Australia's top 5 single malts crowned in San Francisco

Five single malt whiskies from three distilleries across three states have been shortlisted for the Best Australian Single Malt Whisky title at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Starward and Callington Mill both have two whiskies in the running, with the fifth coming from the members-exclusive Coburns Whisky.

Victoria’s Starward also received 10 of Australia’s 17 Double Gold medals this year, with Pinot Cask Australian and Single Barrel 16794 ranking in the top five.

Tasmania’s Callington Mill is in the running for El Sol and Oloroso, with Quagmire (Peated) also receiving a Double Gold point score.

New South Wales Southern Highlands distillery Coburns completes the shortlist with At Last - Founders Trilogy.

The Best Australian Single Malt Whisky title will be crowned at the Top Shelf 2026 Awards Gala in November.

Callington Mill founder John Ibrahim said: “It’s a huge honour to be named a finalist for Best of Class again at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This competition is arguably one of the world’s largest and oldest blind spirits judging events, so to have two of our expressions be recognised is not only a testament to the work of our distillers and blending team, but a recognition of Tasmania as Australia’s heartland for premium single malt whisky.”

The only other Double Golds awarded to Australian single malt whisky went to Amber Lane for both French Kiss and Sherry Lane Exclusive 2026.

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Image credit: The Tasting Alliance