2023 SFWSC Best Of Class Liqueur Finalists

by The Tasting Alliance Team  |  05.24.2023


Elegant Choya Extra Years bottle, reflecting the fusion of aged ume fruits, shochu, and Japanese cedar barrel aging.

Best Fruit Liqueur Finalist: The Choya Extra Years Japanese

The Choya Extra Years Japanese Liqueur presents an exquisite fusion of aged ume fruits and shochu, culminating in a flavor profile both sumptuous and matured. This ambrosial concoction is meticulously tempered within the embracing confines of Japanese cedar barrels. Its velvety sweetness renders it a delightful standalone libation or a versatile cocktail component. Additionally, it enhances culinary creations as a glaze, or as a crowning adornment for decadent desserts.


Sophisticated Gran Gala bottle, encapsulating the fusion of Italian brandy, French Cognac, and lively orange flavors.

Best Fruit Liqueurs Finalist: Gran Gala Triple Orange Liqueur

Gran Gala, an emblem of sophistication born in Trieste, Italy in 1884, celebrates the finest brandies of Italy and France. Our Triple Orange Liqueur boasts a rare union of VSOP Italian brandy, imbued with vivacious orange zest. Indulge in the velvety, full-bodied sweetness. The Very Special Cognac, deeply rooted in French traditions, exudes vibrant floral notes, fresh grape aromas, and a delicate almond essence amid gentle oak. Relish Gran Gala in exquisite cocktails, neat, or on the rocks.


Captivating ginger liqueur bottle with hazy gold hue, embodying radiant herbal aromas and a spirited, peppery essence.

Best Herbal / Botanicals Liqueurs Finalist: Spiritopia Ginger Liqueur

A bewitching hazy gold hue enchants the eye. Radiant, herbaceous, and alluring aromas of ginger-infused flan and ginseng gum greet the senses. The palate experiences a silky, spirited, and moderately sweet medium body, culminating in a piquant, multifaceted, medium-long finish of unadulterated ginger, pepper, and horchata. This ginger liqueur offers an unyielding, peppery ginger essence, perfect for elevating cocktails to new heights.


Brucato Orchards Amaro bottle, a symphony of Californian botanicals, fruits, and nuts, exuding complex flavors.

Best Herbal / Botanicals Liqueurs Finalist: Brucato Orchards Amaro

Aromatic notes of warm spices, citrus, and fruit mingle with an elusive bitter essence. Bold and harmonious, it delivers apple, pear, and walnut flavors, subtly laced with cinnamon and herbal undertones. This handcrafted elixir, unites 25+ Californian botanicals, fruits, nuts, and herbs, in a symphony of flavors. This artisanal amaro from Los Angeles’ Brucato Spirits champions locally sourced ingredients for unparalleled complexity. Savor as a digestif, neat or over ice, or elevate cocktails with brandy or whiskey. Brucato Orchards Amaro: a connoisseur’s delight.


Enchanting coffee liqueur bottle, combining velvety luxury and dark chocolate essence, perfect for indulgent cocktails.

Best Coffee Liqueur Finalist: State Line Distillery Coffee Liqueur

Upon tasting this heavenly coffee liqueur, one finds it impossible to resist its enchanting allure. It masterfully combines the neutral grain spirit from State Line, cane sugar, and the luxurious Kin-Kin cold brew coffee, resulting in a sumptuous, velvety concoction reminiscent of the finest dark chocolate – striking a perfect balance between sweet and bitter. When savored over ice or indulged within a White Russian, the coffee liqueur never ceases to delight the senses, leaving an everlasting impression of its captivating, transcendent nature.


Irresistibly indulgent Baileys Chocolate Liqueur in a gleaming gold bottle, brimming with decadent flavor.

Best Coffee Liqueur Finalist: Baileys Chocolat Luxe

Indulge in the opulent embrace of Baileys Chocolate Liqueur, a symphony of luscious Irish dairy cream, velvety fine spirits, and the allure of smooth Irish whiskey. Revel in the exquisite infusion of decadent Belgian chocolate, harmoniously mingling with the most delicate ingredients and flavors. A meticulous process of refining 800 distinct recipes culminated in the divine marriage of chocolate and Baileys Original Irish Cream. Savor the masterful blend of superior Belgian chocolate, Irish whiskey, fresh Irish milk, fragrant Madagascar vanilla, and sumptuous caramel—a true connoisseur’s delight.


Dark Chocolate Coffee Sippin' Cream in a rustic mason jar with a airtight lid

Best Cream / Dairy Liqueur Finalist: Sugarlands Appalachian Sippin’ Cream Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream

With its enchanting flavor profile, the alluring Dark Chocolate Coffee Sippin’ Cream captivates with its seductive aromas of brown sugar and toffee. A union of creamy milk, medium roast coffee, and rough-cut dark chocolate invigorates the senses, awakening the palate to an indulgent sensory journey. This rich and sumptuous liqueur is perfect for savoring alone, as an after-dinner treat, or as an exquisite addition to cocktails.


Bottle of Kamora with Red Label. Savory, decadent coffee liqueur with notes of vanilla, chocolate and caramel.

Best Cream / Dairy Liqueur Finalist: Kamora Dulce de Leche Tequila Liqueur

Experience the pinnacle of sophistication with Kamora Liqueur, crafted from premium roasted coffee beans, indulgently blended with velvety-smooth notes of creamy vanilla, luscious chocolate, and caramel accents. Whether sipped solo over ice, mixed into your favorite cocktail, or elevated with a splash of coffee, Kamora delivers unparalleled indulgence for any occasion.


A bottle of liqueur. A vibrant blend of 28 natural herbs and spices with a beautiful orange hue. Perfect for crafting refreshing cocktails

Best Aperitif Finalist: Contratto Aperitif Liqueur

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Contratto Aperitif Liqueur, crafted with a harmonious blend of 28 premium herbs, spices, and 100% natural aromas. Boasting a luscious orange hue, this elixir is enriched with natural extracts of carrots and red beets. Indulge in the exquisite bouquet of zesty citrus fruits, including luscious oranges and tangy lemons. This exceptional liqueur is perfect for any occasion, whether sipped on its own or mixed with soda or sparkling wine and lime for a refreshingly light cocktail, or combined with Vodka, Gin or Vermouth for a more robust concoction.


A bottle of Villa Massa Giardino Vermouth - Rich, silky, with dark fruit and spice notes.

Best Aperitif Finalist: Villa Massa Giardino Tradizionale Di Torino Rosso Vermouth

A sublime vermouth that exudes luxury with its dark fruit aromas and velvety texture. The complex flavor profile boasts a harmonious balance of warm baking spices and zesty citrus notes while remaining true to its roots as a traditional Vermouth di Torino Rosso from Piemonte, Italy.