Review: New Deal Vodka
New Deal Vodka was the first spirit crafted at New Deal Distillery. The distillery was founded in 2004 by Tom Burkleaux and Matthew Van Winkle with a simple business plan: to sell one bottle to one stranger off of a liquor store shelf. They were the first distillery in what is now Portland’s Distillery Row, and the second in Portland. Clear Creek Distillery was first. New Deal currently crafts Gin, Brandy, Whiskey, and several Liqueurs. New Deal Vodka is made from 100% Oregon grown grains, mostly soft winter wheat and a bit of rye. The grain is mashed in hot water. The cooled mash is fermented in-house for 5 days. The spirit is distilled on a 22 plate copper Christian Carl Still and proofed with pure Bull Run water. The aroma leads with bakery spice, whole wheat bread, toffee, and caraway seed. The sweet pastry entry is joined by vanilla building to a caramel pecan sweet roll peak. It fades with rye bread and toffee and finishes with Cream of Wheat, vanilla, a sprinkle of black pepper, caraway seed, and citrus taste.
Rain Drop
1.5 Oz. New Deal Vodka
.75 Oz. Blue Curacao
.75 Oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
.25 Oz. Simple Syrup
Shake With Ice
Strain Into a Sugar Rimmed
Coupe or Martini Glass
Made in Portland Oregon
40% Alcohol
Score: 92
Award: Gold Medal