Tasmanian distillery Callington Mill has achieved a remarkable milestone, taking home the coveted ‘Best in Class’ title at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) for its Pedro Ximenez Single Malt Whisky. The award, presented at the SFWSC Top Shelf Gala, solidifies Callington Mill’s place among the world’s finest whisky producers.
The Pedro Ximenez Single Malt, which scored an impressive 98 points during the competition’s judging phase, was the only Tasmanian whisky in its category. It triumphed over 36 Australian entries, including notable names like Starward and Archie Rose, to claim the top spot in the Best Australian Single Malt category.
Founder John Ibrahim expressed his pride in the distillery’s achievement, saying, “We are super proud of the whisky that we make down in Tasmania, it is a perfect, pristine part of the world. And we are even prouder of our Pedro Ximenez. It’s a shining example of what Tasmanian whisky is becoming.”
A Winning Streak for Callington Mill
The Pedro Ximenez Single Malt has been on a roll in 2025, earning accolades such as Gold at The World Whisky Masters and ‘Single Malt Whisky of the Year’ at the London Spirits Competition with an outstanding 97 points. The whisky is matured for five years in rare Ex-Pedro Ximenez casks sourced from Spain’s renowned Sherry Triangle, a hallmark of Callington Mill’s unique approach to whisky aging.
Judges at the SFWSC praised the Pedro Ximenez for its complex flavor profile, noting aromas of cinnamon, almond, and toasted nuts, with a palate of salted caramel, dark chocolate, and chewy toffee, and a long, fruity finish.
A Rising Star in the Whisky World
Callington Mill’s success at the SFWSC is particularly significant given the competition’s global prestige. Now in its 25th year, the SFWSC received over 1,600 whisky entries from around the world, with only the top-rated spirits advancing to the finals. Callington Mill’s Pedro Ximenez was one of 11 Australian Single Malts to earn a Double Gold Medal, with the distillery also receiving Double Gold for its Fusion, Oloroso, and Solera expressions.
Commercial & Marketing Director Scott English, who accepted the award in San Francisco, said, “It’s incredibly humbling to be recognised in such high esteem. As a relatively new distillery, to be considered among some of the best in the game is truly thrilling for us.”
Where to Find the Award-Winning Whisky
The Callington Mill Pedro Ximenez Single Malt is available for purchase at the Oatlands distillery, the Hobart restaurant in the MACq01 building, and online at callingtonmilldistillery.com for RRP $149. With its growing list of accolades, this Tasmanian gem is a must-try for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.