Pennsylvania-based craftbrand wins 2026 Agavos Awards Gold Medal and 2026 SanFrancisco World Spirits Competition Silver Medal, validating its additive-free, small-batch approach against the world's most established tequila houses.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — June 30, 2026 — Whiteout Agave Company, the Pennsylvania-founded crafttequila brand born from the Penn State "White Out" tradition, today announced that WhiteoutTequila Blanco has been awarded a Gold Medal at the 2026 Agavos Awards and a Silver Medal atthe 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) — two of the most rigorous, blind-judged spirits competitions in the world.
The dual honors place Whiteout Blanco — distilled at NOM 1498 (Casa Armero / Tequilera LaPerla) in Jalisco, Mexico — alongside the world's most decorated additive-free and crafttequilas, and mark a defining moment for a brand that launched only two years ago out ofBoalsburg, Pennsylvania.
"These medals are validation of something we've believed from day one: that a tequilabuilt around community and craft, made the right way in Mexico and brought home toPennsylvania, can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest names in the category,"said Michael Mauti, Founder and Managing Partner of Whiteout Agave Company. "Wedon't have a celebrity behind the bottle. We have a culture behind it — and now we havethe medals to match."
About the Awards
2026 Agavos Awards — Gold Medal
The Agavos Awards is the leading international competition dedicated exclusively to agavespirits, judged by a panel of master distillers, sommeliers, and category specialists. A GoldMedal recognizes expressions that meet exceptionally high standards of quality, balance, andauthenticity within the agave category.
2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Silver MedalNow in its 26th year, the SFWSC is widely regarded as the most prestigious spirits competition inthe world, with thousands of entries from more than 70 countries evaluated through blindtasting by a panel of industry experts. A Silver Medal signals a spirit of distinguished characterand craftsmanship
Why It Matters
Whiteout Tequila Blanco is made from 100% Blue Weber Agave, with no additives, no glycerin,and no sweeteners — a standard that places it among a small minority of the more than 2,000registered tequila brands on the U.S. market. The brand is verified at NOM 1498, the MexicanOfficial Standard identifier for its distillery of origin, ensuring full traceability from agave fieldto bottle.
The recognition arrives at an inflection point for the tequila category. Consumer demand foradditive-free, craft-produced spirits has driven double-digit growth in the premium segment,even as legacy celebrity brands face increasing scrutiny over quality and authenticity.
"Whiteout Tequila was built on the belief that the best spirits don't come from marketingbudgets — they come from community, craft, and conviction," Mauti added. "We'reproud to be internationally recognized with these two medals and to bring them hometo Pennsylvania, and even prouder to share them with the alumni, fans, partners, andfriends who've stood behind this brand from the very first bottle. These medals belongto all of us."
Editor's Pick — Gold Medal Winner
Whiteout Blanco Tequila
100% Blue Weber Agave · Additive-Free · Gold Medal, Agavos · Silver Medal, SFWSC
Shop Whiteout Blanco →Looking to elevate the experience? Pair with the Celebration Duo or VIP Bar Pack.
Tasting Notes
Whiteout Tequila Blanco (40% ABV) is unaged and bottled in Jalisco. The nose opens withcooked agave, white pepper, and citrus blossom. The palate is clean and rounded — fresh agave,softfloral notes, vanilla bean, and a touch of mineral salinity — finishing long and dry, with noburn. Designed to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation of a premium cocktail.
- Category: Tequila Blanco
- Distillery: Casa Armero, Jalisco, Mexico (NOM 1498)
- Agave: 100% Blue Weber, mature-harvested
- Process: Slow-cooked, traditional fermentation, double-distilled
- Additives: None
- ABV: 40%
Availability
Pennsylvania — Whiteout Tequila Blanco is available statewide at Fine Wine & Good Spirits retaillocations. Consumers can locate the nearest bottle using the FWGS Store Locator.
New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut — Whiteout Tequila Blanco is distributed throughlicensed retailers and on-premise accounts. For wholesale, trade, and account inquiries in NJ,NY, and CT, contact Cap City Beverage at robert@capcitybeverage.com.
For current pricing and availability, please contact your local retailer.
Editor's Pick — Gold Medal Winner
Whiteout Blanco Tequila
100% Blue Weber Agave · Additive-Free · Gold Medal, Agavos · Silver Medal, SFWSC
Shop Whiteout Blanco →Looking to elevate the experience? Pair with the Celebration Duo or VIP Bar Pack.
About Whiteout Agave Company
Whiteout Agave Company is a Pennsylvania-founded crafttequila brand built on the legacy ofthe Penn State "White Out" — one of the most iconic traditions in American college sports.Founded in 2024 by Michael Mauti, a former Penn State football captain and community leader,Whiteout is produced in partnership with the Casa Armero distillery (NOM 1498) in Jalisco,Mexico, and is committed to small-batch, additive-free production. The brand's mission is tohonor the moments — game days, milestones, and gatherings — that bring people together.
Learn more at whiteouttequila.com and follow @whiteouttequila on Instagram and TikTok.
Tagline: Unleash the Spirit of Celebration
Media Contact
Whiteout Agave Company — Media Relations
media@whiteoutagave.com
For high-resolution imagery, founder interviews, tasting samples, or trade inquiries, pleasecontact the above.
Media Assets Available on Request
- High-resolution bottle photography (front, angle, lifestyle)
- Founder headshots and biographical materials
- Medal artwork (Agavos Gold, SFWSC Silver)
- Distillery photography (Casa Armero, NOM 1498)
- Tasting kit requests for editorial review
Please drink responsibly. Whiteout Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). Available only to those21+.
