Review: Barr Hill Vodka
Barr Hill Vodka was introduced in 2012. Todd Hardie, Caledonia Spirits Founder spent over 40 years as a beekeeper before deciding to craft spirits from his raw organic Vermont honey. The Caledonia Spirits Distillery is located on the banks of the Lamoille River in Hardwick Vermont. In late summer each year the distillery takes delivery of hundreds of barrels of pure raw honey. It takes 4-5 pounds of raw honey to craft one bottle of vodka. The honey is cold fermented for over 3 weeks and small batch distilled, first in a pot still and then in a custom column still. Their recipe depends on two simple principles, they never heat the honey prior to distillation, and they never distill more than twice.The aroma is floral honey and warm vanilla cupcake. Additional time in the glass brings out notes of banana and caramel. The sweet honey and caramel entry has a creamy mouth feel with a slight viscosity, no doubt the result of distilling from honey. Vanilla arrives building to a yellow cake peak. It fades with vanilla, banana, and caramel flavor. The finish is semi-dry, and mineral with a flash of alcohol heat, and a peppery sting, leaving a dry bittersweet aftertaste.
Yakutian
2 Oz. Barr Hill Vodka
.5 Oz Lemon Juice
1 Oz. Orange Juice
5 Oz. Rooibos-Cinnamon Syrup
Build in an Ice Filled Copper Mug
Top With Ginger Beer
Garnish With A Cinnamon Stick
Made in Hardwick Vermont
40% Alcohol
Score: 92
Award: Gold Medal