The World's Best Gin, According To The 2025 SF World Spirits Competition
The Gin Finalists From The 2025 SFWSC
Five gins are finalists for the World's Best Gin at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The SFWSC is one of the world's most prestigious spirit judging events, and both consumers and the beverage industry closely follow its results. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes for the finalists.
Tanqueray No. TEN is a premium London dry gin produced by Diageo and introduced in 2000. It takes its name from the small No. 10 copper still at the Tanqueray distillery in Cameronbridge, Scotland. The brand consistently earns Gold medals in international spirit competitions and ranks as the second-best-selling gin brand globally. Its annual sales are approximately 5 million 9-liter cases.
Unlike classic Tanqueray, No. TEN is distilled with fresh whole citrus fruits, including limes, oranges, and grapefruit, alongside traditional botanicals of juniper, coriander, and chamomile. It was explicitly crafted for martini enthusiasts and is recognized for its smooth, citrus-forward profile. It also pairs well with citrus-forward cocktails.
The gin is exceptionally bright and fresh on the nose, featuring citrus notes of grapefruit zest, lime peel, and lemon blossoms, followed by subtle juniper and soft floral aromas.
It's crisp and fresh on the palate, showcasing citrus zest, a touch of juniper, white pepper, and coriander seed. The inclusion of whole citrus fruits gives a rounded and luxurious texture with a pronounced mouth weight. The finish is long and creamy, with lingering citrus, earthy angelica, and subtle spice notes.
Gin Mare Capri is a Mediterranean gin inspired by the island of Capri. Produced in Spain, it enhances the original Gin Mare's maritime character with Mediterranean botanicals of Arbequina olives, rosemary, thyme, basil, and coriander. Capri introduces Italian bergamot and lemons to the blend, resulting in a sun-drenched, citrus-infused variation with vibrant Italian flavor.
The gin is crisp on the nose, featuring a notable savory and maritime character with notes of lemon zest, bergamot oil, olive brine, and a hint of thyme. It's herbal and citrus-forward on the palate, showcasing floral, lemon, basil, rosemary, and juniper notes. The texture is smooth, with a gentle salinity and fresh, clean flavors. The finish is light yet lingering, with notes of citrus and a savory, maritime character.
3 Howls Distillery, located in Seattle, Washington, produces this potent Navy Strength Gin. The term "navy strength" refers to gin that is strong enough to ignite gin-soaked gunpowder. 3 Howls employs a traditional blend of juniper, coriander, angelica, citrus peel, and various spices.
The gin is intensely aromatic, featuring juniper, black pepper, dried citrus zest, and a range of spices. It's robust on the palate, highlighting juniper, orange zest, cardamom, and a mix of earthy and spicy flavors. The higher alcohol content amplifies the flavor intensity, leaving a long, warming finish. This finish is long and dry, with lingering notes of juniper, spice, and candied citrus zest.
Navy-strength gins are bold and full of character. They are perfect for vibrant gin cocktails, such as the Negroni or a Navy G&T.
Gin Tonic garnished with lemon and rosemary.
Fritztown Gin is crafted by Destination Distillery in Texas. Named after Fredericksburg ('Fritztown'), Texas, this gin showcases a craft approach by incorporating regional Texas botanicals.
The gin presents floral and peppery aromas, featuring notes of wildflowers, juniper berries, lemon balm, and sage. It is smooth, slightly sweet, and earthy on the palate, showcasing flavors of lavender, citrus zest, coriander, and juniper. The finish is lengthy and floral, with lingering notes of lemon verbena, herbs, and spice.
Triple Eight Distillery crafts Gale Force Gin on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Triple Eight is another artisanal distillery that has consistently earned medals in international spirit competitions. Named after the strong Atlantic winds, the gin embodies its maritime New England heritage. It showcases a classic botanical profile of juniper, coriander, citrus, and various spices, all distilled in small batches.
The gin showcases juniper, lemon zest, a subtle savory sea breeze, and crushed coriander seed. It's dry and robust on the palate, presenting a traditional framework of juniper and citrus, enhanced by hints of anise, cardamom, and a faint saline minerality. The finish is long and crisp, with lingering notes of juniper and black pepper.
These gins highlight the immense diversity of aroma and flavor profiles that define modern gins. They are all delicious and work equally well served straight or in a cocktail. The higher-strength gins are ideal for a G&T or a Martini. Any of these would be an excellent addition to your home bar.
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