The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the Big Kahuna of global beverage competitions. For over a quarter century now, the organization has defined integrity in the space leveraging rigorous methodology and widely-revered judges. Its highest seals of approval – “Best In Class” and “Best In Show” – have helped solidify the stature of some of today’s biggest and most respected liquor brands.
We will have to wait until the weekend of November 7th to learn more about who those grand winners are for 2026. They will be announced at a grand gala called Top Shelf, unfolding over two days in San Francisco alongside a litany of exclusive tastings and master classes (tickets to the event are open to the public and start at $200 per person).
In the meantime, we can still announce a few other champions from this year’s judging, which took place earlier this spring. Namely, the best new bottlings, across all major categories of spirit. They include liquids that hit US shelves at some point over the past 12 months.
Today we’re starting with the exclusive reveal of SFWSC’s Best New Tequila of 2026: Torrente High Proof Blanco. To substantiate the merit, the competition released the following official tasting notes alongside the news:
“A vibrant and expressive tequila with fresh aromas of green agave, florals, dried herbs, and spice, leading into a beautifully balanced palate of roasted agave, bright honeyed sweetness, and earthy depth, before finishing clean, lively, and remarkably inviting, with a lingering character that keeps drawing you back for another sip.”
We would add to that description a pleasing aroma of orange blossom and lilac, which helps gird the immediate allure of the 100-proof spirit. These floral elements, marking the blanco as unique, are intensified as it sits in the snifter. So, by all means, let this one open up after you’ve poured it out. A creamy mouthfeel carries hints of spearmint and cayenne that linger in the finish. Don’t be surprised if it leaves you a bit speechless as you contemplate these complexities.
And here’s something else to think about: the barely-year-old Tequila Torrente brand is the world’s first certified regenerative tequila. Meaning that the blue weber agave used in its production was cultivated from farms that actively restore soil health and improve local ecosystems rather than just sustaining them. These plants were grown without herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides. And the company packages all of its double-distilled highland tequila in 100% recycled glass bottles.
In other words, it doesn’t just taste good…It ought to make you feel good, as well. After all, it’s not many brands that keep a designated “Soil Guardian” on their payroll. But that’s exactly what Tequila Torrente co-founder Rodrigo Mestas considers himself. His efforts are being met with immediate acclaim. Even before receiving Best New Tequila at SFWSC, the High Proof expression won Double Gold at this year’s prestigious Agavos Awards – a competition reserved exclusively for agave spirit.
So keep your eye on this up-and-coming brand. High Proof is clearly a heck of a place to start familiarizing yourself. It’ll set you back about $100 at your local liquor store.
Stay tuned for more best new bottles of 2026 in the week ahead.