RE:FIND Finished in Barrel Vodka
The Data
Category Vodka/Aquavit
Sub-Category Vodka
Origin California
Retail Price $50
ABV 40%
Score 3 Stars/Brilliant!
In the Glass
Appearance
Brilliant, crystal clear.
Aromatics
Well, there is not a chance you could nose this and think Vodka. The aromatics are firmly in the Whiskey camp offering waves of caramel, vanilla, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and toffee.
Flavor
The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a rich, Bourbon barrel notes with only the spirits lush and silky texture left to speak for itself.
Intensity & Texture
Medium-bodied with rich and expressive barrel notes of brown baking spice, vanilla, and caramel.
Cool Factor
I find the entire RE:FIND story and practice to be wonderfully ingenious and inspired. We love the spirits but find this one to be all about the wood and little to do with the spirit.
Value Grade
At $50 there is a lot of competition in the young Whiskey category.
Analysis
The RE:FIND story of using would-be discarded grape juice to create craft spirits is inspired. (See full story in their Vodka review). There is a reason that you don't see many Vodkas aged or finished in new or first-fill used Whiskey casks as the resulting spirit is much more about the barrel than it is the spirit. Whiskey makers around the world will tell you that wood contributes anywhere from 50-80% of the flavor and aroma. This is the case with a base spirit that is far more heavy than a delicate Vodka, which is a roundabout way of saying that a Vodka will simply be overwhelmed by a Whiskey cask. With that said —it is pretty and easy to drink.
How to Enjoy
Sip neat with a splash of water. I would avoid adding much else or you will completely trample on the delicate nuances.