Wigle Whiskey Takes Home the Gold
The local distillery won top marks at the American Craft Spirits Awards.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIGLE WHISKEY
A local distillery has won one of the highest honors in the craft spirits industry.
Wigle Whiskey, headquartered in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Strip District, was awarded a double gold medal at the American Craft Spirits Association Awards for its Single Barrel Rye whiskey. The double gold distinction is reserved for spirits that receive unanimous top marks from the judging panel.
Each panel is composed of five experts selected specifically to represent diverse perspectives within the spirits industry. According to the ACSA’s judging protocols, the nose, palate, finish and balance of spirits are evaluated in terms of cleanliness, length, depth and complexity. Tasting notes and judges’ comments are entered onto the score sheet and collected immediately after that flight is tasted.
“Small, independently owned distillers are producing some of the most exceptional spirits in the country right now. ACSA’s annual competition exists to recognize them,” says Emily Pennington, CEO of the American Craft Spirits Association. “Double gold medal winners represent the very best of American craft spirits, demonstrating excellence in both craftsmanship and character.”
Wigle’s Single Barrel Rye whiskey is crafted from regionally sourced grain and aged in carefully selected barrels, with each barrel offering a unique expression of spice, depth and character. The result is a bold yet balanced whiskey that reflects both the tradition of Pennsylvania’s whiskey heritage and the creativity at the heart of the distillery.
“Our Single Barrel Rye represents the essence of what we strive for every day — exceptional whiskey rooted in local agriculture and time-honored techniques,” says Alex Moser, chief operating officer of Wigle Whiskey. “To be recognized by ACSA with a double gold is an incredible honor.”
In addition to the Double Gold win, Wigle Whiskey earned Silver Medals across multiple categories. The distillery’s silver medalists are:
- Wigle Reserve Mezcal & Sherry Finished Rye
- Wigle Reserve Pennsylvania Straight Rye Whiskey
- American Rye Kilted Cask
- Rye Old Fashioned
- Limoncello
