99-point Bourbon earns the Family-Owned Texas Distillery its Third “Best of Class Finalist” recognition in Four Competitions
LOWRY CROSSING, Texas, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 1845 Distilling Co.’s Preemption Texas Wheated Bottled in Bond Bourbon has been named as one of four Finalists for Best Wheated Bourbon at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Each of the Four Finalists earned 99 Points.
The Five Year Old, 100 Proof Bourbon received one of three Double Gold Medals awarded to 1845 Distilling Co. in the 2026 Competition, which is the largest and most influential blind tasting event in the world. Their Preemption Reverence Texas Straight Cask Strength Bourbon and Preemption Double Oak Bourbon each received scores of 96.
This marks 1845’s Third “Best of Class” Finalist recognition across the last four competitions, with three different expressions earning a place among the finalists:
- 2023 — Bourbon: Preemption Texas Straight Bourbon, 100 proof, aged three years, earning 96 points. This was the first spirit released by the Company.
- 2025 — Craft Distiller Whiskey: Texian No. 1 Texas Straight Whiskey, earning 97 points.
- 2026 — Wheated Bourbon: Preemption Texas Wheated Bottled In Bond Bourbon, aged five years, earning 99 points.
For the Family-owned distillery, the recognition reflects a sustained commitment to Texas grain and Grain-to-Glass production. 1845 exclusively uses grain grown in Texas, connecting the finished spirit to the farmers and agricultural heritage of Texas.
“Being named a finalist once is an honor. Earning that recognition three times, with three different whiskeys, is especially meaningful to our Family,” said Bob Petitt, Founder of 1845 Distilling Co. “Our connection to Texas spans eight generations. We believe deeply in Texas grains and in the spirits we make from it. To see our five year old wheated bourbon standing among four finalists, each with 99 points, is a proud moment for our Family and for the Texas farmers whose grain makes it possible.”
The “Bottled in Bond” designation reflects defined production and aging standards: Whiskey produced by one distiller, during one distilling season, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof. The 1845 Finalist expression is aged five years.
The 2026 “Best in Class” Results will be announced November 8th at the competition’s gala to be held in San Francisco.
About 1845 Distilling Co.
1845 Distilling Co. is a Family-owned and operated craft distillery in Lowry Crossing, Texas, minutes from Downtown McKinney, and in the Heart of Collin County. With a Grain-to-Glass approach using grain grown entirely in Texas, 1845 produces bourbon and whiskey rooted in Texas agriculture, family craftsmanship, and patient barrel ageing.
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SOURCE 1845 Distilling Company
