The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the most prestigious competitions for the spirits industry, announced the winners of Best of Class and Best in Show at their inaugural awards gala held at the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, on June 24.
Out of a record-breaking 5,000 entries from more than 40 countries, judging panels awarded a total of 760 entries with the prestigious Double Gold medal.
Out of those Double Golds, only a 152 advanced to the final round of judging to determine Best of Class and Best in Show.
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is a highly respected and influential international spirits competition. Products are evaluated in a blind, consensual procedure, ensuring the SFWSC maintains its reputation for the highest level of integrity.
Winning participants receive the awards of double gold, gold, silver or bronze, marking their product as one of the highest quality in the world.
“We were so excited to present our Best of Class awards at our inaugural gala,” said Amanda Blue, president of The Tasting Alliance. “Two hundred people made up of our amazing judging panel and finalists, guests experienced a five-star event and we all had so much fun coming back together. It was a real celebration of our industry. Some large legacy brands were in attendance to pick up new trophies and cement their status as household names, and other brand new companies, which started out of the pandemic, hit home runs and will soon become household names. We are happy to be able to identify and support these new brands and watch them grow.”
The Competition's Top Sweepstakes Winners Include:
- Best in Show Un-Aged White Spirit – VĪ Aquavit
- Best in Show Aged White Spirit – BACARDÍ 16 Year Gran Reserva Especial Rum
- Best in Show Whiskey – Benromach Aged 40 Years Single Malt Scotch
- Best in Show Brandy – Boulard XO Double Barrel Finished Calvados
- Best in Show Liqueur – ACCOMPANi Mari Gold
- Best in Show RTD – LiveWire Rocket Queen by Erin Hayes
Other winners include: Best Gin, Beefeater Monday's Gin; Best Bourbon, Ezra Brooks Old Ezra 7 Year Old Bourbon; Best Vodka, Detroit Vodka 8 Mile; Best Tequila, Black Sheep Tequila Añejo.
New Awards for 2022
The Tasting Alliance Most Awarded Distillery was awarded to Starward, Australia, receiving 12 Double Golds and three Golds at this year’s Competition. The Reserve Bar Spirited Change Award went to Uncle Nearest, United States, and The Park Street Innovation Award went to Bespoken Spirits.
Trends at the Competition
Continuing its annual trend, this year's competition experienced a 25 percent increase in entries over 2021. Some of the most significant growth was seen in the RTD competition categories, which this year brought in 650+ entries. Winning brands can expect to see a five to 10 percent increase in sales within the year, according to SFWSC.
For a complete list of medals and premium awards, please visit TheTastingAlliance.com. To learn more about San Francisco World Spirits Competition, visit SFSpiritsComp.com.
Plan to Attend or Participate in
Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 27-29, 2023
To learn about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry, plan to attend Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 27-29, 2023 in Las Vegas. Visit BarandRestaurantExpo.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at Bar & Restaurant Expo, contact:
Veronica Gonnello
(for companies A to G)
e: [email protected]
p: 212-895-8244
Tim Schultz
(for companies H to Q)
e: [email protected]
p: (917) 258-8589
Fadi Alsayegh
(for companies R to Z)
e: [email protected]
p: 917-258-5174
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