Eduardo Dingler, Wine to Sake: San Francisco World Spirits Competition attracts 5,000 entries

I had the pleasure to participate as a returning judge along with 69 other judges who congregated over the span of two weeks.

The competition, founded by beverage mogul Andy Dias Blues in 2000, is cemented as the most relevant event of its kind giving a platform to both established and newcomer spirit producers.

The organization and execution at this level requires a massive logistical operation led by a seasoned team that includes Managing Director Madde McDowell, Volunteer Director Jeanine Galligani and COO Amanda Blue.

The format is completely blind and unbiased consisting of several panels of three to four judges whose expertise varies among the multiple styles of spirits.

The categories are presented in flights in which each entry is evaluated on its own merits rather than against its peers to ensure a proper judging.

An average of 80 spirits are tasted per judge per day, which requires full attention and discipline, relying heavily on experience and all the senses.

I was excited to see the quality of entries — which seemed to be the consensus amongst judges.

Baijiu's presence continues to grow at a fast pace while Shochu slowed down a bit compared to last year’s competition but some excellent examples non the less.

The top honors for the category include Jiangji Distillery ($39) which is an excellent way to venture into the Baijiu world with Light Aroma at 52% made of sorghum.

The Best Rice Aroma Baijiu award went to Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and Management ($35) from Taiwan at 43%.

For the well ventured Baijiu fans, the Strong Aroma went to Jinshengjiu, Qinghua 20 Baijiu ($240), showing depth and richness with that delicious funk.

The Shochu awards went to Hombo Shuzo Arawaza Sakurajima ($25) for their Imo (Sweet Potato) 25%, Mercian Yatsushiro Shiranuigura Hakusui Kome Genteishu ($30) Rice Shochu 39% and Kintaro Nishiyoshida ($35) Mugi (Barley) 24% with an attractive musky richness.

The tequila category is stronger than ever, I always enjoy this event because it serves as a catalyst of trends and exposure in the marketplace; but in this case we all know tequila’s following has taken over the world.

Some of the winners include Tequila 23 Blanco Criollo ($88) at 49.3%, on the Reposado level; Cierto ($40) at 40% and with two awards, El Tesoro with the Añejo ($85) 40% and the Extra Añejo ($150) 40%

Following closely, mezcal is carving a decent piece of the pie amongst consumers who are thirsty for this artisanal agave expression.

Top Mezcal honors went to Mezcal Amarás Cupreata ($60), 40%.

Speaking of agave spirits, which come with a “healthy(er)” connotation, Raicilla took the main stage as a winner of the Other Agave Spirit with Perra Suerte ($97) a 100% Raicilla Agave Maximiliana, a terroir-driven distillate from Jalisco starting to get visibility in the United States, along with Sotol and Bacanora.

Worth mentioning the winning Bacanora went to IZO ($68) 48% produced in the northern state of Sonora.

A proper San Francisco World Spirits Competition award ceremony is being planned for the end of June. For a full list of winners check out www.sfspiritscomp.com/results.