San Francisco, CA
The Vodka Of The Year According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Refreshing Lemon Drop Martini with a Garnish
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The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) has released the inaugural list of its 2024 Vodkas of the Year. Chopin Potato Vodka was chosen the Vodka of the Year. Below is a brief description and tasting notes of the SFWSC’s ten Vodkas of the Year.
These vodkas were Double Gold medalists at the SFWSC and received Gold Medals in at least four other major international spirit competitions. They are among the world’s best, offering diverse aroma and flavor profiles and range from established legacy brands to new offerings from craft producers. All of them are widely available and reasonably priced.
Global Vodka Trends
The global vodka market remained relatively stable in 2024 compared to 2023. According to Euromonitor International, vodka sales were expected to be 338.4 million cases by the end of 2024, a slight decrease from 338.44 million cases in 2023.
Despite this marginal decline in volume, the value of vodka sales experienced growth, increasing from $78.2 billion in 2023 to $79.4 billion in 2024. Sales in 2025 are projected to rise to $82.6 billion by 2025.
Economy and premium brands showed the most significant revenue increases as a combination of economic headwinds drove consumers to low-priced options while continued premiumization drove other consumers towards higher-priced expressions. The demand for premium vodka expressions seemed particularly prevalent among millennials and Gen Z consumers.
Flavored vodkas continued to outperform neutral expressions and are expected to surpass them in volume by 2025 or 2026. Flavored vodka volumes are growing around 6.5% while volume of neutral (unflavored) vodka expressions posted slight declines in 2024.
Botanical vodkas, those flavored with botanicals rather than artificial flavorings, are the fastest growing segment of the vodka market, albeit from a relatively small base. The emergence of botanical vodkas is creating a gin-like vodka category which differs from gin only in the prominence of juniper flavors and is often difficult to distinguish from “contemporary gins” that eschew a prominent juniper flavor.
Overall, while global vodka sales volume remained relatively steady with only a slight decline in 2024, the value of sales increased, indicating the trend towards premiumization in the vodka market is continuing.
Two vodka in shot glasses space
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SFWSC Vodka of the Year
These vodkas have been recognized with some of the most significant awards in the industry, including the Double Gold Medal from the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. These accolades are a testament to their exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Grey Goose Vodka, Grey Goose Distillery, France
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold, Beverage Testing Institute: Gold, New York International Spirits Competition: Gold
Silky and smooth, Grey Goose features flavors of citrus zest and almond and a creamy mouthfeel, this vodka has a clean and elegant finish, making it a benchmark for luxury vodkas.
Belvedere Vodka, Polmos Żyrardów, Poland
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold
Belvedere is rich and full-bodied, with notes of vanilla and rye spice and a creamy, velvety texture. The finish is long, smooth, and subtly peppery.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Fifth Generation Inc., USA
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, World Spirits Awards: Gold, New York International Spirits Competition: Gold
Corn sweetness with a creamy texture, subtle notes of bread, and a clean, slightly sweet finish. Tito’s Vodka is versatile for cocktails or sipping neat and pairs well with [specific food or mixers].
Vodka cocktails garnished with lemon, blueberries, and rosemary
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Absolut Elyx, The Absolut Company, Sweden
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold
Absolut Elyx is luxuriously smooth and silky with fresh grain flavors, subtle vanilla, and hints of fruit. The finish is crisp, elegant, and refined.
Cîroc Vodka, Distillerie de Chevanceaux, France
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold
Bright and crisp, with light grape, citrus, and tropical fruit flavors, the finish is clean, refreshing, and slightly sweet.
Stolichnaya Elit, Latvijas Balzams, Latvia
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold
Stolichnaya is ultra-smooth with a creamy mouthfeel and flavors of marshmallow, citrus zest, and a subtle peppery finish.
Caviar on a cracker with a glass of vodka makes a classic pairing.
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Reyka Vodka, William Grant & Sons, Iceland
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold
Clean and crisp with a soft minerality, notes of vanilla, and a hint of citrus. The finish is smooth and refreshing, with a slightly earthy undertone.
Chopin Potato Vodka, Polmos Siedlce, Poland
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, Beverage Testing Institute: Gold
Chosen as the Vodka of the Year, Chopin Potato Vodka offers a complex and nuanced aroma and taste profile.
It is full-bodied and creamy with earthy undertones, hints of vanilla, and a touch of sweetness. The finish is rich and smooth.
Crystal Head Vodka, Globefill Inc., Canada
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, New York International Spirits Competition: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold
Bright and clean with subtle notes of vanilla, peach, and soft grains. The finish is crisp and refreshing.
Black Cow Vodka, Black Cow Distillery, England
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, New York International Spirits Competition: Gold
It is smooth and creamy, with hints of vanilla, coconut, and soft sweetness from its milk-based distillation process. The finish is clean and slightly sweet.
These vodkas represent some of the finest in the world, having won the coveted Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and multiple other gold medals from prestigious international competitions. Each of these vodkas demonstrates exceptional quality and craftsmanship, presenting a broad range of aroma and flavor profiles. Each is an outstanding vodka and worth trying!
SAN FRANCISCO – Even as votes continue to be counted in California’s gubernatorial primary, one candidate spent part of Wednesday campaigning in the Bay Area.
Hilton looks ahead to November
Some were surprised to see Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton in San Francisco. With the primary election behind him, Hilton visited Osmanthus Dim Sum Lounge to meet with voters and begin laying the groundwork for a potential fall campaign.
Hilton acknowledged that ballots are still being counted and criticized the pace of the process, saying results should be available more quickly. Still, he expressed confidence that he will finish among the top two candidates and advance to the November election.
“This is my plan to grow my support,” Hilton said, gesturing to supporters gathered inside the restaurant. “To be out with the people of California desperate for change.”
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, another leading candidate, also projected confidence on election night.
“I take nothing for granted. There are lots of ballots to be counted; it appears we are on track to advance to November,” Becerra said.
Voters voice concerns
What they’re saying:
Among those attending Hilton’s event was Nelson Lum, a former San Francisco police officer who said he wanted to hear the candidate’s views on crime.
“It’s not an endorsement of anybody at this point,” Lum said. “I’m certainly not going to exclude anyone because I want to hear their views.”
Meina Young, with the Business and Housing Network, said she attended to discuss issues she sees as burdensome regulations in the rental housing market.
“I want to make our voices heard, and I feel that Steve has been very good,” Young said. “This is our second time meeting with him.”
Small protest outside event
Outside the restaurant, a small group of protesters gathered after noticing signage for the event. They said they are concerned San Francisco is becoming more welcoming to Republican candidates.
“We’re here today because we know San Francisco is a Democratic, progressive city,” said Romalyn Schmaltz. “We’re not going to just let a Republican come here and fundraise in our neighborhood without saying something.”
Counting continues
What’s next:
Ballots are still being counted statewide. More than 23 million ballots were mailed to California’s registered voters for the primary election.
The extended counting process often fuels accusations of irregularities. Election officials and supporters of the system, however, say the process takes time to ensure every eligible ballot is counted accurately.
The San Francisco Giants wrap up this four-game road series against the Milwaukee Brewers this morning.
Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Adrian Houser, who enters today’s game with a 5.59 ERA, 5.21 FIP, with 35 strikeouts to 21 walks in 56.1 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 8-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Saturday, in which he allowed four runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and two walks in three and two thirds innings.
He’ll be facing off against Brewers right-handed rookie Coleman Crow, who enters today’s game with a 3.14 ERA, 3.73 FIP, with eight strikeouts to three walks in 14.1 innings pitched. His last start was in the Brewers’ 5-4 win over the Houston Astros on Friday, in which he allowed four runs (two earned) on four hits with one strikeout and two walks in four innings.
Who: San Francisco Giants (24-38) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (37-22)
Where: American Family Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area
Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM
A San Francisco family in the Richmond District is facing a nearly 90% rent increase after the building got new ownership.
Zachary and Ashley Waldman moved into the two-bedroom unit in 2021, knowing they wanted to start a family; their 19-month-old Henry has grown up in the unit and goes to daycare nearby, which is subsidized. Ashley says they feel safe and comfortable.
Last Friday, the family received a notice on their door, letting them know that their rent would go up to $7,000 in September.
“I could cry right now, I’ve been doing a lot of crying. This is our home, so it’s been really difficult,” Ashley said.
When they first moved in, they said they were paying close to $3,500. Over the last few years, they’ve seen a couple of increases, and they’re now paying nearly $3,700.
But the building recently got new ownership toward the end of May. And this notice states that it’s exempt from certain cities and state laws that provide protections to tenants.
Jocelyn Moran has the full report in the video above.
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