The Sazerac Company has achieved remarkable success at the 2024 Spirits Business American Whiskey Masters, earning an impressive total of 27 medals. This includes two prestigious Master medals, which were awarded to Thomas S. Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Finished Bourbon and 1792 Aged 12 Years. In addition, Sazerac secured 15 Gold medals and 10 Silver medals, underscoring the company's excellence in whiskey production.
Among the highlights is Traveller Whiskey, a new brand from Buffalo Trace Distillery, which won a Gold medal in its debut year. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it reflects the strong reception of Sazerac's innovative offerings.
Jake Wenz, President and CEO of Sazerac, expressed gratitude to the judges and pride in the team’s dedication to crafting high-quality whiskey. The awards serve as a testament to Sazerac's commitment to exceptional distilling and aging practices across its extensive portfolio.
Summary of Awards:
Master Medals:
- Thomas S. Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Finished Bourbon
- 1792 Aged 12 Years
Gold Medals:
- Very Old Barton 90 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1792 Single Barrel Bourbon (Super Premium Category)
- W.L. Weller Antique Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1792 Full Proof Bourbon
- 1792 Small Batch Bourbon
- E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Thomas H. Handy Straight Rye Whiskey
- Benchmark Top Floor Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Benchmark Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Benchmark Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Benchmark Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1792 Bottled in Bond Bourbon
- Sazerac Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
- Traveller Whiskey
Silver Medals:
- Early Times Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1792 Sweet Wheat Bourbon
- W.L. Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Benchmark Bonded Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Early Times American Blended Whiskey
- Early Times Bottled in Bond Whiskey
- Benchmark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1792 Single Barrel Bourbon (No Age Statement Category)
- This achievement highlights Sazerac’s prominent role in the American whiskey industry, with its brands being recognized for their superior quality and craftsmanship.
About The Sazerac Company
The Sazerac Company is one of the oldest and most storied spirits companies in the United States, with a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Founded in 1850, the company is named after the Sazerac Coffee House in New Orleans, where the iconic Sazerac cocktail was first crafted. Over the years, the company has grown into a global powerhouse in the beverage industry, known for its extensive portfolio of high-quality spirits and its deep connection to American cocktail culture.
The origins of the Sazerac Company are closely tied to the creation of the Sazerac cocktail, which is considered by many to be the first-ever cocktail. The drink was originally made with Sazerac de Forge et Fils cognac, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud's Bitters—another key product that the company is famous for. As American whiskey became more popular, rye whiskey eventually replaced cognac in the recipe, solidifying the Sazerac cocktail as a staple of New Orleans and American bar culture.
Today, the Sazerac Company is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, but it maintains a strong connection to its New Orleans roots. The company owns and operates several distilleries and production facilities across the United States, including the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, which is one of the most renowned and awarded distilleries in the world. Buffalo Trace is famous for producing a wide range of highly sought-after bourbons, such as Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Pappy Van Winkle, and Blanton's.
In addition to bourbon, the Sazerac Company's portfolio includes a diverse array of spirits, ranging from rum, vodka, and gin to liqueurs, brandies, and tequilas. Some of the notable brands under the Sazerac umbrella include Southern Comfort, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, and Benchmark Bourbon. The company has also been active in acquiring historic brands and reviving them, preserving the legacy of classic American spirits.
The Sazerac Company is known not only for its commitment to quality and tradition but also for its innovation and adaptability. Despite its long history, the company continues to evolve and expand, catering to changing consumer tastes while maintaining the integrity of its classic brands. Its influence extends beyond just production; the Sazerac Company has played a significant role in shaping cocktail culture in the U.S. and around the world.
Overall, the Sazerac Company stands as a pillar of the spirits industry, celebrated for its heritage, its vast and diverse portfolio, and its enduring impact on American whiskey and cocktail culture. Whether through its legendary distilleries or its iconic brands, the Sazerac Company continues to be a major force in the global spirits market.
