Triple Double Golds, 99/100 Scoring Highlights Wenzel Distillery’s Strong Whiskey Line Up At 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
COVINGTON, Ky. (June 11, 2026) – Wenzel Distillery is proud to announce an exceptional showing at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), earning five medals across its portfolio — including three Double Gold awards. The distillery’s Double Oaked Bourbon and Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon each received a Double Gold with a near-perfect score of 99, while its Toasted Oak Bourbon earned a Double Gold with a score of 97. The Wheated Bourbon earned a Gold Medal, making 2026 one of the most decorated years in Wenzel’s history.
The SFWSC is recognized as one of the most influential spirits competitions in the world, honoring excellence through a rigorous blind tasting process conducted by a panel of industry experts. Judges are tasked with reviewing and grading over 5,000 entries every year. A Double Gold Medal signifies that every judge unanimously awarded a gold rating, the highest standard of recognition the competition bestows.
Wenzel’s 2026 SFWSC medal results are as follows:
• Double Oaked Bourbon — Double Gold | Score: 99
• Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon — Double Gold | Score: 99
• Toasted Oak Bourbon — Double Gold | Score: 97
• Wheated Bourbon — Gold Medal
“Winning three Double Golds with near perfect 99 scores at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is a tremendous honor for our team. We’re proud to bring these awards back to our distillery in Covington and to represent the bourbon heritage of Northern Kentucky on one of the world’s biggest stages. As Covington’s only distillery, we’re honored to carry our city’s bourbon story forward and look forward to sharing our award-winning spirits with bourbon lovers across Kentucky and beyond.” — Austin Dunbar, Partner, Wenzel Distillery
These awards continue a remarkable streak for the young distillery. In 2025, Wenzel received recognition at the World Whiskies Awards, where its Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon was named “World’s Best Finished Bourbon,” and at SFWSC, where its Barrel Proof Rye was named “Best American Rye Whiskey.” The 2026 SFWSC results affirm that Wenzel’s quality is not a one-time achievement; it is a standard.
Wenzel’s award-winning spirits are available at select retailers throughout Kentucky, on its website through the online store, and at the Wenzel Distillery’s tasting room and production facility at 412 Madison Avenue, Covington, Kentucky — the first producing distillery in Covington since Prohibition. Wenzel is featured on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the B-Line, Northern Kentucky’s bourbon tour experience.
Media Contact:
Bill Whitlow
President & Brand Ambassador, Wenzel Distillery
Bill@wenzeldistillery.com
859-539-7566
About Wenzel, LLC:
Founded in 2022 and located at 412 Madison Avenue in the heart of Covington, Kentucky, Wenzel Distillery is dedicated to producing exceptional whiskies that honor the region’s rich bourbon heritage. Through meticulous craftsmanship and a relentless pursuit of quality, Wenzel creates storied spirits that embrace tradition and define distinction. For more information, visit www.wenzeldistillery.com.
