Tomorrow is National Vodka Day. Okay, I know what you are thinking. These ‘National Days’ that celebrate a food or drink (ice cream, tequila, waffles, and hot dogs, among many others) are just a gimmick to sell product, like Hallmark invents holidays to sell cards. Fair enough. We buy the card and we celebrate. So, why not buy the food and drink products and celebrate too? Who doesn’t love a good celebration? Especially a celebration of vodka, of all things? So I’m joining the brazen marketing people in an act of promotion. Go out and buy yourself a high quality vodka or order a well-made vodka drink. Support artisanal producers who are making terrific vodka, one of the most iconic and most versatile of all spirits. I chatted with Chris LoBrace, a manager/buyer for CoolVines, (a terrific local wine and spirit store in Westfield, NJ, with two additional locations in Princeton and Jersey City) about what three vodkas he would go out of his way for right now. Here were his picks: Reyka One of the cleanest, yet mineral-driven vodkas ever. The "vodka holy grail" of being way easy to drink but not at all boring. Cool factor: They use glacier water for proofing and lava rocks for filtration. Way to go Iceland. Try with: Ginger beer, tonic, or classic shaken martini Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Vodka Super unique and approachable; Barr Hill vodka is made of 100% pure distilled honey by a beekeeper in Vermont. The floral qualities of the honey-base give the vodka an almost gin-like aroma, but the flavor and texture are very reminiscent of its true source. Try with: Shaken with ice Karlsson's Gold On its own, one of the most "potato-ey" of potato vodkas. Often packaged with a Karlsson's pepper grinder to make a unique baked-potato martini. Bartender Tip: Karlsson's Gold infuses well. Rich, viscous vodkas like this always absorb the most flavor when making your own infusions so it's definitely a must if you need versatility. Try with: Black pepper or infused with vanilla bean & pears So get out there tomorrow and enjoy National Vodka Day. Have sip. Have a martini. National Vodka Day falls on a Saturday so there is no excuse not to imbibe. Of course, I would suggest you drink in moderation because Sunday is World Teacher Day. Don’t forget to buy a card.
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AuthorAmie Herman is a sometimes writer, a deep thinker, an enthusiastic explorer, and an artful sipper... Archives
November 2020
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