Brotha Whiskey, the innovative Black-owned spirits house, is celebrating a significant milestone after its flagship Fellowship Wheated Whiskey secured a Double Gold Medal at the highly respected 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). This top-tier recognition, awarded on June 25, 2026, saw the 101-proof expression achieve an impressive 97-point score, marking a pinnacle achievement for the brand and further solidifying its position within the competitive American whiskey landscape.
Founded by visionary CEO Deondra Randle, Brotha Whiskey was established with a mission to fuse craft precision with cultural storytelling, aiming to expand the whiskey conversation and foster a community of inclusivity. The recent Double Gold is a powerful affirmation of this commitment, showcasing the brand’s dedication to producing high-quality spirits that resonate with both connoisseurs and new enthusiasts alike.
The SFWSC Double Gold medal is particularly noteworthy as it is reserved for entries that receive Gold medal ratings from every member of the judging panel, underscoring the universal acclaim for Fellowship Wheated Whiskey. This accolade represents Brotha Whiskey's fifth spirits competition medal, and its highest-profile recognition to date, illustrating a consistent trajectory of excellence.
Just a week prior, on June 17, 2026, the same Fellowship Wheated Whiskey Batch No. 003 earned a Bronze Medal at the equally esteemed International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Judges at the IWSC praised the whiskey for its “delicate aromas of iced tea and lemon” and a smooth palate featuring notes of “white pepper, eucalyptus, and gentle oak.”
Deondra Randle emphasized the profound meaning behind these awards. “Double Gold is more than an award. It is confirmation,” Randle stated, reflecting on the brand’s journey. “Fellowship was created to bring more people into whiskey through craft, culture, and connection. To earn a 97-point score on this stage — and to reach our fifth spirits competition medal — is a defining moment for Brotha Whiskey and everyone who has believed in what we are building.”
Fellowship Wheated Whiskey is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. It is a 5-year-old, 101-proof expression, crafted from a unique mash bill of 95% wheat and 5% malted barley. Matured in Char #4 new American white oak barrels, the whiskey delivers a balanced profile. On the nose, it offers warm, buttery vanilla with hints of caramel. The palate unfolds with layers of rich toffee, spiced oak, ripe berries, and a whisper of cinnamon, culminating in a long, smooth, and silk-laden finish with mellow butterscotch and subtle smokiness.
This dual recognition from two of the world’s most respected spirits competitions significantly elevates Brotha Whiskey’s visibility and validates its innovative approach to American whiskey. The brand continues to gain momentum with consumers, retailers, and hospitality partners seeking a premium wheat-forward whiskey that boasts both craft credibility and a distinctive cultural viewpoint.
Brotha Whiskey’s success is a vibrant example of Black-owned distilleries pushing boundaries in the craft spirits industry, showcasing that a commitment to quality and a unique cultural narrative can achieve global acclaim. These awards are not just for a bottle; they are for the community and vision that Brotha Whiskey embodies.
Sources
- Award Winning Brilliance - Brotha Whiskey
- Brotha Whiskey's Fellowship Wheated Whiskey Wins Double Gold at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Support Black-Owned Brands
Order spirits, wine, and more — delivered to your door.
Shop on Bottl.Service →