The University of Kentucky’s Estate Whiskey Alliance (EWA) has announced its first wave of more than a dozen Estate Whiskey Certified products. 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.

Estate Whiskey Certified products must follow these regulations:

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

Only EWA members that opt into the certification program and meet grain sourcing and whiskey production requirements can display the Estate Whiskey Certified logo on their qualifying bottles.

“The Estate Whiskey Alliance’s certification program is central to our mission by providing transparency to consumers on ingredient sourcing and whiskey production methods,” said Landon Borders, EWA director. “By authenticating those whiskey products that meet our highest standards with a globally recognized Estate Whiskey Certified mark, we’re assuring consumers of the exceptional craftsmanship behind each pour.”

In April, the Maker’s Mark Distillery launched Star Hill Farm Whisky, the first-ever Estate Whiskey Certified product, as well as the brand’s first-ever new mash bills celebrating the role regenerative agriculture plays in creating new flavors, healthier soil and a more sustainable future. Now more EWA members are rolling out Estate Whiskey Certified products.

Rob Samuels, managing director of Maker’s Mark, commented: “With our recent launch of Star Hill Farm Whisky, we unlocked how nature elevates flavor, and we believe we’re uniquely positioned to share our regenerative farming journey with this alliance for the continued progress — at scale — of our industry.”

As the certification program continues to grow, more distilleries are joining and bringing their own family traditions and agricultural expertise to the table. The EWA is helping to unify these efforts under a common banner of authenticity and traceability. Together, these certified distilleries are setting a new benchmark for the industry, emphasizing the importance of local agriculture, transparency and a commitment to quality. Their collaboration under the EWA signals a broader shift in consumer expectations and industry standards.

Each certified product is listed on the EWA’s website and provides detailed information about the certified whiskey products such as the percentage of estate grains used in each mash bill, the mash bill itself, and the distillery location. The alliance is a global consortium open to whiskey producers, farmers, suppliers, academic institutions, and other related organizations.

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