The 2026 American Craft Spirits Awards showcased the depth, diversity, and accelerating innovation of the nation’s independent distilling community. While hundreds of spirits were evaluated across seven major categories: brandy, gin, RTD, rum, distilled specialty spirits, vodka and grain spirits, and whiskey, the medal count revealed clear regional standouts. Some states demonstrated not only strong participation but consistency in quality, earning multiple medals across categories and styles.
Here is a break down the states that earned the most medals this year, and the distilleries behind their success.
Texas Leads the Nation with 9 Medals
Texas claimed the top spot in 2026, continuing its rise as one of the most dynamic craft spirits regions in the country. The Lone Star State’s medal‑winning distilleries represent a broad spectrum of styles from bourbon to rum to gin reflecting the state’s expanding distilling identity.
Texas Medalists:
Bendt Distilling Co.
Chapline Distillery LLC
Garrison Brothers Distillery
Gulf Coast Distillers
Iron Goat Distillery
Maverick Distilling
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
Trinity River Distillery
Waterloo Gin Company
Texas’ showing underscores the state’s growing influence in American whiskey and its increasing experimentation across categories.
California and Kentucky Tie for Second with 7 Medals Each
California: Innovation from Coast to Mountains
California’s seven medals highlight the state’s reputation for boundary‑pushing spirits and terroir‑driven production. From coastal distilleries to high‑elevation producers, the state’s medalists reflect a culture of experimentation and craft‑forward thinking.
California Medalists:
Hinterhaus Distilling
Jettywave Distillery
Joshua Tree Distilling Company
Old Trestle Distillery, LLC
P&W Spirits Co.
Venus Spirits
Webb’s Grainworks
Kentucky: A Broader Story Than Bourbon
Kentucky’s seven medals reinforce its legacy in American whiskey while also showcasing the state’s expanding craft footprint. This year’s winners include both heritage‑inspired producers and newer entrants exploring modern expressions.
Kentucky Medalists:
Augusta Distillery
Balance Distilling Company
Larrikin Bourbon Co.
MickBourbon, LLC – DBA: B.H. James Distillers
Moon Moonshine
Moonshine University / Distilled Spirits Epicenter
William Berkele Distillery
Kentucky’s performance demonstrates that the state’s craft sector is thriving alongside its globally recognized heritage brands.
Colorado, Maryland, and Tennessee Earn 6 Medals Each
These three states form the next tier of top performers, each bringing a distinct regional identity to the competition.
Colorado: A Hotbed of Grain‑to‑Glass Excellence
Colorado’s six medals reflect its strong agricultural ties and its reputation for grain‑to‑glass craftsmanship.
Colorado Medalists:
Bear Creek Distillery
Branch & Barrel Distilling
Hoot + Howl Spirits
Method & Muse Spirits
Root Shoot Spirits
Talnua Distillery & Tasting Room
Maryland: A Resurgence Rooted in Tradition
Maryland’s historic distilling culture continues to reassert itself, with six medalists spanning rum, whiskey, and specialty spirits.
Maryland Medalists:
Church Street Distilling Company
Covalent Spirits LLC
Crown Rose Estate Distillery
LYON RUM
Song Dog Farm Distillery
True Standard Distilling
Tennessee: A State Steeped in Whiskey Heritage
Tennessee’s six medals highlight both its iconic whiskey traditions and its growing craft diversity.
Tennessee Medalists:
Belle Meade Bourbon
Heritage Road Spirits
Old Dominick Distillery
Old Forge Distillery
Sugarlands Distilling Co.
Tennessee Whiskey Trail
Missouri and Wyoming Round Out the Top Performers with 5 Medals Each
Missouri Medalists:
1879 Distilling Co.
Daily Objective Distillery
Old Ozarkian Distillery LLC
StilL 630 Distillery
Switchgrass Spirits
Wyoming Medalists:
Backwards Distilling
BRUSH CREEK DISTILLERY
Jackson Hole Distillery, LLC
Jackson Hole Still Works
Pine Bluffs Distilling
Both states continue to build strong reputations for high‑quality whiskey and innovative regional spirits.
What the 2026 Results Reveal About the Craft Spirits Landscape
The medal distribution across states paints a picture of a maturing, geographically diverse craft spirits industry:
- Texas’ rise signals the growing power of nontraditional whiskey regions.
- California’s innovation culture continues to push boundaries in style and technique.
- Kentucky’s craft sector is expanding beyond heritage bourbon.
- Colorado, Maryland, and Tennessee show the strength of states with deep agricultural or historical ties to distilling.
- Missouri and Wyoming demonstrate that smaller markets can compete at the highest levels.
As the American craft spirits movement continues to evolve, these states (and the distilleries within them) are shaping the future of flavor, technique, and regional identity.