Switchback Spirits Strikes Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

We’re raising a glass to some big news: Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey has taken home a Gold Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the most prestigious and influential spirits competition in the world.

Now in its 25th year, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition saw a record-breaking 5,000+ entries from around the world. Amid the stiff competition, Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey earned a Gold Medal for its bold character and distinctive craftsmanship.

Judges highlighted its depth, balance, and smooth finish.

“This malt whiskey opens with an aromatic blend of bright citrus, honey, and tropical notes on the nose, giving way to a balanced palate of juicy orange, floral character, a hint of herbaceous funk, oak, and concludes with a sharp, lingering finish that reinforces its bold profile.”

The story behind this whiskey is as remarkable as the spirit itself. It began during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when thousands of gallons of Switchback Ale, originally destined for Vermont’s ski season and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, suddenly had nowhere to go. Instead of letting the beer go to waste, Switchback joined forces with Middlebury-based Split Spirits to distill roughly 1,500 kegs, or 250,000 cans, of Switchback Ale. The result? A small-batch Vermont whiskey aged for over three years in new American oak barrels, and now, a gold medalist.

“This project came out of a difficult moment, but became something really meaningful and special,” said Abbe Carroll, Switchback’s Director of Marketing. “Winning gold is a huge honor, and it’s a testament to the creativity and quality Vermont can bring to the spirits world. It’s incredible to see our effort recognized on such a major stage.”

This award marks a high point for Switchback Spirits, the small-batch label now home to both the award-winning Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey and its equally distinctive sibling, Essential Vermont Hopped Gin—a vibrant spirit with notes of fresh flowers, herbs, citrus, and warm spice.

Both spirits are available statewide at 802 Spirits locations, at Split Spirits’ distillery in Middlebury, and at the Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse in Burlington’s South End.

For more details, visit switchbackvt.com/spirits or splitspirits.com.