Notes: We are happy to report on the opening of a new microdistillery in Upstate New York in the Finger Lakes area.The Finger Lakes is a well known area for wines and wineries with over 200 at last count. What is much less well known is the proliferation of distilleries in the areas and the production of grape, berry and fruit based spirits along with the more traditional grain based spirits which lends some unique flavors and nuances to their products. Made in a small hybrid column/pot still (a 200 gallon Holstein Copper pot still for those who are into details) and handcrafting each batch the small scale production and attention to detail show you what is possible if you have the skills and dedication.

Since it is made from grapes it is an excellent choice for anyone with gluten or wheat intolerance looking for a vodka.

This their first flavored vodka, uses a blend of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, first macerated in their grape based vodka spirit then redistilled yielding a clear, colorless, but far from odorless and tasteless way (in a pleasant way, that is) vodka.

Their other products include : Seneca Drums Gin, Vintner’s Vodka,Maplejack Liqueur, Cassis Liqueur and Glen Thunder (an American corn whiskey)

Appearance: Absolutely clear, on swirling it leaves a a thick clear coat on the inside of the glass and quite a few legs developing slowly. It is, however, well blended in that the essential oils do not separate from the alcohol base, a difficult trick when dealing with real, fresh ingredients. Well done!

First Impression: Very berry like, an interesting melange of berries and fruit esters, sweet rounded grape smells, no off-notes, mild alcohol presence.

Taste: Thick, almost oily body to it- very true to the 3 berry, right down to the telltale bitterness from the seeds. The procession of berries starts with strawberry notes,then raspberries, then finishes with the blueberries and the seedy slightly bitter texture of the seeds, which offer depth,complexity and authenticity. If these were a fake/chemical berries you would not have the taste and the touch of spice/bitterness that comes from the seeds. Final finish is slightly sweetish and fruity with with alcohol notes.

Drinks:  I think maybe this could become a new Tiki Drink sensation, has a lot of good elements, lots of fruit tastes, good bitter complexity and backbone, and enough natural sweetness that is not overdone. Also works well in mojitos or with bourbon and mint.

Final Thoughts: A vodka made with real berries not some chemical hellbroth from a plastic barrel. Careful maceration and distillations yield a excellent vodka with a balanced extraction of all the flavors – something that an extract can’t achieve . As a clear vodka it also allows for a cocktail that doesn’t look like a girlie drink but has all the fruit. Attractive pricing and more available year round unlike some other brands which can only be found for limited periods.

Bottle: A frosted yet distinctive tall cylindrical bottle silkscreening/frosting effect that looks like curlicued vines. Attractive graphics Black plastic neckwrap and black synthetic cork to preserve flavor.

Web site:: http://www.fingerlakesdistilling.com/index.php (Under Construction )
and their blog: http://www.fingerlakesdistilling.blogspot.com/

Website is just a page, but has useful information. The blog link is the main page at present for information.