Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/39104
Contemporary Classics There are a handful of brands that debuted within the last fi ve to ten years that have become so popular as to warrant being labeled modern marvels. Each of these vodkas possesses a unique marketing proposition that gives it a distinct advantage over the fi eld. Here’s our short list of the brands deserving of the title of contemporary classics. THE BRAND THE GIST 42BELOW VODKA This small-batch vodka is made in the heart of New Zealand, exactly 42 degrees south of the equator. The 84-proof grain spirit has a grainy bouquet laced with the aroma of wheat and a satiny, lingering fi nish. THE STATS ORIGIN: New Zealand DISTLLED FROM: grain SRP: $15.95 SUPPLIER: Bacardi USA THINK WHILE YOU DRINK Distilled in remotest New Zealand. BLUE ICE ORGANIC WHEAT Handcrafted and USDA certifi ed organic, this classy American vodka is distilled using Idaho winter wheat and pristine spring water drawn from a deep underground aquifer. It’s sleek and delectable. ORIGIN: USA DISTLLED FROM: wheat SRP: $20 SUPPLIER: 21st Century Spirits Serve well-chilled. COLD RIVER VODKA Made in Freeport Maine, Cold River is an artisanal spirit triple-distilled in a copper alembic still from locally-grown potatoes and spring water. The vodka is fl avor-imbued with a touch of sweetness on the fi nish. ORIGIN: Maine, USA DISTLLED FROM: potatoes SRP: $36.95 SUPPLIER: Maine Distilleries Here come more Maine potatoes. CRATER LAKE VODKA Created at the Bendistillery in Bend, Oregon, the limited-production spirit is distilled from local grain and Cascade Mountain spring water. The vodka is aged in oak barrels and fi ltered ten times through lava and charcoal, one gallon at a time. KARLSSON’S GOLD VODKA Appropriately named, this Swedish potato vodka is single-distilled, a challenging process to do well, but one that leaves the inherent fl avor of the potato intact. They also have three vintage-dated releases, all of which are world-class. HANGAR ONE STRAIGHT VODKA This handmade 80-proof vodka is made with wheat distilled in a custom-built column still. The light, clean spirit is then steeped with California Viognier grapes. The infused spirits are then redistilled in small, copper Holstein pot stills. PURITY VODKA The ultra-premium brand is pot-distilled in southern Sweden from a mash of grains that includes estate- grown wheat and barley and mineral-rich spring water. During the ensuing 34 distillations, 90 percent of the distillate is discarded. The result is an impressive vodka loaded with depth and fi nesse. 80 / the tasting panel / august 201 1 ORIGIN: Oregon, USA DISTLLED FROM: grain SRP: $23.95 SUPPLIER: Bendistillery Crater Lake is the deepest lake in United States. ORIGIN: Sweden DISTLLED FROM: potatoes SRP: $29.95 SUPPLIER: Spirits of Gold USA Master Blender Börje Karlsson digs potatoes! ORIGIN: California, USA DISTLLED FROM: wheat SRP: $22.99 SUPPLIER: Proximo Spirits The only vodka with a blimp (see cover story). ORIGIN: Sweden DISTLLED FROM: grain SRP: $29.95 SUPPLIER: Purity Vodka Inc. Purity’s proprietary copper and gold pot still at Ellinge Castle.