Short answer: Southern Kentucky Distillery won big at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Groovy Voodoo Peanut Butter Whiskey and Turby’s Rye Cask Proof Cherrywood Bourbon both took Gold. Mad Monkey, Slate Fork Moonshine, and Turby’s Rye 90 added Silver and Bronze honors. Every bottle is made right here in Burkesville, Kentucky.
Key Takeaways
- Two Gold medals: Groovy Voodoo Peanut Butter Whiskey and Turby’s Rye Cask Proof Cherrywood Bourbon.
- Silver and Bronze honors for Mad Monkey, Slate Fork Moonshine, and Turby’s Rye 90.
- All winners are distilled and bottled in Burkesville, KY.
- The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the most respected spirits contests in the world.
Our 2026 Gold Medal Winners
Two SKD spirits earned the top honor this year. Here is what took Gold.
Turby’s Rye Cask Proof Cherrywood Bourbon
Turby’s Cherrywood Bourbon carries the name of Jeremiah Turbyville, a whiskey maker who aged his spirit with cherrywood instead of oak alone. That choice gives it smooth notes of dark cherry and soft vanilla. The cask proof version pours bold and full of flavor, and the judges agreed.
Groovy Voodoo Peanut Butter Whiskey
Groovy Voodoo brings rich, creamy peanut butter flavor to a bold 70 proof whiskey. It is smooth, a little wild, and fun to sip neat, over ice, or in a cocktail. A Gold medal at the world’s top spirits competition is a big nod for a flavored whiskey.
Silver and Bronze Honors
Three more SKD products picked up Silver and Bronze medals this year.
- Mad Monkey Cinnamon Whiskey: our 69 proof blend of fiery cinnamon and smooth whiskey.
- Slate Fork Moonshine: our sweet, small batch moonshine built from a local family recipe.
- Turby’s Rye 90: the 90 proof cherrywood rye bourbon.
About the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the most respected spirits contests in the world. Judges taste every entry blind, so a medal comes from what is in the glass, not the name on the label. The 2026 results went live in June.
This is not our first time on the podium. Long Ridge High Rye Bourbon earned a Double Gold here in 2025 and a spot on the Forbes list of the world’s best small batch bourbons. Winning again in 2026, across this many products, means a lot to our team.
Taste the Award Winners for Yourself
Want to try the winners? You can order online and ship to more than 40 states, or come see how we make it.
- Shop the full lineup at our online store.
- Book a distillery tour and tasting in Burkesville for $15.
- Looking for one of our Gold winners? Grab a bottle of Turby’s Cherrywood Bourbon.
Questions about our products or barrel program? Call us at (270) 456-5151.
Frequently Asked Questions
What awards did Southern Kentucky Distillery win at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition?
Southern Kentucky Distillery won two Gold medals, for Groovy Voodoo Peanut Butter Whiskey and Turby’s Rye Cask Proof Cherrywood Bourbon. Mad Monkey, Slate Fork Moonshine, and Turby’s Rye 90 earned Silver and Bronze honors.
Which SKD products won Gold in 2026?
Groovy Voodoo Peanut Butter Whiskey and Turby’s Rye Cask Proof Cherrywood Bourbon both won Gold medals at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
What is the San Francisco World Spirits Competition?
It is a blind-judged spirits competition widely viewed as the most prestigious in the world. It recognizes both large distilleries and small-batch producers, and its medals carry global recognition.
Where can I buy Southern Kentucky Distillery’s award-winning whiskey?
You can order online through our store and ship to more than 40 states, or buy in person at our distillery in Burkesville, Kentucky.
Where is Southern Kentucky Distillery located?
We are located at 4890 Albany Road, Burkesville, KY 42717, in the foothills of Appalachia near Lake Cumberland and Dale Hollow Lake.