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Heritage Distilling wins record number of Spirits Competition awards

Gig Harbor-based Heritage Distilling won a record 66 medals at the American Distilling Institute’s 2023 International Spirits Competition Awards.

Distilleries and brands of all sizes from all over the world, including some of the largest sprits brands, entered the competition.

“These awards serve as a reminder that hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence can truly make a difference,” Heritage Distilling co-founder Justin Stiefel said. “Cheers to the American Distilling Institute for their continued support and for fostering a spirit of excellence within our industry.”

Inside Heritage Distilling Company’s Gig Harbor tasting room. Julie Warrick Ammann

Among the 66 awards were Gold Medal designations for Distiller’s Reserve: Cocoa Bomb Nightcap; Stiefel’s Select: Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey 4 Grain; and Elk Rider Bourbon for Excellence in Packaging.

Earning Best of Category awards were Heritage’s 1st Special Forces Group Blended Whiskey 7th Edition (gold medal in the Blended Whiskey category); Cask Club Reserve: Barrel Aged Commanders Spiced Rum (gold medal in Spiced Rum); Distiller’s Reserve: Orange Spiced Rye (gold medal in Flavored Whiskey); Elk Rider Rum (silver medal in Column Still Rum); and Lavender Flavored Vodka (silver medal in Flavored Vodka).

Heritage’s flagship store is located at the corner of Harborview Drive and Pioneer Way in Gig Harbor. It operates out of a 67,500-square-foot warehouse on Bujacich Road.

Read our story from last winter for more background on Heritage Distilling.

Justin and Jennifer Stiefel, cofounders of Heritage Distilling Company of Gig Harbor. Heritage Distilling Company