We arrive here at a contradiction. We actually like this vodka, but then we do have to ask ourselves if this is truly a ‘vodka’ or if it should be labeled as ‘Underproof’. That’s because this rests at a 23.8% ALC/VOL or 47.6 proof. Maybe this is down to the specific distilling process, or watering down – but what you get is something that is nice, and yet fails to complete the job?
Martha’s Oktoberfest: 5.0 – It feels a bit like a red ale, and there’s a distinct coppery sort of taste here. Hard to tell if intentional or just a bad pour. It is an otherwise flavorful and spiced Oktoberfest
Price Average: $6 draft
Website: http://www.marthas-exchange.com/
Red Chaos: 5.5 – There cherries are nice, and it’s overall a fine sour. The problem is it’s competing in the field of sours and you ned to really step up your game to get points.
Price Average: $12
Website: https://www.trvebrewing.com/
This gin was introduced to us by our Editor-in-Chief’s boss (of their real job), and it was a good thing that it turned out to not be a bad gin. (No need for awkward discussion about why their tastes are bad and they should feel bad). It however does exactly what you typically want from a London gin – to do well in tonic.
The Exorcism of Rich Ackerman: 4.0 – While there is a delicious creamy chocolate flavor here, it’s ruined. That imperial ‘aspect’ of alcohol has made this into something that’s difficult to drink, and overall not worth it.
Price Average: $14
Website: https://www.clownshoesbeer.com/
We here have been long time fans of the Grand Macnish 12 year for being all the scotch your well decanter ever needs, at a price that’s competitive. It lets you feel good about buying some new single malt because it’s always there for you if it ends up being something like Jura. This is a new edition (much like the 15yr sherry) that’s aged in charred casks – and proves that maybe you should just leave things well alone.
Swift & Changeable: 7.5 – Not perfect, but a very well executed saison. There isn’t a bad mark or thing to say about it really.
Price Average: $14
Website: http://www.honestweightbeer.com/
If you asked us why a noted Ghostbuster would join forces with someone to make vodka in the form of Crystal Skull – we wouldn’t have an answer for you. (Maybe because it’s spooky?) We also wouldn’t have an answer for you about why this vodka is just not good, and how starting from the visage of a skull it keeps getting worse and worse.
