The 2025 New York World Spirits Competition has spoken, and it has crowned Flair Spirits Vodka as the Best Vodka of the year from the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition. In a field of strong contenders, Flair’s elegant profile captivated the judges with its complexity, balance, and enduring finish.

Below, we spotlight the finalists and the winner, with deeper context from each brand to show why these vodkas rose to the top.

Spy Trail Distillery, located on the North Shore of Long Island, produces small-batch, handcrafted spirits rooted in regional history. Their vodka, crafted from locally sourced grains, sits alongside their bourbons and other offerings, all designed to honor the area’s heritage.

High Ground is an estate distillery in Minden, Nevada, crafting vodka from 100% estate-grown rye. Distilled and bottled entirely on site, their vodka benefits from Sierra snowmelt spring water, creating a spirit of purity and integrity. At 40% ABV (80 proof), it offers both depth and smoothness—ideal for sipping neat or mixing into craft cocktails.

Flair Spirits brings more than technical excellence—it brings storytelling. Tied to Ric Flair’s legacy, the brand embraces boldness and character, making it stand out in a crowded category. Its refined, layered profile means it shines whether enjoyed neat, chilled, or in elevated cocktails.

The 2025 New York World Spirits Competition showcased the evolving artistry of vodka distillation in the U.S. From Spy Trail’s regional craftsmanship to High Ground’s estate-grown rye, and ultimately Flair’s blend of precision and flair, these brands remind us that vodka can be just as expressive and memorable as any other spirit.

Congratulations to Flair Spirits Vodka—the official Best Vodka of the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition.