The Heartland Whiskey Competition is a one-of-a-kind, biennial event that brings together U.S. craft distillers in a professionally judged competition—with one key requirement: their whiskey must include corn as an ingredient.
Sponsored by state corn associations, this competition provides a unique opportunity for small, often family-owned distilleries to showcase their craft. Earning a medal at Heartland offers critical recognition that helps boost brand awareness and credibility.
The 2025 blind judging competition, overseen by the American Craft Spirits Association, will take place on July 15 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Distillers will compete across multiple categories, with top-scoring entries earning awards.
There are three core award categories, all highlighting corn as a key ingredient. Any U.S.-made craft whiskey that includes corn is eligible to compete for medals within its appropriate category.
“Best-of-State” trophies are awarded to the highest-scoring whiskey from each sponsoring state association. Additionally, the “Best-of-Show” and “Farmer-Distiller” trophies honor the top overall entries from participating states in their respective categories.
The “Farmer-Distiller” category specifically recognizes distilleries owned by individuals who also operate a working corn farm. This award celebrates the agricultural heritage and deep roots behind many of America’s finest whiskeys. In 2023, over 30% of entries in the Heartland Whiskey Competition came from farmer-distillers.
The Kentucky Corn Growers Association proudly sponsors this competition to highlight and support Kentucky’s craft spirits industry—an industry strongly supported by thousands of Kentucky corn farmers.
Each year, the industry consumes over 21 million bushels of corn, with 70% of the corn used by Kentucky Distillers Association (KDA) distillers coming directly from Kentucky farms.
Craft distilleries interested in participating can learn more and register at:
https://americancraftspirits.org/programs/special-events/.