Other Whisk(e)y finalists from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Katelyn Tucker
The Tasting Alliance has released the latest Best of Class whiskey finalists from the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).
The categories announced include Rice Whisk(e)y, Craft Distiller Whiskey, Other Whisk(e)y and Flavored Whisk(e)y. All finalists received a Double Gold Medal in this year’s competition, with scores ranging from 97 to 99 points out of 100.
About The Competition
Each year, professionals from all facets of the spirits industry converge for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a globally recognized spirits competition event. The competition judges and scores products from across the spectrum of distilled spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, tequila, mezcal, whiskey, brandy, liqueurs and aperitifs, among others.
The core judging format is a blind tasting. Judges have no information about the bottle, branding, packaging or price of the products they are judging. They evaluate the liquid in the glass using sensory and technical criteria, including aroma, flavor, balance, texture, finish and overall quality.
The following products are finalists for Best of Class in their respective categories, along with competition-supplied tasting notes. The winners of each category award will be announced at the Top Shelf 2026 Awards Gala in November.
Best of Class Finalists
Rice Whisk(e)y Finalists at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Katelyn TuckerRice Whisk(e)y
Because Rice Whisky is not specifically defined in the TTB Standards of Identity, submissions in this category inherit the base definition of whisky: distilled from a fermented mash of grain (in this case, at least 51% rice) to less than 190 proof, having the taste, aroma and characteristics generally attributed to whisky, and bottled at not less than 80 proof.
Brand: Ohishi
Product: Sherry Cask 8 Year Old Whisky
Tasting notes: Strawberry, whipped cream, and bright complexity open into fresh basil, spearmint, and green apple — lively and unexpected. The finish is long and perfumed, with oak and a touch of tea tree oil. Lovely.
Brand: Shou Whisky
Product: 21 Year Old Sherry Cask Single Rice Whisky
Tasting notes: A pleasant, fruity nose leads into a soft, delicious palate with slight apricot and bright wood. Medium oak carries dried fruit and a whisper of smoke into a finish of toffee, brown sugar, and sweet oak caramel.
Craft Distillery Whiskey finalists from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Katelyn TuckerCraft Distiller Whiskey
Product submissions to this category must have been produced at a craft distilling operation. The Tasting Alliance references the American Craft Spirits Association’s guidelines, which define a craft distiller as a producer that makes fewer than 750,000 gallons annually, holds majority ownership in its distillery and generally upholds transparency in its production practices.
Brand: Brother Justus
Product: American Single Malt Whiskey
Tasting notes: A refined single malt opening with leather, heather, and sun-dried hay. The palate is smooth and approachable, with sweet grain and buttery biscuit notes leading into a luxuriously soft, elegant finish. Understated charm with lasting warmth.
Brand: Kings County Distillery
Product: Barrel Strength Peated Bourbon
Tasting notes: A beautiful, hay-forward nose with peat woven throughout. The palate aligns with the aroma, carrying through to a long, satisfying finish.
Other Whisk(e)y finalists from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Katelyn TuckerOther Whisk(e)y
This category contains products that do not fit into any other defined whisk(e)y category. Examples include blends of multiple whisk(e)y styles, light whiskey and American whiskey matured in used oak.
Brand: Lasso Motel
Product: 18-Year Old American Straight Whiskey
Tasting notes: Oak and banana bread crust on the nose, with intense baking spice carrying through to a long, impactful finish. Warm nutmeg brioche and jammy richness make this a complex, comforting pour.
Brand: Bardstown Bourbon Company
Product: Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend Whiskey
Tasting notes: Light fruit and a kiss of smoke giving way to hot black tea. The palate brings spicy peppercorn, apple pie, and burnt maple — sweet and surprisingly soft for the proof. Long and complex on the finish.
Brand: Old Hickory
Product: Hermitage Reserve 15-Year-Old Barrel Proof Light Whiskey
Tasting notes: Ripe stewed fruit and Snapple-like heather notes on the nose lead into a toasty palate full of warm kitchen spices. Delicate and soft, with orange blossom florals and a tannic tea, honey, and lemon finish. Sweet and warming throughout.
Flavored Whisk(e)y
The TTB defines “flavored whisky” as whisky flavored with natural flavoring materials, with or without the addition of sugar, bottled at no less than 30% alcohol by volume. The name of the predominant flavor must appear as part of the product name.
Brand: XPLORER
Product: Peanut Butter Whiskey
Tasting notes: Roasted peanut and vanilla cream up front, layered with caramelized sugar, butterscotch, and soft oak. The palate is rich and creamy — toffee, caramel, and vanilla balanced by warm roasted peanuts. Finishes long and nutty-sweet, with honeyed toffee and toasted oak lingering.
Brand: Starlight Distillery
Product: Blackberry Flavored Whiskey
Tasting notes: Stewed blackberry and warm baking spice make this taste naturally flavored, not artificial — bramble fruit with a jammy, lingering sweetness. Finishes long, like a blackberry pie. Balanced and easy to mix with.
Brand: YUTUMOMO
Product: Milk Candy Whiskey
Tasting notes: Wow — this is exactly as advertised. Milk Duds, milk chocolate, nougat, caramel, and Milky Way bars create a thick, confectionery palate. Sweet, caramel, and toffee through and through. A candy bar in a glass.
Other Best of Class FinalistsForbesAmerican Whiskey Finalists At The San Francisco World Spirits CompetitionBy Chris Perugini