![\"World's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1788080650_676_0x0.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Torrente Blanco High Proof<\/p>\n
Photo illustration: Brad Japhe<\/p>\n
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition<\/a> is the Big Kahuna of global beverage competitions. For over a quarter century now, the organization has defined integrity in the space leveraging rigorous methodology and widely-revered judges. Its highest seals of approval \u2013 \u201cBest In Class\u201d and \u201cBest In Show\u201d \u2013 have helped solidify the stature of some of today\u2019s biggest and most respected liquor brands<\/a>. <\/p>\n We will have to wait until the weekend of November 7th to learn more about who those grand winners are for 2026. They will be announced at a grand gala called Top Shelf<\/a>, unfolding over two days in San Francisco alongside a litany of exclusive tastings and master classes (tickets to the event are open to the public<\/a> and start at $200 per person).<\/p>\n In the meantime, we can still announce a few other champions from this year\u2019s judging, which took place earlier this spring. Namely, the best new bottlings, across all major categories of spirit. They include liquids that hit US shelves at some point over the past 12 months. <\/p>\n Today we\u2019re starting with the exclusive reveal of SFWSC\u2019s Best New Tequila of 2026: Torrente High Proof Blanco<\/a>. To substantiate the merit, the competition released the following official tasting notes alongside the news:<\/p>\n \u201cA vibrant and expressive tequila with fresh aromas of green agave, florals, dried herbs, and spice, leading into a beautifully balanced palate of roasted agave, bright honeyed sweetness, and earthy depth, before finishing clean, lively, and remarkably inviting, with a lingering character that keeps drawing you back for another sip.\u201d<\/p>\n We would add to that description a pleasing aroma of orange blossom and lilac, which helps gird the immediate allure of the 100-proof spirit. These floral elements, marking the blanco as unique, are intensified as it sits in the snifter. So, by all means, let this one open up after you\u2019ve poured it out. A creamy mouthfeel carries hints of spearmint and cayenne that linger in the finish. Don\u2019t be surprised if it leaves you a bit speechless as you contemplate these complexities.<\/p>\n And here\u2019s something else to think about: the barely-year-old Tequila Torrente brand is the world\u2019s first certified regenerative tequila. Meaning that the blue weber agave used in its production was cultivated from farms that actively restore soil health and improve local ecosystems rather than just sustaining them. These plants were grown without herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides. And the company packages all of its double-distilled highland tequila in 100% recycled glass bottles. <\/p>\n In other words, it doesn\u2019t just taste good\u2026It ought to make you feel good, as well. After all, it\u2019s not many brands that keep a designated \u201cSoil Guardian\u201d on their payroll. But that\u2019s exactly what Tequila Torrente co-founder Rodrigo Mestas considers himself. His efforts are being met with immediate acclaim. Even before receiving Best New Tequila at SFWSC, the High Proof expression won Double Gold at this year\u2019s prestigious Agavos Awards<\/a> \u2013 a competition reserved exclusively for agave spirit. <\/p>\n