Griffin Claw Brewing Co. in Birmingham earned a Silver Medal at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Claw Potato Vodka. The award comes from one of the most prestigious and respected spirits competitions in the world.
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition attracts thousands of entries from distilleries around the globe each year. Products are evaluated through blind tastings conducted by panels of experienced spirits experts, making medal recognition a significant achievement within the industry.
“Most people know Griffin Claw because of our beer, and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built over the past decade,” says Scott LePage, managing partner of Griffin Claw Brewing Co. “We’ve invested just as much passion, time, and attention into our spirits program.
“Receiving a silver medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition validates what we’ve believed all along that world-class spirits can be produced right here in metro Detroit using premium Michigan ingredients.”
Crafted from Michigan potatoes, Claw Potato Vodka is produced through a proprietary fermentation and distillation process developed by Griffin Claw’s team. The spirit delivers a rich mouthfeel, subtle sweetness, smoothness, and a clean finish that helped distinguish it among competitors from around the world.
“When people see Griffin Claw on a label, they immediately think beer,” says Andre Ellison, head distiller of Griffin Claw. “What makes this recognition special is that it shows our commitment to quality carries through to our spirits.”
The judges specifically recognized the vodka’s smoothness, balanced character, and clean finish. Unlike many vodkas designed to be neutral, Claw Potato Vodka embraces the texture and character naturally derived from Michigan potatoes.
Currently, Claw Potato Vodka is available exclusively at Griffin Claw’s Birmingham and Rochester Hills taprooms, where guests can enjoy the award-winning spirit in a variety of handcrafted cocktails as well as retail bottles.
The recognition comes as Griffin Claw continues to expand its beverage portfolio with new innovations, including Yacht Juice, a canned cocktail featuring fermented pineapple juice and agave spirit; Pomarita, a pomegranate margarita-inspired canned cocktail; and a tropical pilsner currently in development.
In addition to its two taprooms, Griffin Claw distributes its beer, hard cider, and spirits throughout Michigan and Indiana.
For more information, visit griffinclaw.com.
