Switchback Spirits Wins Gold at 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition 

Burlington, Vermont – Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey, part of the Switchback Spirits lineup from Switchback Brewing Co., has been awarded a Gold Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), the most prestigious and influential competition in the global spirits industry. 

Now in its 25th year, the 2025 SFWSC drew over 5,000 entries from around the world, making it one of the largest and most competitive editions to date. The results were announced, celebrating products that exemplify excellence, quality, and distinction. 

Judges praised Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey with the following tasting notes: 

“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.” 

Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey began as a collaborative project between Switchback Spirits and Split Spirits, launched during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. With thousands of gallons of beer originally brewed and packaged for Vermont’s busy ski season and St. Patrick’s Day 2020 at risk of going to waste, the teams partnered to distill approximately 1,500 kegs—equivalent to 250,000 cans—of Switchback Ale at Split Spirits. The result is a uniquely Vermont whiskey that has been aging in new American oak barrels for over 3 years.  

What started as a creative solution to a crisis grew into Switchback Spirits, an umbrella that now includes Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey and its equally distinct sibling, Essential Vermont Hopped Gin. This vibrant gin evokes notes of fresh flowers, herbs, and citrus. A crisp and bright aroma melds with warm spice and evergreen. 

“This project came out of a difficult moment, but became something really meaningful and special,” said Switchback’s Director of Marketing, Abbe Carroll. “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.” 

Both Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey (46% ABV | 92 Proof) and Essential Vermont Hopped Gin (44% ABV | 88 Proof) are available statewide at 802 Spirits locations, at Split Spirits’ Middlebury Distillery, and at Switchback’s Beer Garden & Smokehouse in Burlington’s South End. 

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

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