Genius Vodka Review

…..Fall is here, a time when many Northerners decide to go on vacation to escape the winter cold, and specifically a lot choose to come right here to Orlando, Florida. What’s the first thing you do when you plan a trip out of town? You look up popular attractions, and famous local eateries/shops to visit. After-all, you wouldn’t fly 5,000 miles away from home to have Mcdonalds for dinner would you? So why should choosing something to drink be any different? Local Micro Distilleries are popping up everywhere and each offers a unique and local taste that the “big brands” often can’t provide. For those unaware, Micro-distilling is the hand crafted production of spirits in small scale form, often offering a quality far better than some of the larger big box brands you may be familiar with. Most often micro distilling is associated with what was originally “moon-shining” but has since involved into the most rapipidly growing segment of the spirits industry. So what exactly are the “can’t miss” attractions of Orlando? Disney of course, Ravenous Pig Gastro pub for some amazing eats, and now Central Florida’s only Artisanal distillery; Winter Park Distilling Company. Winter Park Distilling company was founded by Paul Twyford and Andrew Asher, two Winter Park natives, with a similar vision to offer spirits utilizing the finest of ingredients, and time tested recipes developed over multiple generations. Setting them apart from the competition, they utilize goose-neck, pot and reflux stills to produce an authentic local product. WPDC currently produces two spirits, Bear Gully Corn Whiskey and Genius Fine Vodka. We were priveledged to get our hands on a bottle of “Genius” recently.

Presentation: Much like any legitimate small-batch spirit should be, our bottle was delivered to us individually hand-numbered. The bottle itself is you’re standard 750 ml glass bottle you will see often on your package store shelves however it’s corked top (as oppose to screw top) is a nice touch. What sticks out the most however is the locally produced artwork featured on the bottles label.

Taste: As always with vodka, we prefer to taste it warm, chilled in shot form, and then on Ice. True to its label description, this Triple Distilled vodka starts out with a smooth taste even warm out the bottle, and offers a crisp finish that is more apparent when served chilled in shot form. Where it really shines best in my opinion is when poured warm over ice allowing for the ice to melt slightly into the vodka, and the vodka to chill a bit. Though you commonly hear vodka referred to as the “odorless and tasteless spirit”, that often isn’t the case and in this case it isn’t either. Allowing for the ice to melt brings out some of the subtle flavors and sweetness in the vodka.

Price: $19.99

Grade: B+

Overall: All in all we loved this one. If you’re looking for a replacement for your $24 to $34 range vodka this may be it offering comparable quality and a cheaper price. Any Vodka that you can drink both in your every day mixers AND pour it over ice and drink it straight is a winner in our books. This is definitely one you will want to look for if you live in or are visiting the Orlando area. Below you can find a few recipes to try including two classic, and one of my original recipes.

Gimlet

3 parts Genius Vodka
2 Parts Lime Juice
1 Part Simple Syrup

Add ingredients in a shaker, shake and pour over ice.

Genius & Ginger (Intoxicology Original)

2 oz Genius Vodka
3/4 oz Lime Juice
1/3 oz Simple Syrup
3 oz Ginger Beer
Splash of Cranberry Juice

In a shaker, combine all your ingredients minus the Cranberry juice. Shape and strain into a chilled collins glass filled with ice. Top with Cranberry and enjoy.

Lemon Kiss

1 Part Genius Vodka
3/4 part Fresh lemon juice
3/4 Part Simple Syrup
Splash of Grenadine

Build first three ingredients together in a high ball glass stir. Top off with Grenadine.

Genius Vodka sample was provided courtesy of Winter Park Distillery. For more information on Genius Vodka and the Winter Park Distillery visit there website at www.WPDistilling.com or check them out on Facebook.  Don’t forget to check back with us often to get up to date news and reviews on all things alcoholic. Be sure to ‘Like” us on Facebook as well. Class Dismissed.