Village Gin and Village Bourbon with SFWSC medal
Bennington craft distillery awarded with gold and silver medals from prestigious international spirits competition.
Vermont Business Magazine The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) has officially announced its winners for 2026. A highly anticipated global event in the spirits industry, this year’s edition saw Village Garage Distillery from Bennington, Vermont, awarded two highly coveted medals: a gold for Village House Gin in the category of American Gin, and a Silver for Village Bourbon in the highly competitive Small-Batch Bourbon category. This announcement comes only a few months after Village Bonfire, the distillery’s signature smoked maple bourbon, was officially recognized by the Vermont state legislature for winning a silver medal at SFWSC in 2025.
SFWSC is regarded as the most prestigious international spirits competition, and it sets the global standard for excellence in the spirits industry. Thousands of distilleries from around the world take part each year. What sets SFWSC apart is adherence to strict blind-tasting protocols, with every entry evaluated without brand name or price point. SFWSC’s judging panels comprise tasters from across the spirits industry–including mixologists, spirits buyers, and members of the media.
“We’re thrilled with these honors,” says VGD co-founder Matt Cushman. “SFWSC is perhaps the most competitive spirits award competition in the world, so to walk out with both a gold and silver is incredible. It really shows the work we’re doing to double down on quality and create traditional products that showcase our Vermont heritage.”
“These are both very special spirits,” says VGD Head Distiller Todd Pinsonneault. “For our house gin, we use a combination of organic botanicals like orange peel, angelica root, and, of course, some juniper berries. It’s a citrus-forward profile that’s pretty distinctive.”
The straight bourbon, Pinsonneault continues, has validated the team’s mission to put Vermont whiskey on the map. “Everything for our bourbon is sourced locally, then distilled and aged right here,” says Pinsonneault. “This award is proof that Vermont bourbon can compete with the best.”
Both Village House Gin and Village Bourbon are currently available in stores, bars, and restaurants across Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts. Licensees interested in placing an order can contact 802Spirits, Southern Glazer and Libdib.com respectively.