Overview: Heaven Hill Brands has secured its position as the Most Awarded U.S. Distillery for the third consecutive year at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The portfolio earned approximately 88 medals, including two Platinum and 20 Double Gold awards across its whiskey and agave spirits lines.
The Full Story
Nine Heaven Hill products advanced to the “Best of Class” finals, highlighting the company’s range and mastery of craft across styles. Best of Class Finalists include Square 6 High Rye Bourbon, Elijah Craig 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon, Tequila Ocho Reposado and Añejo, and Mezcal Vago EspadÃn variants. Two standout Heaven Hill products were awarded the rare Platinum Medal, reserved for entries receiving Double Gold three years in a row: Mezcal Vago Elote and Tequila Ocho Plata.
Lunazul Tequila was named Spirits Brand of the Year by Shanken Market Watch Leaders. The American Whiskey portfolio has also had a standout year with honors at the World Whiskies Awards America and Icons of Whisky. Winners to be announced at the Top Shelf 2026 Awards Gala on November 8 in San Francisco. Kate Latts, Co-President, Heaven Hill Brands, stated that being named Most Awarded U.S. Distillery for a third straight year is a tribute to the quality of their brands and the commitment of their distillers, blenders, and teams behind every bottle. It is especially meaningful to see their agave spirits stand alongside their whiskeys on this stage. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, founded in 2000, is one of the world’s most respected and rigorous judging events. Thousands of spirits were blind tasted by a panel of industry experts to ensure fair, unbiased evaluation based solely on quality.
What This Means
This recognition reaffirms Heaven Hill’s position as a leader in American whiskey and agave spirits, with exceptional performance across a wide array of categories. The awards follow top honors for Heaven Hill’s agave portfolio and standout year with honors at the World Whiskies Awards America and Icons of Whisky.
Consumer Takeaway
This release offers a collection of highly awarded spirits available through the brand’s portfolio, including specific age statements like the 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon and 10-Year-Old Bourbon. The accolades serve as a testament to the quality of the brands and the commitment of the teams behind every bottle.
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