Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/39104
THE BRAND THE BASICS FAIR. QUINOA VODKA The fi rst and only quinoa-based vodka and the fi rst spirit made with Fair Trade–certifi ed ingredients. The fi nished spirit is lushly textured with a delectable fruit and pepper fi nish. THE STATS ORIGIN: France DISTLLED FROM: quinoa SRP: $39.99 SUPPLIER: Fair Trade Spirits Company THINK WHILE YOU DRINK Quinoa is a grain grown in South America. MOON MOUNTAIN VODKA Distilled in the American Midwest by Moon Mountain Distilling Co. from organic grain and purified water before being subjected to a state-of- the-art filtration process. ORIGIN: USA DISTLLED FROM: organic grain SRP: $27.99 SUPPLIER: Diageo North America PLATINUM 7X VODKA Produced by the good folks at Buffalo Trace Distillery, this Kentucky thoroughbred is seven-times-distilled from American corn and limestone-fi ltered spring water. The initial distillations occur in a column still, the fi nal passes take place in a traditional pot still. The sublime spirit is a tremendous value. RÖKK VODKA Swedish-born Rökk is distilled from grain and pure glacial water, after which it’s chilled to subzero temperatures and fi ltered through frozen charcoal. The vodka is light-bodied and silky smooth. ORIGIN: Kentucky, USA DISTLLED FROM: corn SRP: $12.95 SUPPLIER: Sazerac Company A real Kentucky thorough- bred. Has us howling at the moon. ORIGIN: Sweden DISTLLED FROM: grain SRP: $14.95 SUPPLIER: Diageo North America The Rökk runestone, the oldest existing writing in Swedish. VAN GOGH BLUE TRIPLE WHEAT This ultra-premium vodka from Holland is triple- distilled in pot stills from three varieties of wheat. Although Van Gogh is best known for producing exceptional fl avored vodkas, Van Gogh Blue is velvety smooth and elegantly neutral. VESICA Three times column-distilled entirely from premium- grade potatoes in a continuous still designed to render the vodka essentially pure. Polish potato vodka is a genuine treat. It’s even more so when priced well below the market. VOLI LYTE This new wheat vodka from Cognac sports up to 40% fewer calories than its competitors and is only 60 proof. The neutral version is light-bodied and silky smooth, and it’s also available in fi ve fruit and fusion fl avors, including Espresso Vanilla, Raspberry Cocoa and Pear Vanilla. ORIGIN: Netherlands DISTLLED FROM: wheat SRP: $29.95 SUPPLIER: Van Gogh Imports Delightfully Dutch. ORIGIN: Poland DISTLLED FROM: potatoes SRP: $13.99 SUPPLIER: Adamba Imports Named for the vesica piscis. (Google it!) ORIGIN: France DISTLLED FROM: wheat SRP: $19.95 SUPPLIER: Palm Bay Imports Sexy by moonlyte. august 201 1 / the tasting panel / 77