Latest news with #SanFranciscoWorldSpiritsCompetition
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Binder's Stash, Willett Distillery Announce Strategic Partnership, Redefining the Future of American Whiskey
BARDSTOWN, Ky., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Binder's Stash, a breakthrough force in ultra-premium American whiskey, today announced a landmark strategic partnership with the iconic Willett Distillery. This bold collaboration brings together two of the industry's most respected names, combining the whiskey's boundary-pushing approach with Willett's legendary heritage and liquid pedigree. The partnership provides Binder's Stash with unique access to Willett's coveted inventory including experimental mashbills and limited barrels, fueling the brand's mission to create deeply expressive, high-end whiskeys with unmatched provenance. In addition, Binder's Stash will benefit from Willett's state-of-the-art bottling operations and expansive distribution platform across domestic and global markets. "This one-of-a-kind partnership with Willett marks a turning point for Binder's Stash," said Bill Binder, Founder of Binder's Stash. "We've built our reputation by sourcing and releasing some of the most distinctive American whiskeys in the country, but Willett represents a different level: generational expertise, uncompromising quality, and a legacy that elevates everything it touches. Together, we're setting a new bar for what American whiskey can be." Binder's Stash has quickly emerged as a disruptive presence in the American whiskey space-championing rare-aged barrels, bold flavor profiles, and design-forward releases that speak to a new generation of whiskey enthusiasts. The brand's uncompromising commitment to quality and authenticity has earned top honors, including Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Double Platinum at the 2025 ASCOT Awards. "We are excited to work with Bill and his incredibly bold brand, Binder's Stash," said Drew Kulsveen, Willett Distillery Master Distiller. "This partnership sets the stage for future opportunities and represents a bold step forward in expanding the boundaries of what's possible in the world of aged whiskey. This limited relationship allows us to support a partner that shares our dedication to quality, innovation, and the future of American Whiskey." Founded in 1936, Willett Distillery is one of the most respected independent distilleries in the world. Based in Bardstown, Kentucky, the heart of America's whiskey heritage, Willett continues to age and bottle every whiskey on-site, honoring a nearly 90-year commitment to excellence. About Binder's Stash Binder's Stash is an award-winning ultra-premium American whiskey brand that reimagines what luxury whiskey can be. Built on rare barrel access, precision aging, and bold product vision, Binder's Stash brings some of the country's most distinctive whiskeys to market-crafted for those who demand excellence in every pour. The brand is protected by a philosophy rooted in innovation, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in every glass. About Willett Distillery Established in 1936, three short years after prohibition, the Willett family chose the original family hog farm, situated at one of the highest points in Nelson County, Kentucky, to begin construction on the Willett Distillery. By St Patrick's Day 1937, the first barrel of whiskey was rolled into Warehouse A. Approaching 90 years, Willett continues to make fine Kentucky Bourbon and Kentucky Rye Whiskeys. It remains independent and, truly, family-owned and -operated. To learn more, visit or follow @WillettDistillery on Instagram and Facebook. Images: Click Here View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Stoddard Spirits Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
14 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Top Scotch Whisky Winners From The 2025 SF World Spirits Competition
The 2025 SFWSC Finalists in the Single Malt Scotch Whisky 20 Years & Older category Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a cornerstone in the world of Scotch Whisky, is one of the most extensive and prestigious judging events. Whisky enthusiasts and the beverage industry closely follow its results, as they often set the standard for excellence in the industry. The Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated event in the whiskey industry, will announce the winners on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. Here are the finalists! From a diverse pool of several hundred entries, the distinguished panel of judges, comprising some 60 in total, has selected a range of finalists. These include five blended, four blended malts, and 20 single malt Scotch whiskies, each with its unique character and flavor profile. From these finalists will emerge the coveted title of World's Best Blended Scotch Whisky, Best Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, and Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and ultimately the highest prize of all: World's Best Scotch Whisky. The variety and quality of these finalists are sure to pique your interest. The 2025 SFWSC Blended Scotch Whisky Finalists in the No Age Statement category. Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition Blended Scotch is a mix of grain whisky and single malt whisky. The Scotch Whisky Association, the industry's regulatory body, does not specify the proportions in the blend. Generally speaking, the higher the proportion of single malt in the blend, the more flavorful the whisky tends to be. The single malt portion of a blended whisky can range from as little as 10% to as much as 50% of the final blend. Under SWA rules, a no-age-statement whisky does not disclose the age of the youngest component of the blend. However, under SWA regulations, a whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years before it can carry the designation Scotch Whisky. Hence, a NAS whisky is guaranteed to be at least 3 years old. Most NAS whiskies are considerably older than the minimum three-year aging requirement. For a brief background and detailed tasting notes of the Blended Scotch Whisky finalists from the 2025 SFWSC, see SF World Spirits Competition Reveals Top Blended Scotch Whisky. The Finalists in the Blended Malt Scotch Whisky category at the 2025 SFWSC Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition Blended malt is a mix of single malt Scotch whiskies. Unlike a single malt, which is a malt whisky from a single distillery, blended malts are a mix of malt whiskies from more than one distillery. The practice harkens back to the early days of the Scotch whisky industry when independent blenders created their whiskies by mixing single malt whisky from several distilleries. For background and detailed tasting notes on each of the Blended Malt Scotch Whisky finalists, see SF World Spirits Competition Reveals Top Blended Scotch Whisky. SFWSC 2025 Single Malt Scotch 13 to 19 Years Finalists Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition Single malt Scotch whisky is a single malt from a single distillery. Each expression is typically a blend of different single malts from that distillery. The age statement listed on the bottle is the youngest component of that particular blend of single malts. Hence, 18-year-old Scotch whisky is not the 12-year-old expression aged for an additional six years, but rather a blend of single malt whiskies from that distillery, the youngest component of which is at least 18 years old. For a background and detailed tasting noteson these single malt Scotch whiskies, see SF World Spirits Competition Names Top Single Malt Scotch Whisky For a background and detailed tasting notes on these ultra-aged, single malt Scotch whiskies, see Best Ultra-Aged Scotch Whisky, According To The SF World Spirits Competition. These Scotch whiskies are among the very best, the crème de la crème of Scottish whisky. They are all outstanding, each reflective of the region and terroir that produced them. Some are historical names, while others are new distilleries, specialty bottlers, or once-silent distilleries that have been reborn. All are worth tasting, and if you like them, add a bottle or two to your Scotch whisky collection.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Loca Loka Tequila's Golden Hour
At first blush, the idea of a tequila from the highlands of Mexico melded with the culture and creativity of India would seem an unlikely combination. But the vision of Loca Loka Tequila's founders—Indian film star Rana Daggubati, musician and composer Anirudh Ravichander, and entrepreneur Harsha Vadlamudi—and the craftsmanship of the artisans who shepherded the tequila from agave to bottle, have been rewarded with a gold medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world. Jalisco, By Way of New Delhi More from Robb Report Introducing Robinhood Legend, a New Frontier for Active Traders A Century in Bloom: Rioja at 100 181 Fremont's Grand Penthouse Redefines Urban Luxury The medal comes a year after the launch of Loca Loka, whose name is the Spanish word for 'crazy' and the Sanskrit word for 'world.' Jalisco, a state in Mexico where tequila is made, is more than 9,000 miles from New Delhi, India's capital. But there is common ground between the two cultures. Daggubati explains, 'Loca Loka was born from a shared passion for storytelling and cultural fusion. As co-founders, [we] brought together diverse experiences—from hospitality to music—to build a tequila brand that celebrates joy, flavor, and global connection.' With tequila having become a global phenomenon over the last couple of decades, the time has come for those who love it worldwide to use the category as a reflection of their own cultures. Loca Loka co-founder Ravichander is one of India's most renowned musicians, famed for his singing, writing, instrumental prowess and production both in films and on record. 'Music and spirits are a natural match,' Ravichander says, 'and I'd already seen tequila gaining traction in my circles. This felt like the perfect first step into entrepreneurship—an opportunity to merge my passion for music with a vibrant lifestyle brand. We're bringing the brand to life through live events and concerts, and I'm even composing original music inspired by Loca Loka.' Additive-Free, Made the Traditional Way Although Loca Loka was imagined in India, it's made according to Mexican tradition, without additives and with only the finest 100-percent blue Weber agave from the highlands of Jalisco. The agaves used to make the tequila have aged for at least six years, giving them a higher sugar content, which results in a better finished product. Loca Loka is available in two expressions: a blanco and a reposado. The blanco is unaged, showcasing the quality of the agave and the skill of the tequileros; the sweet flavor of cooked agave combines with a subtle earthiness and a smooth, prolonged finish. The reposado is aged for less than a year in a combination of French and American oak barrels. The French oak imparts a rounded sweetness while the American oak contributes vanilla and peppery spice, both of which harmonize with the sweet, lightly vegetal and mineral notes of the cooked agave, without overwhelming it. Both the blanco and the reposado are ideal for sipping as well as mixing. and the tequila's quality is evident even when tasted blind—as was the case in San Francisco, when the judges at the SFWSC awarded it the gold. Bringing Loca Loka to the World Loca Loka initially rolled out in the U.S. in 2024. In 2025, the brand looks to establish an international footprint, expanding to India as well as the U.K., Dubai, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Travel retail will also be a focus. 'With travel retail as a priority channel,' co-founder Vadlamudi explains, 'our journey will begin at [India's] Hyderabad International Airport, chosen for its growing consumer base and global connectivity. Through curated displays, tastings, and immersive brand storytelling, we aim to introduce Loca Loka as a premium discovery brand—celebrating cultural intersections and inviting international travelers to toast to a new era of celebration.' To have such a global reach is almost unheard of for such a young brand, but Loca Loka's trio of founders has positioned it as a tequila with worldwide appeal, from the stylish look of the bottles to the presence of Daggubati and Anirudh as its spokesmen. In the end, though, it's the quality of the spirit in the bottle that determines a brand's success—and as its triumph in San Francisco attests, Loca Loka's future is looking bright. To learn more about Loca Loka and the people behind it, visit the brand online at Learn More Click here to read the full article.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Father's Day Gift Guide 2025: The Best Bourbon's
Whiskey glasses on barrel in a whiskey distillery. De Agostini via Getty Images In the 115 years since it was founded, Father's Day has seen countless numbers of ho-hum gifts bestowed upon Dad in appreciation of an often thankless job. We all know the scene. Dad opens his gift and acts like the tie, hat, gardening tool, book, or other such item was just what he wanted. Everyone smiles, and Dad goes back to his routine, often setting his gift aside to be quickly forgotten. But it doesn't have to be like that. Instead, you can go against the norm and drop a fantastic bottle of bourbon into your father's lap this year. If he loves a good cocktail, it should bring a big smile to his face and provide many happy thoughts each time he enjoys it. Hopefully, he will even share a sip with you to show his appreciation for finally getting something he truly wanted. But where do you find a truly special bottle of bourbon? Look no further than the recently released Best In Class finalists at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. As one of the world's most prestigious competitions, distillers send their best bottles to the event, hoping to Wow their judges. This year, the event singled out 35 bourbons from a field of over 500 bottles across eight separate categories; these are the crème of the crop. All are in the running to be named the World's Best Bourbon. But many of them are virtually impossible to lay your hands on-they are limited releases, experimental batches, and such. I scoured the list, and here are nine bottles that you can lay your hands on if you act quickly. All are reasonably priced, can be ordered online, and should blow your Dad's mind. If my kids are reading this, you know what I want. Hailing from Vail, Colorado, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company pays homage to the soldiers of the legendary US Army division that was formed during World War II and trained nearby. Many of its veterans returned home to establish numerous ski areas in the US, including Vail. Their bourbon was named a finalist in the Small Batch Bourbon-Up to 5 Years category. The judges had this to say about it: Candied orange peels and brown sugar peaches on the nose, with chocolate-covered orange peels, white pepper, and vanilla on the palate—a big, bold finish. You can order one here. For decades, Old Grand Dad was a bottom-shelf straight bourbon that was overlooked and ignored. First bottled in 1882, it was a working man's whiskey known for its reliable burn upfront with a smooth finish. Although not particularly special, it was a solid sip that was often overshadowed by other flashier bourbons. All of that changed in 2024 when the brand released a limited edition 16-year-old version, which pays homage to its original recipe. The judges loved it and made it a finalist in the Straight Bourbon category. Here is what they said about it: Aromas of dust and leather lead to a palate rich with banana foster and cookies and cream. You can order one here. Every bourbon lover should have a bottle of 1792 under their roof; it's just that simple. First produced in 2002 by the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, it has been a perennial winner in all major spirits competitions and is loved by bourbon connoisseurs. The fact that it was named a finalist in the Best In Class Small Batch Bourbon (up to 5 Years) surprised no one, as it routinely lands there. What is surprising is that it is still affordably priced at around $32 after two decades, which is a rarity in today's market. The judges said this about it: Blueberries, vanilla, and minerality on the nose with a taste that is delicious, finishing with astringent black pepper and chocolate. You can order one here. If you are looking to treat Dad to a bottle that he has never heard of yet will love, then look no further. The Widow Jane Distillery in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, crafted this beautiful thirteen-year-old bourbon from Kentucky and Tennessee stocks. Proofed using pure limestone water from the famous Rosedale Mines one hundred miles north of the distillery to impart a distinctive minerality. It was named a finalist in the Small Batch Bourbon Aged 11 Years and Older category, and the judges called out its butterscotch and seasoned oak wood notes complemented by a long, sweet finish. You can order one here. Direct from the heart of Texas, Garrison Brothers Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon is a bold beauty that delivers with each sip of its undiluted, cask-strength liquid. Each barrel is hand-selected by their Master Distiller, Donnis Todd, due to its distinct flavors that were formed during the long summer days and cold winter nights in Hye, Texas, where it is distilled and aged. As the first bourbon distiller outside Kentucky and Tennessee, the team at Garrison Brothers knows what they are doing, so it shouldn't surprise anyone they were named a finalist in the Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey-Up to 10 Years Category. The judges had this to say about it: Explosive aromas of brown sugar, caramel, and leather on the nose with a noticeable palate of orange zest, cherry syrup, and seasoned oak. You can order one here. Every so often, a distiller tries something off the beaten path, and it works. That is the case with this bourbon, made entirely from Jimmy Red corn —a rare heirloom variety known for its rich flavors —revived by High Wire Distilling in Charleston, South Carolina. Bottled from a single barrel to showcase the unique liquid each bottling can present, it can offer a slightly different flavor profile, making it the perfect bourbon to include in a vertical tasting. It was named a finalist in the Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey-Up to 10 Years category. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Aromas of black cherries, oak, and cinnamon oatmeal with a palate of cherry syrup with crème de cassis, black pepper, and vanilla with a medium-length finish. You can order one here. If your Dad likes a sweeter and smoother bourbon, then this is the bottle you want to get him. As one of Heaven Hill's impressive Grain to Glass series of bourbons, it is designed to showcase the legendary distiller's small-batch craftsmanship by working with a unique corn seed varietal to produce a distinctive bourbon with each release. By featuring a higher wheat mashbill that was aged for over six years, they have created a whiskey that is wonderfully easy to sip. It was named a finalist in the Wheated Bourbon category, and the judges called out its rich and creamy palate with a long finish that featured molasses, brown sugar, dried fruit, nuts, and oak spices. You can order one here. Hailing from Michigan, the team behind Fox & Oden aims to honor and preserve the legacy of pre-prohibition whiskey blending and finishing. They do that by sourcing liquid from some of America's top distillers and then masterfully creating a liquid that blends old-world techniques with new-school ideas. The result is a lineup of bottles that have rapidly established themselves on the world competition stage. Their Double-Oaked Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made from a blend of 8-15-year-old bourbons that underwent secondary aging in new charred oak barrels and was named a finalist in the Special Barrel-Finished Bourbon Category. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Aromas of vanilla and seasoned oak that are followed by a candied sweetness with a long, sweet, and spicy finish. You can order one here. Over the last decade, bourbon drinkers have rediscovered rye, one of the oldest styles of whiskey made in the United States, which almost died out after Prohibition. Known for its distinctive spiciness and bold flavors, rye whiskeys have become a favorite of bartenders and can form the backbone of a great cocktail. This offering from Whiskey Tree, a relatively new distiller producing some exceptional spirits, features a high rye bill that has been double-oaked and bottled at 100-105 proof. It is also a finalist in the Special Barrel-Finished Category and offers a spicy punch. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Persistent spicy notes surround rich caramel, vanilla, and ripe apple aromas. The palate features flavors of caramel apple, rye toast, cinnamon, and black pepper, with a long, spicy finish. You can order one here. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dietz Distillery Wins Silver Medal at San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Five Judges Gin
The award recognizes the Texas-made spirit's exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to Old World distilling traditions FREDERICKSBURG, Texas, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Dietz Distillery is proud to announce that its handcrafted Five Judges Gin has been awarded a Silver Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). Renowned for its rigorous blind tasting evaluation process, the SFWSC is one of the most respected spirits competitions in the world. This recognition places Five Judges Gin—a small-batch spirit crafted in the heart of the Texas Hill Country—among the finest gins globally. Handcrafted in Fredericksburg, Texas, Five Judges Gin is a juniper-forward, London dry-style gin distilled using old-world methods and the finest ingredients—including bright citrus from the Rio Grande Valley, giving it a uniquely Texan character. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most prestigious and longest-standing in the industry, honors only the highest-quality spirits. Earning a Silver Medal is a proud recognition of the gin's exceptional craftsmanship and distinct flavor profile. "We've always believed in honoring tradition while capturing the bold spirit of Texas," said Dietz Fischer, owner and distiller at Dietz Distillery. "To see our Five Judges Gin recognized on a global stage is a tremendous honor. This award affirms our commitment to slow, intentional distilling and to producing something truly special right here in Fredericksburg." The name Five Judges pays tribute to the five judges who have called our farm home over the past century—three generations of the Wieser family, along with two early Texas justices—all of whom played a role in shaping the legal and civic foundations of the region: J.B. Wieser, Jarvis Wieser, Mark Wieser, M.A. Dooley, and Julius Schuchard. Now, with this award, it also signifies a place among the best gins worldwide. Five Judges Gin is available exclusively for purchase at Dietz Distillery, located at the Fischer & Wieser Farmstead in Fredericksburg, TX. About Dietz Distillery Founded by Dietz Fischer and rooted in a rich family legacy in Fredericksburg, Texas, Dietz Distillery combines Old World distillation techniques with Texas-German heritage. Inspired by his experience at Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods and trained under master distiller Markus Wieser in Austria, Dietz brings a deep commitment to tradition and quality. The distillery opened in 2021 with the debut of Five Judges Gin and now offers a distinctive range of premium spirits—including fruit brandies and other specialty spirits —crafted with farmstead grown fruits and locally sourced ingredients. Visitors are invited to enjoy immersive tastings and experience the artistry of small-batch distillation in a serene Texas Hill Country setting. For media inquiries, interviews, or to request a sample, please contact: Nicole Whorton Marketing & PR Manager Dietz Distillery Phone: (817) 932-5605 Email: Instagram: @dietzdistillery View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Dietz Distillery Sign in to access your portfolio
