S. craft distillers. Winning a Best-of-State award is a major achievement, as it highlights a distillery’s ability to stand out among fierce competition within their region. These awards also help distillers gain recognition among consumers and distributors, boosting their visibility in a crowded market.
- Top Farmer-Distiller Awards: The 2025 competition will expand its Farmer-Distiller program to include three distinct awards, celebrating the unique contributions of distillers who also farm corn. These awards are:
- Top Farmer-Distiller Trophy: This is the competition’s most prestigious honor, awarded to the distillery with the highest average score across three different whiskey entries. It’s a testament to consistency, skill, and dedication to both farming and distilling.
- Best Farmer-Distilled Bourbon: This award recognizes the top-scoring bourbon made by a farmer-distiller, honoring the craft of producing America’s signature whiskey.
- Best Farmer-Distilled “Beyond Bourbon” Whiskey: This category celebrates the highest-scoring non-bourbon whiskey (such as rye or corn whiskey) crafted by a farmer-distiller, showcasing innovation in whiskey styles.
Farmer-distillers are a vital part of the competition, making up more than 30% of entries in the 2023 event. These producers embody the “field-to-glass” ethos, growing their own corn and transforming it into spirits with a direct connection to the land. Their work highlights the agricultural heritage that has defined American whiskey for centuries.
The Role of Corn and State Sponsorship
Corn is more than just an ingredient in the Heartland Whiskey Competition—it’s the heart of the event. Most craft distilleries rely on locally grown corn to create their whiskeys, forging a strong bond between farmers and distillers. This connection is why 21 state corn marketing associations, from the Colorado Corn Promotion Council to the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, sponsor the competition. These organizations provide funding to cover judging, awards, and marketing costs, ensuring that small distilleries have a platform to shine.
The sponsoring states represent a diverse cross-section of America’s heartland and beyond, including:
- Illinois Corn Marketing Board
- Indiana Corn Growers Association
- Iowa Corn Promotion Board
- Kansas Corn Growers Association
- Kentucky Corn Growers Association
- Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board
- Missouri Corn Merchandising Council
- Ohio Corn Marketing Program
- Tennessee Corn Promotion Board
- Texas Corn Producers
- And many more
Together, these associations support an industry that’s not only growing but also innovating. As Margie A.S. Lehrman, CEO of the ACSA, noted, craft distillers are pushing boundaries with new techniques and flavor profiles, all while maintaining the high quality that corn-based whiskeys are known for. “The craft distilling sector is driving remarkable innovation,” Lehrman said, emphasizing how these small businesses are redefining American whiskey and elevating corn’s role in premium spirits.
A Growing Industry and a Bright Future
Since its launch in 2017, the Heartland Whiskey Competition has grown significantly, with hundreds of medals awarded to family-owned distilleries across the country. The 2023 competition saw a surge in entries, reflecting the rapid expansion of the craft spirits industry. According to industry reports, the number of craft distillers in the U.S. has increased by 54% since 2016, and whiskey remains their most popular product. This growth is fueled by consumer demand for unique, high-quality spirits with a story behind them—something craft distillers excel at delivering.
The competition’s blind judging process ensures that every entry is evaluated on its merits, with no bias toward bigger brands or more established names. Judges score whiskeys on a 100-point scale, considering factors like appearance, aroma, palate, texture, and finish. Medals are awarded based on these scores, with gold for 90-100 points, silver for 80-89, and bronze for 70-79. In 2023, only 12 whiskeys earned gold medals, underscoring the high standards of the competition.
For winning distillers, the awards are more than just bragging rights. Medals and trophies from the Heartland Whiskey Competition help small distilleries stand out in a competitive market, attracting the attention of consumers, retailers, and distributors. These accolades can be a game-changer for family-owned businesses, many of which operate on tight budgets and rely on local support to thrive.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with registrations opening in spring 2025. Craft distillers from across the country are already preparing their entries, hoping to claim a Best-of-State title, a Farmer-Distiller award, or even a coveted gold medal. The event will not only highlight the skill and creativity of America’s craft distillers but also celebrate the farmers who grow the corn that makes it all possible.
As the competition approaches, the craft spirits community is buzzing with anticipation. For distillers, it’s a chance to showcase their passion and craftsmanship. For corn farmers, it’s an opportunity to see their hard work transformed into world-class whiskeys. And for whiskey lovers, it’s a reminder of the rich agricultural heritage behind every bottle.
Whether you’re a fan of bold bourbons, spicy ryes, or smooth corn whiskeys, the Heartland Whiskey Competition is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of America’s craft distillers. Mark your calendars for early September, when the 2025 winners will be announced, and get ready to raise a glass to the best craft whiskeys in the nation.
