The annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition took place March 22-25, and the results were just announced. The competition is the oldest and largest spirits competition in the United States and one of the most recognized in the world. This year saw 1215 products entered for evaluation, with the largest category increase belonging to tequila – 33 percent more tequila producers entered this year’s competition than last year’s. Further proving that tequila’s hot right now, Avion Silver Tequila won the award for best unaged white spirit.
Knob Creek’s new rye whiskey was awarded Best Rye, which is a huge lift for the bourbon-maker’s entrance to the category.
And while several small, artisan spirits will receive some well-deserved attention for their big wins, it’s not just the new craft spirits — or expensive ones — that received high marks. Industry giant, Tanqueray, took home the award for best gin, while the economically-priced Canadian Mist beat out its more popular and heavily marketed competitors.
More winners, below —
Best Gin — Tanqueray London Dry Gin ($20)
Best Blanco Tequila, Best Tequila and Best Unaged White Spirit — Tequila Avion Silver ($40)
Best Reposado Tequila — Alquima Reposado Tequila ($54)
Best Anejo Tequila — Don Celso Anejo Tequila ($47)
Best Mezcal — Real Matlatl Tobala Mezcal ($125)
Best Bourbon — Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2011 ($50)
Best Rye Whiskey — Knob Creek Rye ($36)
Best Canadian Whiskey — Canadian Mist Black Diamond ($15)
Best Irish Whiskey — Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey ($125)
Best Single Malt Scotch and Best Whisky — Isle of Jura 1976 ($750)
Best Blended Scotch Whisky — Whyte & McKay 30 Year Old Scotch ($290)
Best Other Whiskey — Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey ($120)
Best Dark/Gold Rum — Cockspur Fine Rum ($18)
Best Aged Rum and Best Aged White Spirit — Vizcaya Rum XVOP Cask ($38)
Best Vodka — Platinka Original Vodka ($25)
Best Flavored Vodka — Effen Cucumber Vodka ($30)
Best Pisco — Waqar Pisco ($45)
Best Aquavit — Krogstad Aquavit ($25)
Best Cognac — Cognac Richard Hennessey ($3500)
Best Calvados and Best Brandy – Boulard Calvados XO ($110)
Best Aperitif — Aperol ($22)
