Los Angeles loves a good shortcut—as long as it doesn’t taste like one. That’s why the rise of premium ready-to-drink cocktails has been met with equal parts excitement and skepticism.
Enter Knox & Dobson RTD cocktails, which just delivered the kind of third-party validation that makes even the most jaded bartenders look twice.
At the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Knox & Dobson’s Improved Whiskey Cocktail earned a Double Gold Medal, while the Old Fashioned took home Gold—a serious flex in the most competitive spirits arena in the world.
For cocktail lovers in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood, this win signals something important: convenience no longer means compromise.
A Big Win at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Let’s put this in context.
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the oldest and largest spirits competition of its kind. This year, nearly 5,000 entries were judged through blind tastings by seasoned spirits experts. Earning a Double Gold means every judge scored the product as Gold. No dissent. No debate.
For Knox & Dobson, a newer player in the RTD space, that’s not just a win—it’s a statement. These cocktails aren’t riding trends. They’re competing head-to-head with the best in the world and winning.
Who’s Behind Knox & Dobson? (Hint: Serious Bar Cred)
Knox & Dobson isn’t a marketing experiment—it’s a bar-driven project.
The collection was created by Rob Levy, Founder & President and former owner of The Raymond 1886, alongside Creative Director Peter Lloyd Jones, whose résumé includes The Raymond 1886, Everson Royce Bar, and Proof Media Mix.
“Our mission was to create a collection of cocktails that were equal in taste and quality to those freshly crafted by a skilled bartender.
Peter Lloyd Jones was the best choice, and I can’t imagine working with anyone better,”
Rob Levy
Knox & Dobson Founder & President
“Pete’s experience at 1886 Bar at The Raymond and Everson Royce Bar, combined with his passion and creativity, make him the perfect partner at Knox & Dobson.”
This pedigree matters—especially in LA, where people know when something is trying too hard. These bottles feel confident, not performative. Relatable? Absolutely—because no one wants to play bartender at their own dinner party anymore.
The Award-Winning Cocktails: What’s in the Bottle
The Knox & Dobson RTD cocktails lineup is built around classics—done properly.
Improved Whiskey Cocktail — Double Gold Medal
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35.42% ABV
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Made with straight aged rye whiskey, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and Angostura bitters
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Flavor profile: spiced warmth, American oak, citrus, and deep cherry
This is a contemplative, flavor-forward cocktail meant to be sipped slowly. Complex, balanced, and quietly indulgent.
Old Fashioned — Gold Medal
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38% ABV
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Straight aged bourbon, natural cane sugar, orange oil, and Angostura bitters
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Notes of bright citrus, bitters, raw cinnamon, clove, and American oak
It’s everything you want in an Old Fashioned—clean, structured, and fun-loving in its restraint.
The broader lineup also includes a Gin Martini, Rye Manhattan, and Moscow Mule, all crafted with high-quality spirits and real ingredients. No shortcuts. No artificial nonsense.
Why Knox & Dobson RTD Cocktails Work for LA
Each 200ml bottle contains two servings, designed to be shared. Chill it. Pour it. Enjoy it. That’s it.
This is where Knox & Dobson hits a nerve in LA’s lifestyle: effortless hospitality. Think last-minute guests, rooftop sunsets, beach weekends, and nights when you want something great without turning your kitchen into a bar station (we’ve all been there).
According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, premium RTD cocktails are one of the fastest-growing segments in spirits, driven by consumers who still want craft quality without the labor: https://www.distilledspirits.org.
A Brand Rooted in Community
There’s heart behind the label, too. The name Knox & Dobson comes from the intersection of Knox Avenue and Dobson Street in Skokie, Illinois, where Rob Levy grew up spending his teenage years with friends—many of whom remain close today.
That sense of connection carries through the brand. These are cocktails meant to be shared, not hoarded. Open, pour, enjoy—and pass the second glass.
Mini FAQ: Knox & Dobson RTD cocktails
Q: Where can I buy Knox & Dobson RTD cocktails?
A: Knox & Dobson is available for nationwide delivery via their website.
Q: How should the cocktails be served?
A: Best enjoyed chilled or over ice.
Q: What makes these different from other RTDs?
A: Bar-quality recipes, high-proof spirits, and award-winning craftsmanship.
Deliver real bar quality—without the bar
The Double Gold win confirms what LA’s cocktail insiders are already discovering: Knox & Dobson RTD cocktails deliver real bar quality—without the bar. Whether you’re hosting friends, packing for a weekend away, or just want a flawless Old Fashioned on demand, this is the kind of convenience that actually feels luxurious. Open. Pour. Enjoy. Repeat.
