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Best Domestic Vodka - 2011
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. Double-Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded based on a set range of final point scores received from the judges. The tasting notes are summaries of the judges’ opinions. Prices quoted are for 750ml sizes in 2011. Prices will vary by state and does not include sales tax.
Here are the final results:
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DOUBLE-GOLD MEDAL WINNERS: |
2. Valentine- (Michigan)- $30 |
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3. Dry Fly- (Washington)- $30 |
GOLD MEDAL WINNERS: |
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Cooper's Chase- (Nebraska)- $14 |
Heart of the Hudson- (New York)- $40 |
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SAVVY- (Texas)- $20 |
Most Wanted- (Missouri)- $13 |
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Sloop Betty- (Maryland)- $32 |
Southern- (Georgia)- $13 |
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Teton Glacier- (Idaho)- $25 |
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SILVER MEDAL WINNERS: |
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Peabody Jones- (Washington)- $30 |
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UV 80- (Minnesota)- $13 |
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
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
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
BRONZE MEDAL WINNERS:
Twenty 2- (Maine)- $28
Wheat-based, Northern Maine water, charcoal filtered
Subtle, nutty, black pepper, fruity, peppery, light, balanced, smooth.
Bronze Medal
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
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
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
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
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