UK’s Estate Whiskey Alliance® launches certification program

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 11, 2025) — The University of Kentucky’s Estate Whiskey Alliance^® (EWA) is launching a first-of-its-kind program that authenticates estate whiskeys with a globally recognized certification mark to be used on qualifying whiskey product labels: Estate Whiskey Certified™.

Estate whiskey refers to a type of whiskey that is produced entirely on the distillery estate using grains sourced from the estate or local to that site.

“The EWA and our members place utmost priority in authenticity and transparency into the entire farming and whiskey production process. This certification program aims to clearly label those Estate Whiskey Certified™ products to assure consumers of the exceptional craftsmanship and terroir behind every sip,” said Landon Borders, EWA director.

Estate Whiskey Certified™ products will have each of the following characteristics:

• All production processes including milling, cooking, fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging and bottling occur on the estate distillery.
• At least 2/3 of all mash bill grains are grown on estate-owned or controlled land.

Only the specific whiskey products that display sourcing and production requirements can display the prestigious Estate Whiskey Certified™ logo on their qualifying bottles.

Grains are the foundation of whiskey, akin to grapes in wine. From the location to the processing and distilling — all stages impact the final products for consumers.

 “As farmers and distillers, one of our primary objectives is to bring this topic front and center,” said Colby Frey, whiskey farmer and co-founder of Frey Ranch Distillery. “By joining the Estate Whiskey Alliance, we hope to further educate bartenders, retailers and consumers on the importance and relevance of U.S. agriculture and locally grown grains to the production of American whiskey.”

This certification program is now available to any EWA distillery member, and applications are being accepted to certify qualifying products.

“The Estate Whiskey Alliance celebrates three values: transparency, sustainability and flavor of place. This certification provides consumers with assurance of transparency and traceability, demonstrating the provenance of their spirit,” said Blake Layfield, Ph.D., master distiller at Maker’s Mark. “It also underscores a dedication to sustainability, emphasizing the use of locally sourced ingredients. And it celebrates the unique flavor profile derived from both the distillery and the surrounding land. At Maker's Mark, we have long recognized the inextricable link between flavor and nature. We are therefore honored to be a founding member of the EWA, working to forge a more sustainable future and enhance the prestige of American whiskey.”

“It legitimizes our messaging as a standard across the industry,” said Pat Brophy, vice president of sales and distribution at Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. “An industry-wide standard that can be promoted becomes the thing customers recognize and accept as a mark of quality.”

“As early adopters of estate distilling, we recognize the immense value of collaborating with like-minded industry leaders to establish standards and promote the significance of estate distilling. A certification program will help safeguard the use of ‘estate,’ ensuring that consumers receive the transparency and authenticity they expect,” said Joe O'Sullivan, master distiller at Minden Mill Distilling.

The first Estate Whiskey Certified™ products are expected on shelves in the coming months.

UK and UK Innovate — UK’s innovation, entrepreneurship and economic enterprise for University of Kentucky Research — launched the EWA organization in 2024 with founding members and in partnership with the UK James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits. 

Another priority of the EWA is to invest in research and education in agriculture, manufacturing and sustainability to shape the future of estate whiskey production.

Learn more about becoming an EWA member or getting certified online.