Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1004126
126 / the tasting panel / july 2018 CATEGORY REPORT FOLIO: A Fresh Look: Prairie Organic Spirits P hillips Distilling Co. has been crafting USDA- certified Prairie Organic Spirits in Princeton, Minnesota, for the past decade. Organic yellow corn grown on family farms in central Minnesota without the use of any pesticides, herbicides, or GMOs serves as the foundation of these gluten-free expressions: Prairie Organic Vodka ($20), Prairie Organic Gin ($20), and Prairie Organic Cucumber Flavored Vodka ($20). Each is distilled in copper pot stills before the grains are recycled as animal feed for nearby farmers. These fresh-tasting spirits recently received a packaging makeover. Launched in April, the redesign features a wooden cap and a custom hammered bottle—a reflection of the work ethic of the farmers. The color palette of the labels shifted slightly to include earth tones and common elements across the line, and the vodkas also have a new, longer bottleneck for easier pouring. With this packaging refresh and its recently updated website, Prairie Organic Spirits will be turning heads and delighting palates everywhere this summer. PHILLIPS DISTILLING CO. Let Citrus Shine: Absolut Grapefruit N o flavor captures the feeling of summer quite like citrus. It also works well with and in vodka, which explains why citrus makes up the largest share of the flavored market within the category. To add to its already successful line of citrus expressions—including Lemon, Orange, and Lime—Absolut launched Grapefruit ($20) this summer to capture the natural flavors of a perfect warm-weather fruit and the third most popular citrus flavor after lemon and lime. Guests can enjoy this spirit, which contains no added sugar, by simply adding soda or incorporating it in a wide range of cocktails. With a launch supported by 360-degree activa- tion, Absolut Grapefruit should rise to the top of customers' lists. Bring on the summer cocktails in all their glory!