COLUMBUS, OHIO — High Bank Distillery Co. is celebrating another major milestone after being named Best Blended Whiskey in America for the fourth time at the prestigious 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, further solidifying the Columbus-based distillery's reputation as a leader in American whiskey.
This year's winning expression, Double Double Oaked Batch #6, earned the coveted title after competing among the industry's most respected spirits across America.
In addition to this top honor, the runner-up for “Best Blended Whiskey In America” was High Bank’s flagship Whiskey War product. Both products received a 97 score out of 100.
"To receive this recognition for a fourth time in six years is an incredible honor, but to have two of our whiskeys competing as Best in Class finalists makes this year even more special,’ said Adam Hines, Co-Founder and Master Blender of High Bank Distillery Co. ‘Our team puts an enormous amount of passion and precision into every batch we produce. This recognition is a testament to their dedication and to what we've been building here in Columbus, and we don’t take it for granted.
To be on the same stage and beat some of the largest brand names in the spirits industry is a testament to our Whiskey War line as a whole. Winning this title for the fourth time in six years is truly incredible.”
— Master Blender and co-founder Adam Hines
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is known as one of the most influential and respected spirits competition in the world, judging spirits across 100 different categories. It is the 2nd oldest and largest spirits competition, including over 6,000 entries across the world, and is considered the "industry standard" of what's what in alcoholic beverages. High Bank’s Whiskey War line won Best Blended Whiskey in America for three years in a row in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Now, Whiskey War received this award for the fourth time in six years.
The SFWSC judging process consisted of 70 judges. These industry professionals blind taste hundreds of spirits per category. If a spirit receives a high score, it is awarded a gold. These winning spirits are tasted again. If a spirit is receives multiple high scores it is then awarded a double gold. Only the top scored products are in the running for Best In Class awards.
Earning the title of Best Blended Whiskey in America four times is a significant achievement for High Bank Distillery Co., reflecting its consistent commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and quality.
To commemorate the win, High Bank Distillery Co. will release a limited number of cases of the exact award-winning batch, giving whiskey enthusiasts a rare opportunity to take home the exact batch that earned the prestigious recognition.
To learn more about High Bank Distillery’s Whiskey War line, visit HERE.
About High Bank Distillery Co.
High Bank Distillery Co. is a local Columbus distillery, founded in 2017. Operating an award-winning distillery that obsesses on the creation of high quality, handmade spirits with a focus on blended whiskey. Won Best Blended Whiskey in America in 2021, 2022 and 2023, as well as Best Vodka in the World in 2025, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Drink Local. Drink High Bank. For more information, visit highbankdistillery.com