New York, NY (June 2026) - Second Sip Gin, the award-winning low-ABV gin redefining modern cocktail culture, has been awarded a Silver Medal in the Low-Alcohol Spirits category at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world.
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is recognized globally as a benchmark for excellence within the beverage industry. Judged through a rigorous blind tasting process by a panel of leading spirits experts, buyers, journalists, educators, and hospitality professionals, the competition evaluates entries based on overall quality, craftsmanship, and flavor profile. Each year, thousands of spirits from around the world are submitted, making recognition at SFWSC a significant achievement for producers across every category.
Second Sip Gin's Silver Medal reflects the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, delivering the depth and complexity of a classic London Dry-style gin with half the alcohol. Designed to meet the evolving preferences of today's drinkers without sacrificing flavor, structure, or mixability, Second Sip stood out among a highly competitive field of low-ABV spirits. The award further validates the brand's mission to create a spirit-forward gin that offers balance, versatility, and a more mindful way to enjoy exceptional cocktails.
Created by industry veterans Nick Strangeway, Leo Robitschek, and Sharelle Klaus, Second Sip was developed with a singular purpose: to be worthy of a martini. Distilled in small batches at New York Distilling, the gin follows a meticulous dual-phase production process that preserves botanical integrity while creating a layered, complex flavor profile. A concentrated blend of botanicals is distilled in copper pot stills, while citrus and other key ingredients are processed separately to achieve optimal balance. Organic juniper CO2 extract restores depth and texture, while umami notes derived from seaweed and Maldon sea salt enhance mouthfeel and complexity.
The result is a distinctive 20% ABV London Dry-style gin that delivers the character and sophistication of a traditional gin while allowing for a more approachable drinking experience. Built around the philosophy of "less alcohol, more connection," Second Sip reflects a growing movement toward moderation without compromise, proving that exceptional spirits do not need to be high-proof to be high-quality.
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Media Contacts
Rachel Harrison Communications
SecondSip@WeAreRHC.com
About Second Sip Gin
Second Sip is a premium, low-ABV gin crafted by spirits innovators Nick Strangeway, Leo Robitschek, and Sharelle Klaus. Distilled in Brooklyn, it combines traditional copper pot distillation with cutting-edge techniques, including organic CO2-extracted juniper and a carefully calibrated botanical blend, finished with Maldon sea salt for perfect balance. The result is a gin with the complexity, mouthfeel, and martini-worthy character of a classic London Dry at half the alcohol. The team behind Second Sip includes Strangeway (Hepple Gin), Robitschek (Eleven Madison Park, NoMad), and Klaus (Dry Soda Co.). Launching in 2025, it redefines how we savor and celebrate.
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