Character matters—in a person and in a vodka—just ask Cardrona Distillery Master Distiller Sarah Elsom. Elsom grew so weary of the neutered taste in vodka, a spirit we must admit is distilled to have little to no taste, that she set out to make a vodka she wanted to drink, the result was The Reid Vodka—a fragrant delicious single malt expression that is perfectly suited for a world-class martini.
The distillery is situated in New Zealand’s Crown Range Mountains and was established in 2015 by Desiree Reid in an effort to raise the profile of spirits offerings in New Zealand. Indeed, Reid’s vision has sone much to elevate New Zealand’s global reputation in the spirits industry. Everything is produced grain-to-glass, meaning every step of the production process—from milling the grain to bottling—is carried out on-site. This complete and total control is the canvas on which Elsom was inspired to create an uncommon vodka, one that tasted of place, of something local. It’s not chill or charcoal filtered to ensure the character of the raw materials shines through. The vodka is fragrant with botanical notes and even a touch of toffee and lemon. It’s a designer spirit to be sure and a perfect choice for any martini. Below are a few of Elsom’s suggested martini cocktails:
Ingredients:
- 3oz The Reid Vodka
- 1/2oz French Dry Vermouth
- 3 Olives
Instructions: Combine vodka and dry vermouth in a cocktail mixing glass. Fill with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with 3 olives on a cocktail stick.
Ingredients:
- .5oz Lillet Blanc (or any Blanco vermouth)
- .5oz The Source Gin
- 2oz The Reid Vodka
Instructions: Add ice into stirring glass. Stir until cold and slightly diluted. Strain into a cold coupe glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel (express lemon oil)
Ingredients:
- 3oz The Reid Vodka
- 3oz Pineapple juice
- 3oz Raspberry Liquor or raspberry syrup
Instructions: Add ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake and strain with a Hawthorn strainer and mesh strainer into a coupe glass.
Ingredients:
- 2oz The Reid Vodka
- .5oz Dry vermouth
- 3oz Water
Build over plenty of ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.