More than 350 spirit industry professionals met in Louisville, Kentucky on Feb. 18 for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States’ Inaugural Conference Awards dinner.
At the event, Philip McDaniel, co-founder and CEO of the St. Augustine Distillery, received the Dave Pickerell Memorial Craft Member of the Year award.
Within the industry, Dave Pickerell is considered the “Johnny Appleseed of craft distilling,” and the award is given to a leader in recognition of their efforts in advancing the craft distiller community and supporting the association with advocacy efforts.
Pickerell played an important role in kickstarting the modern craft spirits movement, mentoring and consulting for more than 100 distilleries around the world, including the St. Augustine Distillery.
“Dave was someone who would help anybody for any reason if he believed in what you were doing,” McDaniel said during his acceptance speech. “We are so grateful to our amazing employees, community investors, family and our incredible and loyal customers and fans…and most of all to Dave, without whom we could have never opened our doors.”
Photo provided by St. Augustine Distillery
