Heaven Hill Brands has been named the Most Awarded US Distillery at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for the third consecutive year. The Bardstown, Kentucky-based producer earned approximately 88 medals across its portfolio, including two Platinum and 20 Double Gold awards.
Nine Heaven Hill products advanced to the competition’s “Best of Class” finals.
Among the finalists were Square 6 High Rye Bourbon, named a Best of Class Straight Bourbon finalist, and Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10-Year-Old Bourbon, a finalist in the Single Barrel Bourbon category for expressions aged up to 10 years.
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Two expressions from the company’s Grain to Glass range were named Best of Class Wheated Bourbon finalists, while Elijah Craig 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon reached the finals for single barrel bourbons aged 11 years and older.
The producer’s agave spirits also featured prominently. Tequila Ocho Reposado and Tequila Ocho Añejo were named Best of Class finalists in their respective categories, alongside two Mezcal Vago expressions.
Mezcal Vago Elote and Tequila Ocho Plata each received the rare Platinum Medal, an honor reserved for entries that earn Double Gold three years in a row.
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READ THE STORYMezcal Vago Espadín Joel Barriga and Mezcal Vago Elote are also in the running for Triple Still awards, with winners to be announced at the Top Shelf 2026 Awards Gala on 8 November in San Francisco.
The recognition follows a strong run for the company’s agave portfolio. Lunazul Tequila was named Spirits Brand of the Year by Shanken Market Watch Leaders and is a VinePair Next Wave Award finalist, to be announced on 22 October.
The American whiskey portfolio also earned honors this year at the World Whiskies Awards America and Icons of Whisky.
“Being named Most Awarded US Distillery for a third straight year is a tribute to the quality of our brands and the commitment of our distillers, blenders, and teams behind every bottle,” said Kate Latts, co-president of Heaven Hill Brands. “It’s especially meaningful to see our agave spirits stand alongside our whiskeys on this stage.”
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, founded in 2000, ranks among the most respected judging events in the industry. Thousands of spirits were blind tasted by a panel of experts to ensure fair evaluation based solely on quality.
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