CANTON, Ohio — Gervasi Spirits has achieved remarkable success at the 2025 U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Championships, securing two prestigious awards: the Grand National Champion in the spirits division and the runner-up in the highly competitive Whiskey Championship. This historic achievement makes Gervasi the first distillery ever to reach the podium in both categories.

The competition drew distilleries from across the country, and Gervasi stood out by earning a total of nine medals, broken down as follows:

• Whiskey Division: 2 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze
• Spirits Division: 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze

Among the standout entries were Gervasi’s Wine Barrel Bourbon, Small Batch Gin, and Spiced Rum, each winning Gold. Additionally, Rum Barrel Bourbon, Maple Cask Bourbon, and Giava (a coffee spirit) received Silver awards, while Honey Heat Whiskey and Winter White Whiskey were awarded Bronze.

“This recognition is a testament to the passion, precision, and innovation of our Head Distiller Shae Pridemore and Assistant Distiller Michael Phillips,” commented Scott Swaldo, CEO of Gervasi Vineyard and Gervasi Spirits. “To be recognized among the nation’s finest in both whiskey and spirits is an incredible honor—and it reflects our deep commitment to crafting exceptional, world-class products right here in Ohio.”

Other local winners in the competition included:

2025 U.S. Open Whiskey Championship Medal Results

• Small Batch Bourbon 4-10 Years Over 100 proof

  • GOLD – Karrikin Spirits – Orion’s Reserve
  • SILVER – Northern Row Brewery & Distillery – Northern Liberties Whiskey Co.

• Single Barrel Whiskey

  • GOLD – Knox Joseph Distillery – Knox Joseph Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• Rye Whiskey – Under 100 Proof

  • SILVER – Karrikin Spirits – Rye Whiskey

• Craft Whiskey

  • BRONZE – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Rubicon Creek Myth

• Anything Goes

  • GOLD – Iron Vault Distillery – FrankenBlend

2025 U.S. Open Spirits Championship

• Traditional Moonshine

  • GOLD – Pap’s Hilltop Distillery – Copperas Mountain Corn
  • SILVER – Flatrock Distilling Company – Flatrock Sweet Corn Moonshine

• Flavored Moonshine

  • GOLD – Pap’s Hilltop Distillery – Caramel Apple Pie Moonshine

• Barrel-Aged Gin

  • BRONZE – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Harpers Armagnac Gin

• Specialty Spirits

  • GOLD – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Gypsy Queen

• Other Spirits

  • BRONZE – Agave – Karrikin Spirits – Blaze

A complete list of winners is available here.