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Forbes
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Top Tequilas Crowned At The 2025 SF World Spirits Competition
Margarita cocktail with ice, lime slice and salt rim. Tequila is now the largest spirits category in the US by revenue. Several hundred Tequila entries were evaluated at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and 19 of those Tequilas, all Double Gold winners, are in the final round, contending for the best Tequila expression in their respective category and the top accolade of World's Best Tequila. Below is a summary of the finalists in each of the major Tequila categories: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo. The winners will be announced at the Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated event in the beverage industry, on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. The Blanco Tequila Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Aguasol, Tequila Blanco, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $39 Cutwater, Blanco Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $34 Sesion Tequila, Blanco, Jalisco, Mexico, The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $45 Don Vicente, Fuerte Blanco, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 54% ABV. 750 ml. $85 Tequila Volcan de mi Tierra, Blanco, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $50 For backgrounds and detailed tasting notes on the 2025 SFWSC Blanco/Joven Tequila finalists, see SF World Spirits Competition Crowns The World's Top Blanco Tequila. The Reposado Tequila Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Occasion, Reposado Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Reposado is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $75 Aguasol, Reposado Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $47 Don Fulano, Reposado Tequila, Jalisco Mexico. The Reposado is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $62 Don Roberto, Double Cask Reposado Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. This double-casked Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $45 Mijenta, Symphony Series No. 2 Reposado Tequila, Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 45% ABV. 750 ml. $66. For backgrounds and detailed tasting notes on the 2025 SFWSC Reposado Tequila finalists, see The Top Reposado Tequila, According To The SF World Spirits Competition. The Añejo Tequila Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Tequila De La Gente, Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $100 Cierto Tequila, Private Collection Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $175 Pantalones, Organic Añejo Tequila, Amatitán, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $50 Hotel California, Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750ml. $60 Cierto Tequila, Reserve Collection Extra Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $385 For backgrounds and detailed tasting notes on the 2025 SFWSC Anejo Tequila finalists, see The Top Añejo Tequila, According To The SF World Spirits Competition. The Extra Añejo Tequila Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Don Julio, Ultima Reserva Extra Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $484 El Tesoro, Extra Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $148 Casa Cuervo, 1800, Milenio Extra Añejo Tequila, Jalisco Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $225 Don Fulano, Tequila Imperial Extra Añejo Tequila, Jalisco Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $209 For backgrounds and detailed tasting notes on the 2025 SFWSC Extra Añejo Tequila finalists, see 2025 SF World Spirits Competition Crowns Top Extra Añejo Tequila. These Tequilas are among the very best of the more than 2,000 different Tequila brands currently available. Many are quite reasonably priced and would make excellent additions to your home bar. Whether your passion is a Tequila cocktail like a Margarita or a Paloma, or whether your preference is for a sipping Tequila, you are bound to find a Tequila to suit your taste among these contenders for The World's Best Tequila.
Forbes
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Single Barrel Bourbon, According To The SF World Spirits Competition
The Finalists in the Single Barrel Bourbon Category from the 2025 SFWSC Seven whiskeys are finalists in the Single-Barrel Bourbon section of the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Five expressions are in the Up To 10 Years category, and two are in the 11 Years and Older category. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes on the finalists. The Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated whiskey industry event, will announce the winner on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. This bourbon is a premium offering from Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas — one of the pioneers of authentic Texas bourbon. Each barrel is hand-selected for full-strength bottling, typically between 120–140 proof. The extreme Texas heat and marked diurnal and seasonal temperature variations accelerate maturation, producing an intensely flavorful bourbon even at relatively younger ages. The whiskey is powerful on the nose, with bold aromas of dark brown sugar, mesquite smoke, saddle leather, and vanilla bean. The palate is robust and textured, featuring rich waves of toffee, black cherry, burnt orange peel, and seasoned oak. The finish is long, powerful, and lingering with charred caramel, spice, and smoky warmth. This powerhouse bourbon is massive, intense, and packed with Texas terroir. The SFWSC Judging panel described the whiskey as expressing 'explosive aromas of brown sugar/molasses, caramel, leather, and vanilla on the nose. The bourbon is oily and viscous, with a noticeable palate weight showcasing orange zest, cherry syrup, caramel, vanilla, and seasoned oak. The finish is long, fiery, and powerful.' Blackout Bourbon is a boutique bottling project focused on finding rare, full-proof single barrels, typically sourced from Kentucky or Indiana distilleries. Each barrel is selected for its boldness and complexity, usually bottled unfiltered and cask strength. On the nose, Blackout Bourbon offers deep aromas of toasted marshmallow, dark chocolate, molasses, and smoky oak. The palate is thick and mouth-coating, bringing flavors of caramelized sugar, roasted peanuts, espresso, and a burst of peppery spice. The finish is bold and lengthy, trailing off with bittersweet cocoa and warm spice. Blackout Bourbon lives up to its name — a whiskey of raw, unfiltered strength that pulls no punches. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as 'powerful and intense on the nose and palate, featuring a candied sweetness, bittersweet chocolate, coffee, roasted nuts, and a persistent smoky note. The finish is long and flavorful, with lingering dark chocolate and spicy notes.' Safai is a private label bourbon from Safai Coffee Company in Louisville, Kentucky. Their 8-year-old bourbon is sourced from top Kentucky stocks and bottled as a single barrel selection, typically around 110–115 proof. It features vanilla bean, subtle leather, honeyed oak, and sweet corn pudding on the nose. The palate is smooth and flavorful, featuring butterscotch, caramel apple, roasted almonds, and cinnamon spice notes. The finish is medium-long and sweet, with lingering baking spice and a touch of aged oak. Safai's bourbon is a polished, approachable single barrel, ideal for those who appreciate classic Kentucky flavor. The SFWSC described the whiskey as featuring 'classic Kentucky bourbon aromas express a balanced combination of caramel, vanilla, orchard fruit, and seasoned oak that is smooth and creamy on the palate with a long, sweet finish.' This Hirsch limited-release single-barrel bourbon emphasizes an extra aging step in a second new charred oak barrel to deepen the flavor profile. Typically bottled at cask strength, varying between 120–125 proof, this expression begins with traditional bourbon maturation before re-barreling for additional richness. The nose is complex and aromatic, brimming with notes of dark caramel, toasted coconut, baking spices, and heavy oak. It is rich and mouth-filling on the palate, offering spiced toffee, dark chocolate, cinnamon bark, and a surge of charred vanilla. The finish is bold, lengthy, and structured, with lingering smoky oak and hints of leather. Hirsch Double Oak delivers a double hit of wood influence while maintaining balance and depth. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing 'aromas of plums, seasoned oak, mineral water, and lemon zest. It's spicy on the palate, featuring caramel, vanilla, and a pronounced cinnamon red hots flavor. The finish is long with lingering vanilla and cinnamon notes.' This bourbon is an incredibly unique expression made entirely from Jimmy Red corn, a rare heirloom variety revived by High Wire in Charleston, South Carolina. The Jimmy Red corn, known for its rich and sweet flavor profile, is the sole ingredient in this bourbon, bottled as a single barrel bourbon and typically landing around 110 proof, showcasing the true character of this rare corn. The nose is unusually rich and earthy, with notes of sweet cornbread, maple syrup, vanilla custard, and roasted nuts. It is velvety and flavorful on the palate, displaying waves of honeycomb, pecan pie, toasted grain, and herbal spice. The finish is smooth, warming, and carries hints of caramelized sugars and seasoned oak. Jimmy Red is a singular bourbon experience — earthy, sweet, and deeply tied to its agricultural roots. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as exhibiting 'aromas of black cherries, oak, and cinnamon oatmeal. The palate features cherry syrup with crème de cassis, black pepper, oak, and vanilla. The finish is medium length with pronounced and lingering black cherry notes.' The finalists in the Single Barrel Bourbon Category from the 2025 SFWSC This is a scarce single-barrel offering from the revived O.K.I. label, once famous for its beautifully aged MGP stock inventory. This 16-year-old Kentucky bourbon is sourced from high-end Kentucky warehouses and is typically bottled between 110–115 proof. The nose is aromatic, featuring powerful aromas of aged oak, burnt caramel, dried cherries, and pipe tobacco. The palate is deep, rich, contemplative, layered with blackstrap molasses, old leather, roasted hazelnuts, and bittersweet dark chocolate flavors. The finish is incredibly long and nuanced, with lingering aged oak, spice, and espresso notes. This O.K.I. 16 Year Single Barrel is a showstopper — a celebration of well-aged bourbon at its peak maturity. The SFWSC described the whiskey as featuring 'aromas of fruit and honey intertwined with caramel and vanilla notes. The bourbon is rich and robust on the palate with notes of molasses, roasted hazelnuts, vanilla, caramel, and dried cherries. The finish is long and slightly sweet, with lingering spice and oak notes.' This bourbon is a standout ultra-aged single-barrel release from Augusta Distillery in Kentucky. Augusta's bourbons have been perennial medalists in spirit competitions. Named after Revolutionary War hero Simon Buckner, this bourbon is bottled at barrel strength, often exceeding 120 proof, from meticulously selected barrels. The nose is vibrant, offering a bouquet of dark maple syrup, worn leather, rich vanilla bean, and old oak. The palate is lush and luxurious, bursting with deep flavors of toffee, fig jam, spiced plum, dark roasted coffee, and layers of charred wood. The finish is extraordinarily long, evolving from sweet to smoky to slightly dry, with lingering cocoa powder and aged wood notes. Buckner's 15-Year Single Barrel is a profound, complex whiskey — a classic example of bourbon reaching a noble old age with grace and strength. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as expressing 'powerful aromas of maple candy, dried cherry, dried orchard, and stone fruit. The palate is robust with a pronounced mouth weight and satiny texture, featuring caramel, prune, coffee, fig jam, and charred wood. The finish is long, with lingering dried fruit, chocolate, and seasoned oak notes.' The 2025 SFWSC showcased seven outstanding single-barrel bourbons from all over the US. They represent a broad array of styles and proofs reflecting a variety of terroirs and maturation environments. They underscore the wide range of aroma and flavorful profiles that characterize single-barrel bourbons and showcase how barrel selection and blending allow specialty bottlers to release exceptional expressions. These seven expressions are among the world's best single-barrel bourbons. All are worth trying.
Forbes
10-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Wheated Bourbon, According To The SF World Spirits Competition
The Wheated Bourbon Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Five whiskeys are the Wheated Bourbon category finalists at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The SFWSC is the world's largest and most prestigious judging of American whiskey. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes on the finalists. The Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated whiskey industry event, will announce the winner on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. Wheated reserve is part of Frank August's experimental "Case Study" series. Each batch explores different aging techniques and mash bill variations. Case Study 05 focuses on a small batch of wheated bourbon, using just five barrels. Distilled in Kentucky and bottled at cask strength, typically around 114–116 proof, it highlights wheat's softer, richer qualities in bourbon. On the nose, it offers pronounced aromas of caramelized brown sugar, old leather, baked apples, and a hint of cinnamon dust. The palate is luxuriously smooth yet complex, delivering layers of vanilla bean, maple candy, toasted almond, and clove-spiced toffee. The finish is long and silky, fading slowly with sweet oak and warm baking spice. This release showcases the creamy, rich side of wheated bourbon, with impressive complexity for a small batch offering. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the wheated bourbon as exhibiting aromas of cinnamon baked apples, old leather, vanilla, and caramel. The palate is smooth and creamy, featuring maple candies, nuts, caramel, vanilla, and spice notes of cinnamon and clove. The finish is long and creamy, with lingering notes of seasoned oak and wood spices.' This small-batch craft bourbon, produced in Chicago, Illinois, by Maplewood, uses a high-corn, wheat-forward mash bill and is bottled at around 90–95 proof. Despite being new to the whiskey industry, Maplewood's distillation program has gained strong respect for its quality. On the nose, this bourbon is aromatic and approachable, with aromas of caramel corn, vanilla wafer, light oak, and a subtle hint of cooked, honeyed grain. It's gentle yet flavorful on the palate, unfolding layers of sweet toffee, buttered popcorn, baked apples, and a touch of nutmeg. The wheat softens the mouthfeel considerably, giving it a creamy, rounded texture. The finish is clean and mid-length, with lingering sweet oak and baking spice notes. This bourbon is a comfortable, easy sipper, showcasing the smooth, approachable character that good wheated bourbon can deliver even from a relatively young bottling. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing 'aromas of stone fruit, cooked corn, caramel, vanilla, oak, and cooked cereal on the nose. The palate features buttered popcorn, apple pie/caramel apple, and wood spices. The finish is long, slightly sweet, with lingering baked apple and corn bread notes.' This bourbon is part of Heaven Hill's ambitious "Grain to Glass" series, highlighting complete transparency and small-batch craftsmanship — from seed selection through barrel aging. It has been a perennial winner in international spirit competitions. This expression focuses on traditional Kentucky mash bills, aged in classic #3 char new oak barrels, and bottled around 110–115 proof. It's rich with a classic Kentucky bourbon profile on the nose, featuring butterscotch, brown sugar, toasted oak, and dried cherry aromas. The palate is robust and weighty, showcasing molasses, baked peaches, vanilla cream flavors, and a firm backbone of caramelized oak. The wheat component offers a subtle sweetness, while the barrel strength proof delivers plenty of depth and spice. The finish is long and layered, dominated by oak wood spices, dark honey, and roasted hazelnut. This bottling is a classic, robust wheated bourbon, true to Heaven Hill's historic style. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the wheated bourbon as expressing 'aromas of creamy butterscotch, cherry syrup, dried peaches, and charred oak. The palate is rich and creamy, featuring molasses/brown sugar, dried fruit, caramel, vanilla, roasted nuts, and oak spices. The finish is long and slightly sweet, with lingering oak and spice notes.' Glass of wheated bourbon and wheat ears W.L. Weller Antique 107 is a cult favorite in the bourbon world. It's distilled at Buffalo Trace using their famed wheated mash bill, shared with Pappy Van Winkle. Although the expression carries a list price of $59, the average retail price in the US, according to Wine Searcher, is $194. Bottled at 107 proof, Antique 107 balances power and sweetness beautifully. The nose has candied pecans, cinnamon sticks, ripe cherries, and soft leather. It's bold yet velvety on the palate, bursting with flavors of dark caramel, red apple, vanilla frosting, and toasted almond, framed by gentle baking spice notes. The finish is vibrant, long, and lightly peppery, with lingering notes of sweet oak, cinnamon, and rich toffee. Weller Antique 107 remains one of the best examples of a high-proof wheated bourbon, with impressive character and drinkability. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as expressing 'aromas of vanilla custard, peach chunks, and caramel. The palate features classic wheated bourbon notes of caramel, brown sugar, Rainier cherries, and seasoned oak. The finish is long and robust with lingering vanilla and dried fruit notes.' Weller's C.Y.P.B. is a special release from Buffalo Trace's "craft your ideal bourbon' online campaign. The result was a wheated bourbon, aged 8 years, bottled at 95 proof, matured on the upper floors of the warehouses. Now in high demand by collectors, the bottle sells for an average price of $592 according to Wine Searcher. On the nose, C.Y.P.B. is elegant and fresh, with aromas of white chocolate, honeycomb, seasoned oak, fresh peaches, and a trace of honeysuckle. The palate is delicate but flavorful, highlighting notes of vanilla custard, caramelized pear, lightly toasted coconut, and gentle cinnamon spice. The wheat has a luscious mouthfeel complemented by a subtle sweetness. The finish is medium-long, slightly sweet, with lingering sweet vanilla, toasted almond notes, and a faint hint of herbal freshness. Weller C.Y.P.B. is a smoother, more refined cousin to Antique 107, prized for its balance, grace, and crowd-pleasing flavor. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the wheated bourbon as showcasing floral aromas complemented by vanilla, caramel, white chocolate, honey, and seasoned oak notes. The palate is flavorful, featuring a layered complexity of vanilla cream, poached orchard fruit, butterscotch, coconut, and wood spices. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering vanilla and nutty notes. These five wheated bourbons from the 2025 SFWSC showcase the benefit of a high wheat mash bill. The results are exceptionally smooth, easy-drinking bourbons that expand bourbon's aroma and flavor profile. These five expressions are outstanding. They are among the world's best wheat-based bourbons.
