The Intoxicologist

Core Vodka is produced by micro-distillers within the United States based in New York.  The theory is family grown apples using sustainable farming methods, natural ingredients, pure water and a custom designed German still where the people of Harvest Spirits craft their unique spirits.  Take a walk around their website and Harvest Spirits has put together a nice overview of what they do to create their one of a kind spirits.  It is interesting enough to read through the process and visualize how they go about making Core from sweet cider to vodka through the handful of photos on the site.  Those visiting Harvest Spirits actually get a hands on lesson in distilling with Q&A session on the weekends without having to book a tour.  Now that is something worth checking out.

The batch I have the pleasure of reviewing is Batch #12, made specifically for the ADI conference in California.  This batch was created with the Fuji variety of apples.  My bottle tells me my specific batch, but the website also gives a rundown of Distiller’s Notes which is extremely interesting as to the process of how a micro-distiller hones the craft.  It also lets one in on little secrets as to which batches are favorites or which ones did not render such fine results.  Looks like Batch #15 is a true winner.  Batch #12 didn’t fair so bad in my opinion either.  Harvest Spirits is doing a fine job getting to the Core of the vodka spirit.  Take another look at Harvest Spirits products.  They also have Pear Brandy and coming soon, Apple Brandy and Cornelius Apple Jack. 

Core: The packaging is cute, simply put together with a striking red elastic band tying the tag at the top.  The entire bottle of Core Vodka reminds me of an apple in a way with the sleek style of the bottle sloping downward and the neck of the bottle perched at the top just like a stem.  The splash of red gives that hint of red apple feel.  The Core name reminds us of the spirits roots.  It is a tiny gift wrapped parcel straight from harvest.  At least that is what the marketing strategy appears to insinuate and it works.  Simple.  Elegant.  Stylish.

Upon opening the bottle a touch of apple or apple peel with a hint of sweetness drifts upward.  Tasting gives a bit of vanilla and apple at the tip of the tongue.  Core is thin with much burn.  The suggestion of apple flavor vanishes almost as soon as it arrives.  This one does not linger long on the palate.

Chilling Core takes most of the burning alcohol feel away, bringing in more of the sweet.  The apple notes become much more prominent.  With the apple and vanilla tones combining in this particular vodka it becomes difficult to imagine throwing together a traditional straight up martini with classic garnishes of lemon twist or olive.  Core would pair nicely with non citrus fruit cocktails with cinnamon base, something with caramel apple or pear, possibly even nut themed. 

The fruits of my creative labor did not go unrewarded.  Core mixes well in cocktails with just the right amount of shine through retained if it is not overwhelmed.  Bring in liqueurs and flavors that highlight some of the notes in Core Vodka and they mix for winning combinations.

Core-less Apple Crisp – created by The Intoxicologist

1-1/2 ounce Core Vodka

1/2 ounce Tuaca

3 to 4 ounces Ginger Ale to top

Build in a Collins glass over ice.  Top off with ginger ale. 

Buttery with apple notes still showing through on the front end.  Refreshing.  Light.  Ginger ale gives just the hint of bite one notices when biting into a fresh apple.  Just a reminder of the ‘Core’ to which one is drinking.  I love the butter flavor in this one!

The Chocolatier’s En-Core – created by The Intoxicologist

1 ounce Core Vodka

1/2 ounce DeKuyper Buttershots

1/2 ounce Godiva Original Liqueur

1/4 ounce Frangelico Liqueur

1 ounce Half & Half

Combine liquids in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.  Shake for ten to fifteen seconds.  Strain into a martini glass.  (Drizzle the inside of the martini glass with chocolate before straining contents into glass for added luxury and garnish if desired.)

Sweet, smooth, delicious.  Buttery with a hint of the Core Vodka’s buttery vanilla apple tones peeking through.  This is for the true buttery chocolate lover who loves decadent luxury. 

Core Vodka is a fun spirit.  At the moment the drawback is its limited availability within the state of New York.  That however may be one of Core Vodka’s high points as well.  With focus on quality small batch production this spirit is continually being tweaked to perfection.  During this ‘season’ of innovation, stop by Harvest Spirits and watch budding micro-distillers fine tune their craft at the earliest stages of production.  What better way to truly encourage the ‘Made in America’ spirit.

·         Corsair Artisan: Redefining a New Gin’eration

·         The Alembic on Haight: The Perfect Pour

·         LiV Vodka Sampling Room Open

·         www.harvestspirits.com

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved