Griffin Claw Brewing Company's Claw Potato Vodka earned a Silver Medal at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, bringing national recognition to the Birmingham brewery's distilling program.

The brewery announced the win on its official Instagram account on Sunday, June 14, noting that the vodka is made from upcycled potato starch sourced from a local potato chip producer.

"Great vodka. Less waste. Silver medal. We'll cheers to that," the company wrote.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, run by The Tasting Alliance, uses blind judging by a panel of industry professionals who score entries on a 100-point scale, according to Forbes. Forbes describes it as one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world.

Beyond beer

Bonnie LePage and Mary Nicholson founded Griffin Claw in 2013 with a mission to brew the best beers in the world, build a solid team, and take care of the community, according to the company's website. The brewery has since expanded into distilling, producing vodka, spirits, and hard cider distributed throughout Michigan.

Claw Potato Vodka is distilled six times at the Griffin Claw Distillery, comes in at 80 proof, and is marketed as gluten-free, according to the brewery's spirits page. The upcycling angle sets it apart: rather than sourcing fresh potatoes, the distillery uses starch that would otherwise go to waste from a local chip maker.

The Silver Medal adds a national spirits accolade to a business better known locally for its craft beer. Griffin Claw operates taprooms at 575 South Eton Street in Birmingham and at 2265 Crooks Road in Rochester Hills.

What's next

Griffin Claw has not announced any public celebration or tasting event tied to the award. Residents can find Claw Potato Vodka at both taproom locations, with the Birmingham taproom at 575 South Eton Street open daily.