FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. —November 11, 2025— The American Whiskey Association (AWA) today announced that Independent Stave Company (ISC) has joined as a founding member, further strengthening the association’s commitment to uniting all those who have a stake in — and a dedication to — making American whiskey the world’s whiskey, from grain to glass.

As the world’s leading producer of premium white oak barrels, Independent Stave Company has played a foundational role in shaping the character, quality and distinction of American whiskey for more than a century. Every barrel built by ISC helps define the unmistakable flavor, color and aroma that make American whiskey a global standard of craftsmanship.

“Independent Stave Company represents the literal foundation of our craft,” said Michael Bilello, president and CEO of the American Whiskey Association. “From the American oak forests to the cooperages that craft every barrel, ISC embodies the innovation, integrity, tradition and commitment to sustainability that make American whiskey what it is today. Their inclusion as a founding member underscores our shared mission to protect, promote and lead one of America’s greatest industries.”

“We are proud to join the American Whiskey Association as a founding member,” said Brad Boswell, CEO of Independent Stave Company. “Our company has been part of the American whiskey story for generations. Each barrel we produce reflects our deep respect for the craft, the distillers we serve and the American oak that gives our nation’s whiskey its distinctive character. We look forward to working alongside AWA and our fellow members to ensure that American whiskey continues to thrive both here at home and around the world.”

The addition of Independent Stave Company reinforces the AWA’s vision of collaboration across the full whiskey ecosystem — from farmers, loggers and brass works to distillers, coopers and global distributors — all working together to secure market access, advance sustainability and champion the excellence of American whiskey on the global stage.

About the American Whiskey Association

The American Whiskey Association (AWA) was founded to protect, promote and lead the American whiskey industry worldwide. AWA’s mission is to make American whiskey the world’s whiskey by expanding market access, advocating for fair trade and preserving the authenticity and integrity of the category.

Founding Members:
Sazerac | Suntory Global Spirits | Campari Group | Pernod Ricard USA | Brown-Forman | Diageo | Independent Stave Company

Board Members:
Ole Smoky Distillery | Constellation Brands | MGP | CIE | William Grant & Sons | Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS)

Together, these members represent the full supply chain that powers the American whiskey industry — united by shared values of craftsmanship, authenticity and growth.

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