Review: NEFT Vodka
NEFT Vodka is one of the most hyped vodka’s we have ever reviewed. NEFT received a 98 rating from The Tasting Panel Magazine, as well as scoring two consecutive Double Gold Medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2018 and 2019. Vinepair.com also named NEFT one of their 20 Best Vodkas. NEFT has been on our radar for some time. Jeff Mahony acquired the brand the end of 2018, and he has significantly increased distribution. NEFT, Vodka was conceived of by Alexander Kuzmina a third generation petroleum engineer from Western Siberia. Neft is the Russian word for oil. This explains the oil barrel Neft is packaged in. The container itself is more than just a nod to the oil industry, or a marketing gimmick. Aluminum is unbreakable and lighter weight than glass, reducing freight costs. Aluminum is more recyclable, chills faster and keeps the vodka cold longer than glass for picnics and trips to the beach. NEFT is crafted at Destillerie Freihof, a 130 year old family run distillery in Lustenau Austria. It is made from 4 grains of ancient rye species, Rapidly, Amato, Pollino, and Askari. The 100% NON GMO rye is farmed locally in Lower Saxony. NEFT is distilled three times in a copper pot still. A proprietary carbon-layer filtration process follows. Oxygen rich Alpine spring water from beneath the Rhawtian Alps of Austria is blended to proof the spirit. It takes 50 years for this water to make its way traveling through slate and granite from its source to their secured aquifer. No additives or sweeteners are added. NEFT donates 50 cents from every barrel sold to one of six charities they support. Read more 
Review: Monopolowa Vodka
Monopolowa Vodka was originally created in Poland and is now distilled at the foot of the majestic Austrian Alps. After harvesting a special variety of potatoes, they are washed, diced, and placed in steamers for cooking. After cooling, yeast is added and the mixture is fermented for 72-96 hours. A triple fractional column distillation follows, and the pure distillate is stored and rested at 193 proof in stainless steel tanks. Pure spring water is blended before bottling at 80 proof. Read more