2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Unveils Tequila and Mezcal ‘Best in Class’ Finalists

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition has once again descended upon the liquor industry, sorting out the best of the best from thousands of submitted entries. This year, a team of over 50 judges including industry veterans Fred Minnick and Priyanka Blah convened in California for the world's largest spirits judging competition. Tasting gins, liqueurs, vodkas and more, the team whittled down the list to a handful of Gold medalists. Selectees awarded Gold by all judges were honored with the distinctive Double Gold medal. To view every tequila and mezcal that earned a Double Gold Medal, click here. Moving up, an even smaller group of Double Gold winners were selected for Best in Class, one of which from each category will be crowned Best in Show at the Top Shelf Gala in October. Today, we're taking a look at the tequilas and mezcals that have a shot at the grand prize. Last year's Best in Class agave finalists included exceptional spirits like Del Maguey Minero Mezcal and Cierto Tequila Extra Añejo. This year's selectees include recent releases like Matthew McConaughey's Pantalones Añejo and El Tesoro: Laphroaig Edition alongside old favorites like Don Fulano Fuerte. In short, there's a little something for everyone.

Best in Class Silver/Gold Tequila Finalists

[caption id="attachment_66992" align="aligncenter" width="600"] (Photo: Katelyn Tucker Photography/2024 SF Spirits Competition)[/caption] AsomBroso Tequila Additive-Free Silver Don Fulano Fuerte ZARZA Tequila Silver Don Rico Tequila Blanco Ay! Ay! Ay! Tequila Blanco

Best in Class Reposado Tequila Finalists

[caption id="attachment_66998" align="aligncenter" width="600"] (Photo: Katelyn Tucker Photography/2024 SF Spirits Competition)[/caption] Nobleza 33 Reposado Casa Don Ramón Tequila Reposado 100% Edición Limitada Cerámica El Mayor Reposado Los Rijos Reposado Tequila 1800 Reposado Tequila

Best in Class Añejo Tequila Finalists

[caption id="attachment_67001" align="aligncenter" width="600"] (Photo: Katelyn Tucker Photography/2024 SF Spirits Competition)[/caption] Avión Reserva Cristalino Rancho La Gloria Añejo Tequila Pantalones Organic Tequila Añejo Tres Generaciones Tequila 50th Anniversary Legacy Edition Añejo El Tesoro: Mundial Collection: Laphroaig Edition

Best in Class Extra Añejo Tequila Finalists

[caption id="attachment_66999" align="aligncenter" width="600"] (Photo: Katelyn Tucker Photography/2024 SF Spirits Competition)[/caption] Rodeo de las Aguas 5 Year Extra Añejo Alquimia Extra Añejo 14 Year Alquimia Extra Añejo 6 Year Cantera Negra Extra Añejo 1926 Don Roberto Extra Añejo

Best in Class Mezcal Finalists

[caption id="attachment_67007" align="aligncenter" width="600"] (Photos: Perro Verde Mezcal, Mala Mia Mezcal, Chagual Mezcal Artesanal)[/caption] Perro Verde Mezcal Tobasiche Fidencio Mezcal Clásico Chagual Jabali Mezcal Vago Ensamble en Barro Mala Mía Mezcal Tepeztate [botmc-promo]