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.
Tequila
Blanco/Unaged
- Tequila Ocho Blanco
- EL Certeza Blanco
- El Tequileno Platinum
- La Serpiente Emplumada Blanco
- Cava de Oro Plata
Añejo
- Black Sheep Añejo
- Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino
- Siempre Añejo
Reposado
- Don Nacho Extra Premium Reposado
- Cincoro Reposado
- Lobos 1707 Reposado
Extra Añejo
- Cali Fino Extra Añejo
- Rancho Sierra Mar Extra Añejo
- Etéreo Extra Añejo
Mezcal
- Los Vecinos del Campo
- Montelobos
- Mezcal Vago
- Magia
- La Luna
- Raumen
Other Agave
- Aqara Agave De Los Andes Reposado
Follow Contributing Spirits Editor Nicolas Stecher on Instagram at @nickstecher and @boozeoftheday.