The University of Kentucky's Estate Whiskey Alliance (EWA) Has Unveiled The First Products

The University of Kentucky's Estate Whiskey Alliance (EWA) has unveiled the first products to earn its new Estate Whiskey Certified label.

The designation "estate whiskey" applies to spirits produced entirely on a distillery estate, using grains either grown on the estate itself or sourced locally. To qualify, distilleries must handle every stage of production onsite — from milling, cooking, fermentation, and distillation to barreling, ageing, and bottling. Moreover, at least two-thirds of the mash bill must come from grains cultivated on land owned or controlled by the distillery.

Distilleries participating in the EWA certification programme that meet these criteria can proudly display the "Estate Whiskey Certified" logo on their bottles.

Landon Borders, director of the EWA, emphasized:“The Estate Whiskey Alliance’s certification programme is central to our mission of bringing transparency to consumers about where ingredients come from and how whiskey is produced. By authenticating these products with our globally recognized mark, we guarantee the exceptional craftsmanship behind every bottle.”

The first whiskey to achieve this certification was Star Hill Farm Whisky by Maker’s Mark Distillery, released earlier this year. This bottling celebrates regenerative agriculture's role in enhancing soil health and whiskey flavour.

Rob Samuels, managing director of Maker’s Mark, said:“The new certification shows the industry and consumers that provenance, traceability, and a commitment to local ingredients matter. Maker’s Mark has upheld these values since its founding, and as a founding EWA member, we’re proud to help lead this movement toward a more regenerative future for American whiskey.”

Following Maker’s Mark, several other EWA members have joined under the Estate Whiskey Certified label. New certified releases are launching from Black Fox Farm and Distillery in Saskatchewan, Hillrock Estate Distillery in New York, and Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. in Illinois, with additional certified products planned.

Jamie Walter, co-founder and CEO of Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., explained:“We hope this mark helps us show consumers why we do what we do. Growing 100% of our own grains is challenging but vital for quality, flavour, and sustainability. We’ve always believed great whiskey isn’t made — it’s grown.”

Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote, co-founder and CEO of Black Fox Farm and Distillery, added:“We’re honoured to be part of this movement that brings authenticity and agricultural heritage back to whisky production, and proud to represent Canadian craftsmanship among the first certified estate whiskies.”

Each certified product will appear on the EWA website, where consumers can explore details like mash bill composition, the share of estate-grown grains, and distillery locations. The EWA, which describes itself as a global consortium, welcomes whiskey producers, farmers, suppliers, academic institutions, and related organisations.

Looking ahead, Alexa Narel, EWA operations manager, said:

“Our programme is global, and we aim to grow membership both within and beyond the US. By learning from estate whiskey practices in other regions, we can further strengthen the EWA and support our members worldwide.”