UPPER TRACT, WV (May 8, 2025) – Swilled Dog (@SwilledDog), a WV-based craft distillery, is proud to announce that two of its premium bourbons have been awarded Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the most respected and influential contests in the world.
Swilled Dog’s Barrel Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey won a Gold Medal with a score of 91 while the Double Oaked Straight Bourbon won a Gold Medal with a score of 92. These wins further establish Swilled Dog as a standout craft producer in the American whiskey category.
The SFWSC, the largest and longest-running blind evaluation competition, is renowned for its blind tasting process conducted by an esteemed panel of judges from the spirits industry. Winning a Gold Medal signifies that a spirit exhibits exceptional quality and craftsmanship, placing them among the top tier of small-batch bourbons.
About the Award-Winning Bourbons: Barrel Strength Straight Bourbon (58% ABV): Swilled Dog’s most awarded spirit, this bourbon previously won Double Gold Medals in both 2021 and 2022 – a distinction only awarded when 100% of the judges unanimously award a product a Gold Medal. Aged over four years and bottled at barrel strength, it offers a robust flavor profile with layers of baking spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves—and dried fruits like fig and plum. The finish is long and clean, dominated by spice and charred oak. With a score of 91 this year, it continues to impress expert palates on the world stage.
Double Oaked Straight Bourbon (59% ABV): An innovative expression, this bourbon undergoes a secondary aging process in West Virginia white oak barrels, enhancing its complexity. It reveals notes of chocolate, cinnamon, fresh jam, and dried candied fruits, culminating in a smooth, medium to long finish.
“Receiving Gold Medals for both our Barrel Strength and Double Oaked bourbons at such a prestigious competition is an incredible honor,” said Brooke Glover, CEO of Swilled Dog. “It’s especially meaningful to see our Barrel Strength continue its legacy as a consistent award-winner. These awards speak to the passion and precision our team puts into every bottle.”
Swilled Dog’s Barrel Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Double Oaked Straight Bourbon are available online at www.swilleddog.com and at select retailers throughout West Virginia.
ABOUT SWILLED DOG Founded in 2016, Swilled Dog is an award-winning craft distillery based in Upper Tract, West Virginia. With a focus on premium whiskey and bourbon, Swilled Dog partners with local farmers to source non-GMO corn and other high-quality ingredients. The company’s tasting room offers a family- and dog-friendly destination where guests can enjoy spirits tastings, cider flights, and a curated cocktail and food menu.
