Best Domestic Vodka

Distilling spirits is not new to America, but there seems to be a resurgence with the recent influx of hand-crafted, artisanal vodka. Practically every state in the country now hosts micro-distillers that produce vodka. There are 8 states that boast 5 or more craft vodka distilleries in their states, including California, Colorado, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. And their numbers are growing.

Much like craft brewers and vintners, the highly entrepreneurial master distillers proudly use local grains (or potatoes, corn, grapes, honey, apples) and water to produce their small batch craft vodkas. These "homegrown" ingredients impart distinctive character and flavors to the finished products.

This local craft approach has proven successful. Even though most of the domestic vodka brands are available only within the state they are produced, they usually sell out their entire production— ensuring future expansion for the enjoyment of vodka lovers everywhere.

The Tasting:
At Beacon in NYC, 28 journalists, retailers and aficionados tasted 28 small batch handcrafted American vodkas. The products were served "blindly", without distractions of brand names. The order of service was randomly selected through a lottery system. Each of the vodkas were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at slightly above room temperature. Ice water on the side, bread and crackers were available to cleanse the palate. There were four flights of seven vodkas each. Food was served during a break after the second flight.

The judges wrote down their impressions of each product on score sheets. The scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the best. The domestic vodkas were ranked according to the total scores received from the judges. Ties are listed in alphabetical order. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded based on a set range of point scores. The vodkas that scored over a designated point threshold were awarded Double-Gold medals. The tasting notes that follow the rankings are a summary of the results, and all replicate commentary has been eliminated while contrasting opinions have been summarized. Prices quoted are for 750ml sizes. Prices will vary by state.

Here are the final results:

	1.  Prairie Organic- (Minnesota)- $25 Certified organic #2 yellow corn based Pastry dough vanilla nose, caramel, vanilla, cream, coconut, dried herbs, fruit, silky, smooth, sweet, assertive, inviting, distinctive, delicious, lovely, full-bodied, herbal hot finish. Double Gold Medal
2.  Valentine- (Michigan)- $30 Blend of barley, Red Michigan Wheat, and corn Vanilla, nutmeg, butterscotch, honey, toffee, creamy, buttery, grain, mineral, smooth, velvety, delicate, dry, nice, clean, peppermint, mellow, light sweet finish. Double Gold Medal
	3.   Dry Fly- (Washington)- $30 Locally sourced wheat-based, fresh mountain water Vanilla nose, anise, licorice, butterscotch, cotton candy, citrus, nutty, spicy, black pepper, intense, slightly sweet, distinctively different, off-dry, robust, light-bodied, great smooth finish. Double Gold Medal
4. Two-Way Tie - Beyond- (California)- $18 Grain-based, special filtration Vanilla, floral, spicy, sweet, subtle, velvety, smooth, delicate, vibrant, clean, gentle, intense, classic, full-bodied, peppery finish. Gold Medal
	Cooper's Chase- (Nebraska)- $14 Grain-based Butterscotch, creamy, vanilla, citrus, anise, dried herbs, potato skin, hint of pepper, white pepper, smooth, sweet, delicate, clean, complex, balanced, sweet hot spice finish. Gold Medal
5. Two-Way Tie - Heart of the Hudson- (New York)- $40 NY State Hudson Valley apples based, twice distilled Fragrant grassy nose, peppery, anise, butterscotch, candy-cane, caramel, sweet, fruity, floral, buttery, silky, smooth, subtle, crisp, pleasant, different, full-bodied, even on palate, slightly sharp finish. Gold Medal
	SAVVY- (Texas)- $20 Grain-based, distilled five-times through charcoal, natural spring water Butterscotch, candied, vanilla, caramel, creamy, smooth, sweet, spicy, floral, pine needles with butter, clean, subtle, lovely, balanced, medium-bodied, nicely smooth with comfy heat. Gold Medal
6. Two-Way Tie - Most Wanted- (Missouri)- $13 Grain-based, slow-filtration Herbs, spicy, citrus, wet stone, smooth, dry, velvety, excellent, sharp, intense, balanced, sweet & pepper finish. Gold Medal
	Sloop Betty- (Maryland)- $32 Sugar cane and wheat-based Anise, lemon, grassy, floral, nutty, spice, some pepper, dry, light, delicate, elegant, vibrant, clean, very smooth, velvety, complex, exciting, balanced, medium-bodied, good for mixing. Gold Medal
7. Three-Way Tie - Southern- (Georgia)- $13 Corn-based, slow carbon filtration Anise nose, citrus, almond, pepper, basil, soft, light, perfumy, smooth, dry, sharp, medium-bodied, nice finish, bitter caramel that ends smooth and buttery. Gold Medal
	Teton Glacier- (Idaho)- $25 Idaho potatoes, filtered through garnet and crystal, Rocky Mountain well water Grain, floral, almond, mineral, wet stone, mild spice, sweet, approachable, aggressive, dry, smooth, light, clean finish, very nice, full-bodied. Gold Medal
Vermont Gold- (Vermont)- $38 Sugar from maple sap, triple-distilled, lightly filtered Nice nose, approachable, vanilla, bit of fruit, butterscotch, cream, honey, floral, maple walnut, butternut, hint of citrus, peppermint, sweet, smooth, velvety, full-bodied, long finish. Gold Medal
	8. Two-Way Tie - Bootlegger- (New York)- $25 Corn-based Almond oil, peppery, nutty notes, hint of hazelnut, potato, mineral, smooth, light, clean, sharp, assertive, delicate, balanced, medium-bodied, mossy, sweetness in the finish. Silver Medal
River Baron- (Iowa)- $30 Blend of corn and wheat based Full sweet nose, butterscotch, vanilla, buttery, cotton candy, banana, nutty, sweet butter, pepper, light spice, smooth, velvety, assertive, very light, really good, perfect. Silver Medal
	9. Two-Way Tie - Death's Door- (Wisconsin)- $30 Organic hard red winter wheat based Smooth, velvety, silky, creamy, butter, honey, spicy, some citrus, grass, pepper, mineral, white pepper, elegant, alluring, assertive, lively, off-dry, nice, medium to full-bodied, even finish. Silver Medal
Peabody Jones- (Washington)- $30 Washington State organic soft winter wheat based Sweet peppermint nose, mint, schnapps, creamy, floral, caramel, butterscotch, toffee, vanilla, candy-cane, nice, sweet, smooth, silky, stoic, dangerous mixer. Silver Medal
	10.  UV 80- (Minnesota)- $13 Grain-based, water purified with "three bed de-ionization process", 4x carbon filtered Vanilla, cream, peach, honeysuckle, wheat, bread, mineral, peppery, complex, spicy, oily, assertive, crisp, lively, alluring, balanced, very smooth, velvety, medium-bodied. Silver Medal

11.

Enchanted Rock- (Texas)- $18
Grain-based, 6x distilled, natural limestone-filtered water

Grass & citrus nose, wet stone, spicy, green, some ginger, white pepper bite, nice, welcoming, dry, soft, light, delicate, approachable, warm fruity finish with teeth.

Silver Medal
 

12. Two-Way Tie -

1860s Genuine American Vodka- (Missouri)- $30
Grain-based, 5x mesquite charcoal filtered

Spicy, citrusy, mint with vanilla, mixed pepper, silky, smooth, delicate, elegant, intense, dry, complex, yummy, late butter finish.

Silver Medal
 

Brandon's- (Arkansas)- $30
Arkansas soft red winter wheat based

Lemony, fruity, vanilla, caramel, sweet, crisp, spicy, grain, silky, vibrant, off-dry, oily, smooth, delicate, elegant, medium-bodied, warm finish.

Silver Medal
 

13.

Vision- (Oregon)- $30
Wheat-based, Cascade Mountain spring water, 5x distilled

Tangy, citrus, floral, dusty, fluffy, vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, white peppercorn, nice, approachable, velvety, subtle, light, lively, hot finish.

Silver Medal
 

14.

Twenty 2- (Maine)- $28
Wheat-based, Northern Maine water, charcoal filtered

Subtle, nutty, black pepper, fruity, peppery, light, balanced, smooth.

Bronze Medal
 

15. Two-Way Tie -

Bardenay- (Ohio)- $20
Brown sugar cane based

Peppery, lemongrass, potato, cayenne, sweet, elegant, smooth, silky, dry, approachable, lively, aggressive, balanced, full-bodied, nice even strong heat and finish.

Bronze Medal
 

Crater Lake- (Oregon)- $27
Grain-based, Cascade Mountain water, filtered 10x through charcoal and lava rock

Caramel, a little cinnamon, sharp, tart, spicy, silky, very smooth, interesting, full-bodied, late warmth.

Bronze Medal
 

16.

Americana- (New Jersey)- $30
Grain-based, NJ water, charcoal filtered

Anise, peppercorn, herb, buttery flowers, mossy, grain, creamy, sweet, spicy, quite smooth, velvety, intense, strong, medium-bodied, peppery finish.

Bronze Medal
 

17.

Plantation- (Georgia)- $16
Blend of Southern grain and corn based, aquifer water naturally filtered through limestone

Anise, dry, lemon, white peppercorn, green olives, grassy, spicy, velvety, mellow, complex, medium-bodied.

Bronze Medal
 

18.

Deep Eddy Straight- (Texas)- $18
Barley-based, Texas spring water, 10x distilled

Grain, pastry dough, maple, nutty, spicy, smooth, dry, clean, intense, sharp, biting, good balance, nice finish.

Bronze Medal
 

Disclaimer: This section of the website is intended for visitors 21 years of age and older.
If you are not of legal drinking age, please exit by clicking here.

Please drink responsibly!

Comments or questions welcome, please e-mail to: editor@thefiftybest.com