Winners of the American Distilling Institute’s Sixth Annual Judging of Artisan American Spirits were recently announced in Louisville, Kentucky. What’s that, you ask? For distillers, it’s one of the most well-respected awards events in the world of craft distilling.

Each year, more than 200 American distilleries submit their wares for judging. While medalists walk away with proof that their product is among the finest in the nation, nonmedalists go back to the proofing room with some good experience under the belt and a little exposure.

Washington is a relatively new state in the distilling game, but our local craft distilleries seem to hold their own. Dry Fly Distillery and San Juan Island Distillery have both medaled at the American Distilling Institute’s event in the past. This year, Sidetrack Distillery in Kent won a gold for its raspberry liqueur. Also, nestled away on the narrow that enters Samish Island, Golden Distillery took home both the gold and the silver in the malt whiskey category—find the winning bottles at the distilleries or at liquor stores.