Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/977771
may 2018 / the tasting panel / 109 Crystal Clear: Tahoe Blue Vodka The beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountain range has stirred the adven- turous spirit of nearly everyone who's visited it, and many of the coun- try's most scenic places rest along its peaks. As the second-deepest lake and the largest alpine lake in the country, Lake Tahoe is no exception. The lake's expansive and crystal-clear blue waters serve as the base of Tahoe Blue Vodka, produced by Tahoe Spirits, Inc. Founder/CEO Matt Levitt. Distilled using 50 percent sugarcane, 25 percent corn, and 25 percent grapes, this gluten-free vodka exhibits a smoothness on the palate that speaks to the water's covetable purity. Like the lake itself, the award-winning brand calls both Nevada and California home, as it is expertly distilled in Mountain View, California and bottled in Sparks, Nevada. While Tahoe Blue started out with humble beginnings, it has gained a reputation as an outstanding vodka among its industry peers. Using the lake as a resource means Levitt has a direct stake in its future. Due to this connection and the delicate balance of Lake Tahoe's ecosystem, he decided to help protect the lake and its surroundings by donating a portion of the proceeds from every bottle of Tahoe Blue to several nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to preserve this natural treasure. Tahoe Blue Vodka ($20) Tahoe Blue Vodka's delicate, sweet nose offers up vanilla bean and white flowers. The blend of sugarcane, grape, and corn in this distilled spirit allows for a layered effect of aromas and flavors. Marshmallow is dotted with white pepper while fennel root is softened by a roundness in texture; the berry finish is punctuated by a gentle heat. 90 —Meridith May TAHOE SPIRITS, INC.