Louisville is Twin City of Bushmills in America

Louisville has just been crowned the winner of Bushmills Irish Whiskey's "Twin City of Bushmills in America" contest.

In celebration of its 400th anniversary, the whiskey company searched for a city that resembles the town of Bushmills, Ireland, in terms of pride in history and heritage, craftsmanship and hospitality.

Boston, Mass., and Portland, Maine, were the other finalists in the competition.

I knew we were hospitable and a city full of pride, history and the whole lot but I confess to being a little surprised that we won this. Boston has us beat in terms of size and the quantity of Irish and Irish-American residents so I'm pleased to see us, a little bit of the underdog, bring home the prize.

Bushmills master distiller Gordon Donoghue will present Louisville Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson with a $40,000 grant, which must be used for preservation and advancement of the city's traditions and culture, and for programs that promote responsible drinking.

Well done Louisville.

Update: The BBC gives a bit more information about the contest and Louisville's victory.

The city was picked after an online poll marking the 400th anniversary of the original licence to distill granted to Bushmills, home of one of Ireland's famed whiskey producers.

More than 55,000 votes were cast, and Louisville emerged the clear champion.