The Tasting Alliance has announced the Batch 1 finalists for the Best of Class American Whiskey at the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). The competition highlights standout products across various whiskey categories, including Rye, Tennessee, American Blended, and American Single Malt whiskeys. Each finalist has been awarded a Double Gold Medal based on their exceptional quality, scoring between 97 and 99 points out of 100.

About the Competition

The SFWSC is an esteemed global event where industry professionals gather to evaluate a wide range of distilled spirits through blind tastings. This methodology ensures that judges assess the essence of each liquid without bias related to branding or packaging.

Finalists Highlight

Here are some of the Best of Class finalists in their respective categories:

Rye Whiskey

1. Baltimore Spirits Company

   • Product: Epoch Maryland Straight Rye Whiskey 6 Year Old Cask Strength
   • Tasting Notes: Bold, oak-forward with a lively flavor and a minty finish.

2. O.K.I.

   • Product: Single Barrel Rye Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Dominated by oak and clove with a sweet rye spice backbone.

3. WhistlePig

   • Product: Boss Hog Collection – Boss XII Feather & Flame Rye Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Warm with brown butter notes and a savory finish.

4. James B. Beam Distilling Co.

   • Product: Old Overholt 12 Year Old Extra Aged Cask Strength
   • Tasting Notes: Oak-forward with layers of gingerbread, stone fruit and cinnamon.

5. Art of the Spirits

   • Product: Mogadishu Hazmat Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Savory with notes of baked apple and balanced spicing.

Tennessee Whiskey

1. Uncle Nearest

   • Product: 1884 Small Batch Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Sweet with spiced caramel and a warm finish.

2. Jack Daniel’s

   • Product: Batch 2 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Rich in burnt caramel and cacao with a smoky touch.

3. Leiper’s Fork Distillery

   • Product: Bottled-In-Bond Tennessee Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Features maple syrup sweetness balanced with black pepper spice.

American Blended Whiskey

1. High Bank Distillery

   • Product: Whiskey War Double Double Oaked American Blended Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Playful notes of bubblegum and honey.

2. High Bank Distillery

   • Product: Whiskey War American Blended Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Gentle honey flavor with a bright, balanced character.

American Single Malt Whiskey

1. Dark Arts Whiskey House

   • Product: American Single Malt Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Rich in butterscotch and molasses depth.

2. Lost Woods

   • Product: 110 American Single Malt Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Decadent with flavors of dates and clove.

3. Stranahan’s

   • Product: Original American Single Malt Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Clean with rustic notes and brown sugar sweetness.

4. Stranahan’s

   • Product: Mountain Angel 12 Year Old American Single Malt Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Nutty with a complex finish.

5. The Notch Nantucket Single Malt Whisky

   • Product: 15 Year Old
   • Tasting Notes: Bright and lively, balancing fresh woods with fruity notes.

The winners for each category will be revealed during the Top Shelf 2026 Awards Gala in November. For more details on the SFWSC, visit the official Tasting Alliance website.