The World’s Best Gin—According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Earlier this week, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition unveiled the Best in Class gin finalists. More than 460 gin entries were whittled down to a handful of finalists in three gin categories: gin, barrel-aged gin and flavored gin.

A top gin in each category will be selected at Top Shelf 2024 in San Francisco in the first week in October. This year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition received more than 5,000 entries across categories, a marked increase over previous years, said organizers. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition utilizes expert judges who taste spirits blind. Spirits entered in the competition can be awarded bronze, silver gold, or double gold medals. This year’s medalists were released in early April but the Best in Class finalists in certain categories have not yet been revealed.

Gin as a category is increasing in popularity with 2023 seeing 1 billion in gin sales in the U.S. according to the Distilled Spirits Council. The Best in Class finalists were selected by an expert panel of judges who tasted each spirit blind. They represent some of the best gins available anywhere in the globe.

Best in Class Gin Finalists

Dada Chapel Organic Dry Gin, Flanders, Belgium

The judges summed up this gin with one simple word: “Herbaceous.”

Hilbing Gin, London Dry Mendoza, Argentina

This impressive gin is made with classic juniper, citrus, and floral notes with unique local botanicals and pure Andean mountain water.

Ben Lomond Scottish Gin, Scotland,

The judges described this Scottish gin as “herbal.”

Eight Lands Organic Speyside Gin, Speyside, Scotland

The judges described this gin as “fresh, aromatic floral, botanical, [and] balanced.

Juniperus Gin, Australia

This gin from down under was described by the judges as “complex,” and “aromatic.”

Best in Class Best Barrel Aged Gin Finalists

Crazy Eights Gold Oak Gin, Shanghai, China

The name of this gin is inspired by the murderous yakuza gang in Kill Bill and the judges described its killer flavors using words such as “orange oak,” “aromatic,” bright,” “cinnamon,” “complex,” “fruity,” and “lively.”

Nozawa Onsen Distillery Barrel-Aged Gin, Nagano Japan

This gin impressed judges with its aromatics.

Corsair Distillery Barreled Gin, Nashville, U.S.

From a city known for its music this gin aged in charred oak barrels is noted for its distinctive smokey, whiskey-like character.

Seabourne Distillery Barrel Aged Series – Pedrox Ximenez Cask, Australia

The judges noted this gin’s notes of “black pepper” and all-around balance.

Starlight Distillery Simon’s 1794 Bottled-In-Bond American Dry Gin, Indiana, U.S.

The judges were impressed by this gin’s “vibrant juniper, citrus, and herbal notes.”

Best in Class Flavored Gin Finalists

Settlers Spirits Yuzu Gin, McLaren Vale, Australia

This gin impressed with its bold “citrusy” and “clean” notes.

Gervasi Spirits Pink Peppercorn Gin, Ohio

The judges said this gin’s “bright juniper, citrus, and unique pink peppercorn notes,” combined “for a spicy, aromatic profile.”

DiBaldo Spirits AU 79 Saffron Gin, Emilia Romagna, Italy

This Italian gin combines vibrant juniper, citrus, and saffron to create an aromatic flavored gin.

Luscious Spirits, Raspberry Gin, New Jersey, United States

The judges were impressed by this gin’s “vibrant juniper and fresh raspberry notes” all of which created a “sweet, fruity profile.”

Junipero Smoked Rosemary, California, U.S.

This gin is noted for its distinctive smoky rosemary character.