CRAFT/ARTISAN VODKA
Precision Distilled, Character Defined
Craft vodka is a reimagining of the world’s most neutral spirit—where purity meets personality. Unlike mass-market vodkas designed for invisibility, artisan vodkas emphasize character: the nuance of base ingredients, the intention behind small-batch production, and the signature of the distiller’s hand. Whether grain-to-glass or infused with local flavor, these vodkas elevate quality over quantity and often blur the lines between vodka, eau-de-vie, and unaged whiskey in terms of expression and integrity.
Key Characteristics
Craft vodkas often showcase more depth than industrial versions—offering subtle grain, mineral, or botanical notes with a silky, sometimes creamy texture. Distillers may choose to retain some flavor from the base ingredient, and careful distillation results in a smooth yet distinctive sip.
Style
Unflavored or infused small-batch vodka, typically with traceable ingredients and expressive style
Body
Medium
Texture
Silky, round, often richer than neutral vodka
Primary Bases
Local or traceable grains, potatoes, fruits, sugar beets, honey, milk whey, even maple sap
Typical Notes
Fresh grain, soft spice, white pepper, citrus zest, stone fruit, mineral, herbal or creamy depending on base
Origin & History
While vodka has long been a commodity spirit, the craft distilling movement of the 21st century—especially in the U.S., UK, and Northern Europe—sparked a renaissance. Independent producers began creating vodkas with provenance, personality, and purpose. Many used organic or heirloom ingredients, avoided over-distillation, and focused on local sourcing. The result is a new category of vodka that doesn’t hide behind neutrality, but instead embraces subtle identity and artisanal production.
How It’s Made
Craft vodkas are typically made in small batches using pot stills, hybrid stills, or customized columns. The base ingredients are fermented and distilled to high proof, but not always to the extreme neutrality of commercial vodka. Some retain residual character from the original material. Filtration is minimal or selective—often avoiding charcoal to preserve nuance. Many craft vodkas are single-origin or grain-to-glass, reflecting terroir and the distiller’s philosophy.
Notable Styles
Grain-to-Glass Vodka
Made entirely onsite with traceable grain, often showcasing cereal notes
Potato Vodka
Creamy, round, and textured, often from Poland, Scandinavia, or U.S. micro-distillers
Fruit-Based Vodka
Distilled from apples, grapes, or berries; light and aromatic
Non-Traditional Base Vodkas
Made from honey, whey, or maple sap, offering distinctive profiles
Unfiltered Vodka
Left unpolished to preserve mouthfeel and complexity
Cocktail Pairings
Craft vodkas shine in minimalist cocktails that showcase their individuality. They’re ideal for spirit-forward or ingredient-driven drinks.
Elegant & Simple
Vodka Martini (dry, stirred), Vodka Negroni, Grapefruit Collins, Black Pepper Mule
Inventive & Local
Beet & Dill Bloody Mary, Apple-Basil Smash, Elderflower Fizz, Barrel-Aged Vodka Old Fashioned
Food Pairings
With more texture and flavor than neutral vodka, craft styles pair surprisingly well with food—especially seasonal, savory, or earthy dishes.
With Fresh Fare
Crudo, heirloom tomato salad, fresh chèvre, grilled asparagus
With Rich Dishes
Roasted chicken, duck confit, creamy risotto, mushroom pasta
With Snacks
Charcuterie, artisanal pickles, rye toast with butter, smoked nuts
How to Serve It
Glassware
Rocks glass or small stemmed cocktail glass
Temperature
Cool to lightly chilled (45–55°F / 7–13°C) to preserve aroma and texture
Storage
Store at room temperature or lightly chilled—freezer storage may mute character in artisan vodkas
Fun Fact
Some of the world’s most unique vodkas come from unexpected sources—like milk whey from Ireland, maple sap from Vermont, or quinoa from the Andes—proving that vodka can express terroir, too.
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of vodka, showcasing a range of styles from creamy, full-bodied classics to ultra-smooth modern expressions.
Belvedere
A Polish rye vodka crafted with artisanal care, known for its smooth elegance and nuanced flavor profile.
Chopin
A pioneer in single-ingredient vodkas, producing rich, creamy potato vodka with depth and character.
Stoli – Elit
A top-tier expression from a legendary vodka house, delivering exceptional clarity, balance, and luxurious smoothness.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
A widely loved American craft vodka, distilled from corn for a subtly sweet, clean, and versatile profile.
Recommended Pours
Belvedere - Vodka — A luxurious Polish rye vodka known for its silky texture, subtle vanilla notes, and crisp, clean finish.
Chopin - Potato Vodka — A rich and creamy vodka made from potatoes, offering full body, earthy depth, and a smooth mouthfeel.
Stoli - Vodka Elit — An ultra-premium expression with exceptional purity and balance, delivering an icy-smooth texture and refined elegance.
Tito's - Handmade Vodka — A small-batch American vodka distilled from corn, offering a clean, slightly sweet profile with a smooth, easy-drinking finish.