The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition celebrated the rich tapestry of herbal and botanical liqueurs, showcasing spirits that blend tradition with innovation. These liqueurs are infused with a variety of herbs, spices, and botanicals. 

Dismal Harmony Distilling is known for its experimental approach to spirit-making, often drawing inspiration from global flavors and traditions. Vidisha's Masala is a unique liqueur that marries traditional Indian spices with a modern distillation process, resulting in a harmonious blend of warmth and complexity.

Edinburgh Gin, based in Scotland's capital, is renowned for its innovative gin expressions that pay homage to the city's rich history and natural surroundings. Their Elderflower Liqueur is crafted by infusing fresh elderflowers with their classic gin, resulting in a delicate and fragrant spirit.

This Amaro is a modern take on the traditional Italian digestif, blending a variety of herbs and botanicals to create a balanced and bittersweet profile.

This Anisette is a classic anise-flavored liqueur, made using a secret recipe of eleven plants and spices, delivering a smooth and aromatic experience.

M. P. Roux is a French distillery that prides itself on crafting artisanal liqueurs using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. Elisir is a herbal liqueur that combines a variety of botanicals to create a complex and harmonious flavor profile, suitable for sipping or mixing.

From age-old recipes passed down through generations to bold new interpretations that draw on global inspiration, this year’s finalists in the Herbal/Botanical Liqueur category exemplify the artistry and versatility of botanical spirits. Each bottle offers a journey through herbal complexity, striking a balance between tradition and creativity. As these standout liqueurs continue to elevate cocktail programs and palates around the world, the ultimate winner will be revealed at the Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala—an event that promises to honor the very best in spirits innovation.