INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) plans to take part in the next Heartland Whiskey Competition, July 22-23 in Louisville, Ky., where craft distillers from across Indiana are invited to compete.

ICMC is a sponsor for the competition, which includes multiple corn whiskey categories along with a challenge for Indiana’s Best. The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) will oversee blind judging and determine state medalists, category medalists and best of show.

“Finding new markets and uses for Indiana corn is the daily goal for those of us involved in the state’s corn checkoff,” said ICMC Board President Joshua Miller, a farmer from Anderson, Ind. “While corn whiskey isn’t a new use for Indiana corn, the spirits made from our grain is an emerging market for our farmers. Corn has a variety of uses for U.S. consumers. This competition is just one more way we can highlight that versatility.”

The biennial contest is sanctioned by the ACSA and strictly limited to craft whiskeys that contain some amount of corn as an ingredient.

Any U.S. craft distiller is eligible to enter a product for judging in several categories. The most coveted awards are “Best of State,” which are limited to only those 16 states sponsored by their respective corn associations and “Best of Show” – also limited to sponsor states.

“We are thrilled to once again work with the state corn associations and support a competition that highlights small distilleries in their individual states. This covers more than 90 percent of all U.S. craft distilleries,” said Margie A.S. Lehrman, ACSA CEO. “Ours is a rapidly growing industry that requires continual support which corn growers have so graciously provided these last several years. This competition provides craft distilleries – many of which are independent, family-run businesses – a unique opportunity for visibility among consumers and distributors.”

Spirits competitions carry significant weight in the spirits industry, as award medals are often the reason a consumer purchases a product at a retail location. Indiana distillers have performed well in previous Heartland Whiskey competitions, earning several coveted medals. Most craft distilleries use corn mash sourced locally to make their product.

ACSA will select judges from accomplished mixologists who have experience with craft spirits. The actual judging will occur July 22 and 23 and winners will be announced in early August.