Star Union Spirits has been awarded Best In Class

Star Union Spirits has been awarded Best in Class for its 75-25 Reserve Light Whiskey at the 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition

September 20, 2025, For Immediate Release:

The Heartland Whiskey Competition has awarded Best in Class to Star Union Spirits for its 75-25 Reserve Light Whiskey. The 2025 competition is the fifth biennial Heartland Whiskey Competition. The Heartland Whiskey Competition was established to highlight the numerous and diverse applications of corn and to support an industry that is predominantly comprised of family-owned businesses, specifically those involved in craft spirits. The American Craft Spirits Association facilitated the judging process for all five Heartland competitions. Judges were selected from the spirits 

industry by ACSA based on their expertise in craft whiskey.

The American Craft Spirits Association is the only nationally registered nonprofit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry. Its mission is to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirit producers. Membership in ACSA is open to anyone. ACSA is governed by a Board of Directors, which the eligible voting members of the Association elect. Voting members must be independent, licensed distillers (DSPs) annually removing fewer than 750,000 proof gallons from bond (the amount on which a Federal Excise Tax is paid).

Star Union Spirits 75-25 Reserve Light Whiskey is 107-proof and made with Illinois corn, grown and milled near Effingham, Illinois. The 75-25 mashbill represents 75 percent corn and 25 percent rye. The 75-25 Light Whiskey has been aged for 30 months in a charred oak barrel and finished in a toasted oak, Star Union Spirits Cabernet Sauvignon Brandy Barrel. 

Star Union Spirits was founded by winemakers Jeff Yosowitz and Bob Windy in 2016 and opened to the public as a craft distillery in November 2018. It is located at the historic Westclox building,  

Star Union Tasting Room is open on Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Thursdays and Fridays from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Star Union Spirits, 300 5th St., Suite 135, Peru, Illinois 61354 info@starunionspirits.com  815.205.1234 Tastings or tours by appointment.