Congratulations to Buffalo Trace Distillery for its winning of Innovator of the Year by Whisky Magazine at the Whiskies & Spirits Conference in London recently.

Buffalo Trace, formerly Ancient Age, was named the World’s Best Whisky Brand Innovator because it maintains “a continuous commitment to experimentation and research in the production of premium American Whiskeys,” said Managing Editor Rupert Wheeler.

Just sample the Buffalo Trace-produced Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey to get an idea of the quality being produced from the experimentation and innovation at this over 240-year old distillery. This boutique rye whiskey is only produced once a year, and Thomas H. Handy won top honors at the 2015 World Whiskies Awards when it was named the World’s Best American Whiskey. Eight other whiskeys from Buffalo Trace joined the Handy rye whiskey in winning awards in London.

Two whiskies received three American overall awards. Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year was the overall winner for Best Age Statement Bourbon and the overall winner for Best Bourbon, and Thomas H. Handy Straight Rye Whiskey was the overall winner for Best American Rye.

The Best Non-Age Statement Bourbon, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, received gold, Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon received silver and William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey received bronze.

Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Straight Rye Whiskey won gold for Best Non-Age Statement American Rye, and W.L. Weller 12 Year won bronze for Best Age Statement Bourbon.

These current awards come on the heels of Buffalo Trace being named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine in 2014/2015 at its Icons of Whisky America Awards. Buffalo Trace was cited for this prestigious award for its quest to find the perfect whisky through its Experimental Collection and the building of its Warehouse X. Additionally, Buffalo Trace’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley was named Distillery Manager of the Year.

Join me in tipping my hat to all the folks over at Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, KY, for the longevity of excellence they have maintained, and for all that fine sipping whiskey they continue to produce. It makes this writer thirsty all over.