A clay sipping cup filled with mezcal from Del Maguey, the Distiller of the Year. | Photo: Lush Life Productions

Last month, thirty-three spirits experts gathered at the Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco to evaluate 1,106 premium spirits from 61 countries for the 11th annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Competition Founder and Executive Director Anthony Dias Blue implemented a new format this year by extending the event to three days (March 18-20). Friday and Saturday were entirely devoted to judging 82 categories of spirits. On Sunday, ninety-two Double Gold spirits vied for top awards in the Sweepstakes and were evaluated by all 33 judges.

Led by Director of Judging Tony Abou-Ganim (The Modern Mixologist), the judges awarded 159 Double Gold Medals, 181 Gold Medals, 383 Silver Medals and 231 Bronze Medals. Blue credited the judges with identifying “emerging trends in the exciting spirits arena. Mezcal, gin, rye, bourbon and brandy – especially pisco – are exploding in popularity.”

Judges table with Joe Brooke, Anthony Dias Blue and Trudy Thomas

Joseph Brooke, Anthony Dias Blue and Trudy Thomas (L to R). | Photo: The Tasting Panel

Joseph Brooke (The Edison) was one of twelve new judges, joining Los Angeles-based veterans such as Blue and Meridith May (The Tasting Panel Magazine), Aidan Demarest (The Spare Room) and Richard Carleton Hacker.

Taking top honors:

In addition to the premium awards, top ranking spirits in each category were awarded “Best” titles:

WHITE SPIRITS

WHISK(E)Y

BRANDY

LIQUEURS & OTHER SPIRITS

For more information and additional results, visit www.sfspiritscomp.com.