The Estate Whiskey Alliance® (EWA), headquartered at the University of Kentucky, has announced its first wave of Estate Whiskey Certified™ products. This certification recognizes whiskeys made entirely on estate distillery grounds with the majority of grains grown on the estate itself. The initiative aims to provide consumers with transparency in ingredient sourcing and production processes. “The Estate Whiskey Alliance’s certification program is central to our mission by providing transparency to consumers on ingredient sourcing and whiskey production methods,” said Landon Borders, EWA director. “By authenticating those whiskey products that meet our highest standards with a globally recognized Estate Whiskey Certified mark, we’re assuring consumers of the exceptional craftsmanship behind each pour.”
Estate Whiskey Certified products must have each of the following characteristics:
- All production processes including milling, cooking, fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging and bottling occur on the estate distillery.
- At least 2/3 of all mash bill grains are grown on estate-owned or controlled land.
Only EWA members that opt into the certification program and meet grain sourcing and whiskey production requirements can display the prestigious Estate Whiskey Certified logo on their qualifying bottles.
Maker’s Mark Debuts First-Ever Certified Estate Whiskey
In April, Maker’s Mark became the first distillery to launch a certified estate whiskey with its Star Hill Farm Whisky. This release also marks the brand’s introduction of new mash bills and its commitment to regenerative agriculture. Rob Samuels, managing director of Maker’s Mark, stated, “With our recent launch of Star Hill Farm Whisky, we unlocked how nature elevates flavor, and we believe we’re uniquely positioned to share our regenerative farming journey with this alliance for the continued progress — at scale — of our industry.”
More Distilleries Join the Estate Whiskey Movement
Additional certified products are being released by other EWA members, including Black Fox Farm and Distillery (Saskatchewan, Canada), Hillrock Estate Distillery (New York), and Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. (Illinois). Each of these distilleries meets the alliance’s strict criteria: all production must take place on-site, and at least two-thirds of the mash bill grains must be grown on estate-controlled land.
Black Fox Champions Terroir and Transparency
Black Fox Farm and Distillery emphasized its commitment to terroir and transparency. “Growing 95% of our own grains on Saskatchewan prairie isn’t just our production method — it’s our philosophy,” said Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote, co-founder and CEO. “The Estate Whiskey Alliance certification validates what we’ve known all along: that true terroir-driven spirits require this level of integration and transparency.”
Hillrock Estate Distillery Highlights Sustainability
Hillrock Estate Distillery, known for its estate-grown bourbon, rye, and single malt, praised the certification program. “We believe that consumers highly value transparency and are seeking genuine, high-quality local products which are made sustainably,” said Jeffrey Baker, CEO. “We are confident that the EWA certification program will play a critical role in providing confidence to consumers and advancing the estate whiskey category.”
Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. Brings Farm Heritage to the Forefront
Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., operated by fifth-generation Illinois farmers, also joined the inaugural wave. “Raising 100% of our own distillery grains is not easy, but we think it is critically important from a quality, flavor and sustainability standpoint,” said Jamie Walter, co-founder and CEO. “From the beginning we’ve always said that great whiskey isn’t made — it’s grown.”
Certification Signals Industry Shift Toward Provenance and Quality
As more distilleries align with the EWA, the certification is emerging as a symbol of craftsmanship and traceability. “The Estate Whiskey Alliance and its new certification signals to the industry and consumers that provenance, traceability and a commitment to locally sourced ingredients matter,” added Samuels of Maker’s Mark. Certified products are now listed on the EWA’s website, which details mash bills, grain sources, and production sites.
EWA Eyes Global Expansion and Collaboration
The EWA is expanding its global reach, inviting producers, farmers, and academic institutions to join. “This is a global program, and our goal is to grow our membership both in and outside of the U.S.,” said Alexa Narel, EWA operations manager. The alliance aims to share best practices and unify the estate whiskey category across jurisdictions.
Learn More on Bourbon Lens Podcast Episode 334
To hear more about the launch of the first-ever Estate Whiskey Certified product, including Maker’s Mark’s Star Hill Farm Whisky, tune into the latest episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, episode 334.
Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, subscribe to our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Recent Bourbon Lens Coverage
- Heaven Hill Brands Repeats As Most Awarded Distillery At SFWSC
- Oban Launches ‘Being This Likeable Isn’t Easy’ Campaign
- Estate Whiskey Alliance® Recognizes First Estate Whiskey Certified™ Products
- Motlow State and Nearest Green Distillery Partner for New Distilled Spirits Program
- Northern Row Brewery Launching New Northern Liberties Bourbon
- Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Single Malt is the New Whiskey from Hawk’s Rock Distillery
