Celebrate Cinco De Mayo With The Best New Tequilas and Mezcals

An exclusive first look at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition finalists for six “Best In Agave” categories.

Nicolas Stecher

May 3, 2022

(Courtesy of San Francisco World Spirits Competition)

Established in 1980, the San Francisco International Wine Competition quickly set the standard for professional wine judging. Expanding to distilled spirits 20 years later, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition followed its predecessor by establishing the strictest criteria for judgment, utilizing a rigorous double-blind tasting process to guarantee objectivity.

The SFWSC has now grown to become both the oldest and most prestigious spirits competition in the world, annually drawing finalists from previously unknown small-batch distillers to globally recognized international powerhouses.

This year, 2022 marked the largest number of entrants the SFWSC has ever received — as earlier this month 70 judges from all over the world were tasked with evaluating over 5,000 spirits over two weeks. It’s a great responsibility: a SFWSC medal earns widespread respect across the industry, signifying exceptional quality and craftsmanship. But to be considered a Finalist for Best in Category? Well that’s a true honor that can change a small distiller’s fortunes — and establish a volume manufacturer’s bonafides.

Today Maxim exclusively reveals the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition finalists in the Agave categories, including many labels we’ve previously featured here. See if your favorite made the list below.