American Distilling Institute Names Talnua Distillery "2026 Distillery of the Year"

The 23rd Annual Prestigious Bubble Cap Award Recognizes Pioneering Colorado Distillery

MIAMI, FLORIDA (August 18, 2026) – On Monday August 18, 2026, the American Distilling Institute (ADI) awarded its highest honor, the prestigious Bubble Cap Award, to Talnua Distillery. The award was announced during the Gala Awards Luncheon at the 23rd annual ADI Craft Spirits Conference & Expo, which took place this year in Miami, Florida. ADI president Erik Owens presented the award on stage to Talnua Distillery’s co-founders, Patrick and Meagan Miller.

Since 2008, ADI’s Distillery of the Year award, which is affectionately known as The Bubble Cap Award, has been given to distilleries that have raised the bar of the craft distilling industry by making world-class spirits and improving the legislative landscape for craft distillers. “Talnua Distillery is making extraordinary American single pot still whiskey, and they stepped up to help their community during challenging times. Being guild president is a thankless but critical job, and Meagan can’t have known just how difficult it would be when she accepted that role for the Colorado Distillers Guild in January of 2020,” said Erik.

That same sense of perseverance can be seen in Talnua Distillery’s visionary embrace of Irish-style pot still whiskey. Their products have earned top awards at many of the world’s most important competitions, including being named America’s Greatest Whiskey at the 2025 ADI International Spirits Competition. “As the first dedicated Irish-style pot still whiskey distillery in the United States, Talnua has tirelessly championed this distinctive and delicious style. They truly exemplify the creative spirit, innovative approach, and dedication that make the craft spirits industry so special, and is why they deserve to be recognized on the world stage,” said Erik.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve built over the past nine years, and it’s incredibly meaningful to see that work recognized. From the beginning, we’ve chosen the unbeaten path, not necessarily the easiest one, and there’s always a little uncertainty when you’re creating something that hasn’t really been done before in America,” said Patrick Miller.

“Being recognized like this gives us a little validation that taking those risks and staying true to what we believe in is worth it. We’re proud to be standard bearers for American Single Pot Still Whiskey, but we’re even more excited about where the category can go from here. We have so many ideas for how we can continue to innovate, and we can’t wait to share them with people who visit us here at the distillery,” said Meagan Miller. “At the end of the day, we’re still a family-owned, family-operated, grain-to-glass distillery. Building this together as husband and wife and with our family and team makes the recognition that much more special.”

About American Distilling Institute

American Distilling Institute (ADI) is the largest small-batch, independently owned craft distillery association in the world. Founded in 2003, ADI has become a beacon for the diverse and inclusive craft distilling community — serving as the go-to source for all information on the craft of distilling. Our mission is to foster growth and success of craft spirit producers through hosting best-in-class conferences, providing comprehensive educational services, offering networking opportunities and connecting producers with top-tier solutions providers. Go to distilling.com for more information.

About Talnua Distillery

Founded in Colorado, by husband and wife team Patrick & Meagan Miller, Talnua Distillery is an award-winning craft distillery dedicated to creating American single pot still whiskey inspired by the rich traditions of Ireland. At Talnua, Gaelic tradition meets American pioneerism, bringing together centuries-old whiskeymaking heritage with the spirit of American innovation and exploration. From grain to glass, Talnua embraces craftsmanship, ingenuity, and a deep connection to place to create distinctive whiskeys that honor their roots while forging a new path for American whiskey. Located in Arvada, Colorado, Talnua welcomes visitors to experience its distillery, cocktail lounge, guided tours, and award-winning spirits.