Comments on: Hold On To Your Hats, I Found a Vodka I’ll Actually Drink http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/ Jeffrey Morgenthaler is a designer, blogger and mixologist living in Eugene, Oregon Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:40:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Jeffrey Morgenthaler http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-28280 Jeffrey Morgenthaler Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:53:13 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-28280 Thanks for visiting, Chris. I don't believe I've had the Blue Ice, but I will keep my eyes peeled! Thanks for visiting, Chris. I don’t believe I’ve had the Blue Ice, but I will keep my eyes peeled!

]]> By: Chris Bailey http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-28252 Chris Bailey Sun, 16 Mar 2008 04:07:49 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-28252 While I don't hate vodka, I've almost stopped drinking it these days, for your exact reasons - I just don't find it interesting and to have much to taste. I will use it as a mix for certain drinks and so on, but I am definitely a gin person now, and Tanq Ten is my usual favorite (but I like Zuidham, Hendriks, 209 sometimes, and will use Aviation for certain drinks (I'm not a fan of black licorice, so that's harder). I believe you were the first person to make me a drink with Aviation, when at El Vaquero, but I can't be certain (we sat at the bar and I asked the bartender to make me something of his own concoction with gin). This was shortly after we moved to Eugene last year. I digress... So, the one vodka I've had in the last several years that definitely was different, and the mention of Cirrus with the potatoes is Blue Ice. Blue Ice to me has quite a bit of flavor for a vodka, with much more of a carmel-like taste to it. It is very different than any other vodka I've had, and was recommended by a bartender in San Francisco. It is made in the US as well, and of potatoes (all Idaho potatoes I believe). I suspect it is worth a try simply to see that there might be one other vodka out there that doesn't fit the typical profile. I just found out about your blog from Ed D. (the local Slow Food treasurer) when they were over for dinner the other night. Glad to find it! While I don’t hate vodka, I’ve almost stopped drinking it these days, for your exact reasons - I just don’t find it interesting and to have much to taste. I will use it as a mix for certain drinks and so on, but I am definitely a gin person now, and Tanq Ten is my usual favorite (but I like Zuidham, Hendriks, 209 sometimes, and will use Aviation for certain drinks (I’m not a fan of black licorice, so that’s harder). I believe you were the first person to make me a drink with Aviation, when at El Vaquero, but I can’t be certain (we sat at the bar and I asked the bartender to make me something of his own concoction with gin). This was shortly after we moved to Eugene last year. I digress…

So, the one vodka I’ve had in the last several years that definitely was different, and the mention of Cirrus with the potatoes is Blue Ice. Blue Ice to me has quite a bit of flavor for a vodka, with much more of a carmel-like taste to it. It is very different than any other vodka I’ve had, and was recommended by a bartender in San Francisco. It is made in the US as well, and of potatoes (all Idaho potatoes I believe). I suspect it is worth a try simply to see that there might be one other vodka out there that doesn’t fit the typical profile.

I just found out about your blog from Ed D. (the local Slow Food treasurer) when they were over for dinner the other night. Glad to find it!

]]> By: xian http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-27217 xian Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:48:11 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-27217 I'm gonna have to try Cirrus. I agree on pretty much every point on the absolute uselessness of vodka. A flavorless, colorless alcohol? What is the point? Oh, I'm sure someone a little more 'refined' can spell out all the subtleties of a liquor which I believe has the pasttime of being cheap, easy to make and gets you fucked up in a hurry. Pickles anyone? But, I am always up for a new experience. Especially a new drink ;-) I’m gonna have to try Cirrus. I agree on pretty much every point on the absolute uselessness of vodka. A flavorless, colorless alcohol? What is the point? Oh, I’m sure someone a little more ‘refined’ can spell out all the subtleties of a liquor which I believe has the pasttime of being cheap, easy to make and gets you fucked up in a hurry.

Pickles anyone?

But, I am always up for a new experience. Especially a new drink ;-)

]]> By: Dr. Bamboo http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26266 Dr. Bamboo Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:04:07 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26266 I've never been much of a vodka enthusiast either. To me, ordering a vodka drink always seemed like going to Baskin-Robbins and getting vanilla. That being said, when I grab a bottle for my home bar (or more accurately, kitchen counter), I usually get Tito's. It makes a good Moscow Mule and a decent Cosmo too. I’ve never been much of a vodka enthusiast either. To me, ordering a vodka drink always seemed like going to Baskin-Robbins and getting vanilla.

That being said, when I grab a bottle for my home bar (or more accurately, kitchen counter), I usually get Tito’s. It makes a good Moscow Mule and a decent Cosmo too.

]]> By: Dan http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26221 Dan Mon, 04 Feb 2008 02:29:12 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26221 I've never been a huge fan of vodka, but I always keep a bottle around because a lot of my guests like vodka-based drinks. Lately I've kept a bottle of Level in my freezer and it's quite good compared to other vodkas out there. It has a slight sweetness to it with some citrus notes on the nose and the tongue. My Russian roommate is quite fond of it. I’ve never been a huge fan of vodka, but I always keep a bottle around because a lot of my guests like vodka-based drinks. Lately I’ve kept a bottle of Level in my freezer and it’s quite good compared to other vodkas out there. It has a slight sweetness to it with some citrus notes on the nose and the tongue. My Russian roommate is quite fond of it.

]]> By: Lance J. Mayhew http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26062 Lance J. Mayhew Fri, 01 Feb 2008 18:51:59 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26062 Glad you found a decent vodka. That said, I think I've already got a dusty bottle of something or other hidden in the back of my liquor cabinet for guests who want a vodka/cranberry. If I'm reaching for a white spirit for my personal consumption though, give me gin. Maybe someday when I actually need to buy a new bottle of vodka I'll look for cirrus. Glad you found a decent vodka. That said, I think I’ve already got a dusty bottle of something or other hidden in the back of my liquor cabinet for guests who want a vodka/cranberry. If I’m reaching for a white spirit for my personal consumption though, give me gin. Maybe someday when I actually need to buy a new bottle of vodka I’ll look for cirrus.

]]> By: Alex Nicol http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26054 Alex Nicol Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:02:34 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26054 Jeff Vodka is a rectified white spirit, it is, as we all know, colorless, tasteless and odorless.When you add flavour you change the definition when you add suger change it again. nothing wrong with doing that have all the fun you can. What I find cynical is charging the consumer $25 for something I can buy for them in France or Eastern Europe for $1 a pop, bottled and with a label. Grey Goose has a lot to answer for!! Alex Jeff
Vodka is a rectified white spirit,
it is, as we all know, colorless,
tasteless and odorless.When you add flavour you change the definition when you add suger change it again.
nothing wrong with doing that have all the fun you can.
What I find cynical is charging the consumer $25 for something I can buy for them in France or Eastern Europe for $1 a pop, bottled and with a label.
Grey Goose has a lot to answer for!!
Alex

]]> By: Kevin Erskine http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26052 Kevin Erskine Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:36:33 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26052 Charbay is definitely an interesting line, but their schtick is flavoured Vodka... I recently tried the Blood Orange straight and it was absolutely horrid... clearly made specifically as a drink base . . and that rubs me the wrong way and makes me want to NOT call it vodka...but a "Liqueur" which is what it really is. I haven't tried Stiletto, but I've seen that they too are doing the flavour thing. The vast majority of Vodka companies are doing exactly what Jeff says - buying base neutral spirits and then having them processed or worse, simply having "their" Vodka made to order at some large industrial plant and then simply doing the marketing. I'll be judging Vodkas at the International Wine & Spirits Comp (as well as some other spirits) this year - should be interesting. Charbay is definitely an interesting line, but their schtick is flavoured Vodka…

I recently tried the Blood Orange straight and it was absolutely horrid… clearly made specifically as a drink base . . and that rubs me the wrong way and makes me want to NOT call it vodka…but a “Liqueur” which is what it really is.

I haven’t tried Stiletto, but I’ve seen that they too are doing the flavour thing.

The vast majority of Vodka companies are doing exactly what Jeff says - buying base neutral spirits and then having them processed or worse, simply having “their” Vodka made to order at some large industrial plant and then simply doing the marketing.

I’ll be judging Vodkas at the International Wine & Spirits Comp (as well as some other spirits) this year - should be interesting.

]]> By: Jeffrey Morgenthaler http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26021 Jeffrey Morgenthaler Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:12:49 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26021 Well, according to what <a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118859310163314946.html" rel="nofollow">Mr. Felton has to say</a>, there are a lot of smaller "distilleries" out there that order neutral spirits from contract distillers and cut the mass-produced, character-void stuff with water. So it's not just the big boys. Here's to our nation's microdistilleries! Well, according to what Mr. Felton has to say, there are a lot of smaller “distilleries” out there that order neutral spirits from contract distillers and cut the mass-produced, character-void stuff with water.

So it’s not just the big boys. Here’s to our nation’s microdistilleries!

]]> By: Rick http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26015 Rick Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:09:58 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26015 I see your point, for sure. I think that it's like anything else. Some of the artisan stuff is light's out (Cirrus, Charbay) and some of the mass stuff (Trump, Grey Goose) is what people expect from Vodka. The same can be said for any genre of spirit. I think Cirrus, Charbay, Stiletto, and a few others actually have a flavor *profile* rather than just a flavor and are worth spending time on. I see your point, for sure. I think that it’s like anything else. Some of the artisan stuff is light’s out (Cirrus, Charbay) and some of the mass stuff (Trump, Grey Goose) is what people expect from Vodka. The same can be said for any genre of spirit.

I think Cirrus, Charbay, Stiletto, and a few others actually have a flavor *profile* rather than just a flavor and are worth spending time on.

]]> By: Jeffrey Morgenthaler http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26014 Jeffrey Morgenthaler Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:56:37 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26014 Rick I'm glad that Cirrus was able to turn me on to a true hand-crafted spirit, and I'm eager to try more. However, given some of the samples that have been sent to me recently, I might have to disagree with your statement that "very few" vodkas are subscribing to the tasteless, odorless concept. Perhaps I'm just not meeting the right people? Rick

I’m glad that Cirrus was able to turn me on to a true hand-crafted spirit, and I’m eager to try more.

However, given some of the samples that have been sent to me recently, I might have to disagree with your statement that “very few” vodkas are subscribing to the tasteless, odorless concept.

Perhaps I’m just not meeting the right people?

]]> By: Rick http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26003 Rick Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:22:00 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/hold-on-to-your-hats-i-found-a-vodka-ill-actually-drink/#comment-26003 I've found that whenever you talk to the actual distiller (and not their marketing department), they tend to give a much more thoughtful description of the stuff. Very few vodkas nowadays subscribe to the tasteless, odorless concept, though all of them will tell you that everyone else BUT them is trying for it. You're missing out on a lot of nuance with hating vodka as there have been some gorgeous ones coming out lately and, yes, Cirrus is definitely one of them. My review here: http://martini-lounge.blogspot.com/2007/05/cirrus-vodka-review.html I’ve found that whenever you talk to the actual distiller (and not their marketing department), they tend to give a much more thoughtful description of the stuff.

Very few vodkas nowadays subscribe to the tasteless, odorless concept, though all of them will tell you that everyone else BUT them is trying for it.

You’re missing out on a lot of nuance with hating vodka as there have been some gorgeous ones coming out lately and, yes, Cirrus is definitely one of them.

My review here: http://martini-lounge.blogspot.com/2007/05/cirrus-vodka-review.html

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