Vodka - 46 Peaks Vodka
Lake Placid Spirits, Lake Placid, New York

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46 Peaks Vodka
Lake Placid Spirits LLC., Lake Placid, New York

PROOF: 80 Proof (40%)
TYPE: Hand - Crafted American Vodka, Potato Base
AGE: Not applicable
PRICE: $32.99 750 ML

Notes: Pot distilled in a 220 gallon copper potstill and using a mixture of locally grown potatos and water from Lake Placid with a unique double filtering technique.The filtering process uses local crystals from the Herkimer Diamond Mine then hardwood charcoal to filter the impurities out of the vodka which is then cut with Lake Placid water to 80 proof.

I should point out that potatoes are a premium ingredient for vodka - which contrary to popular prejudice (particularly vociferous among Russians for some reason). With about 1/3 less yield per kilo and a lot more prep work to ferment and distill making vodka from potatoes is a difficult and expensive undertaking.

Also people who suffer from Celiac's Disease (a genetic intolerance to gluten found in grains) will find this a welcome addition to the kinds of distilled spirits they can drink.

Appearance: Crystal clear, no sediment whatsoever. On swirling, it leaves a thin clear coat on the inside of the glass with crenellated edge line (meniscus) with long thin legs forming then dissolveing in to droplets. Wonderful bright appearance.

First Impression: Nice, balanced bouquet with earthy notes to it. with some complexity (for a vodka).

Taste: Smooth slightly glycerin like entry at first it (as opposed to a thin, spirity and cutting entry the cheap stuff has to it many times) with notes of vanilla, minerals/stones, and slightly a sweetish start. Nice tingling at the edges of your tongue and a warm afterglow.

Drinks: Works well in the standard vodka drinks, the touch of sweetness and nice body, coupled with the robust/round body or mouthfeel add weight and substance to a vodka cocktail. 

Final Thoughts: Nicely done, more character and body than a lot of mass produced brands. Price is certainly fair given what others charge for vodka these days. If you want to show people you have have taste and support local products reach past the "Avian Fashion Victim" bottle and reach for this instead. While not an "Oh my God" experience, it's a good solid effort and a excellent vodka that shows a good deal of care and effort. Recommended.

Bottle: Brilliantly clear glass, tall cylindrical bottle with a sharp shoulder and heavy decanter type base with applied plastic labels - the front one looking like a topo map and a silohoute of the local peaks. Easy to spot on a bar shelf (either your own or at one you frequent). A decent synthetic cork is a good tight fit without being a challenge to open.

Website: http://www.lakeplacidspirits.com

YouTube video of still and potato vodka spirtit : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_aoU74IU5k

Simple straightforward and fast loading.

 

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