The John Barleycorn Society of Spirits Writers and Marketers exists to foster and support the spirits industry. We donated half of all Taste entry fees in the spring competition to the Bartender’s Guild COVID-19 Relief Fund. This organization is the lifeline for the workers who play such an important, often unsung role in our industry.
We’d also like to recognize our entrants who unselfishly stepped up and helped their communities by using their skills as distillers to make potentially life-saving sanitizer.
Special Double Gold Winner
Black Button Distillery
Rochester, NY
Raised over $8500 and partnered with the United Way of Greater Rochester to provide free hand sanitizer for local hospitals, first responders and at-risk communities.
Special Double Gold Winner
Montanya Distillers
Crested Butte, CO
"We love rum. We love our planet and community more. We’re honored to be part of a global movement balancing profit with purpose."
Special Double Gold Winner
The Bard Distillery
Graham, KY
“Not nearly as fun as making bourbon but nearly as useful”. Quickly transitioned from making bourbon to large quantities of topical solution alcohol antiseptic for the Graham, KY community.
Special Double Gold Winner
Ole Smoky Distillery
Gatlinburg, TN
Ole Smoky quickly transitioned to commercial quantities of hand sanitizer to take care of East Tennessee local police and sheriff departments, as well as first responders.
Special Double Gold Winner
William Price Distilling Company
Houston, TX
"Clean Hands, Drunk Hearts". Raised money and provided product to front line workers and first responders free of charge. Selecting one bar each week to donate a portion of the proceeds so that can pay their staff and keep them fed and housed.
