GSN Presents: The 2017 Advent Gift Guide – Day 22

With only three days to go until Christmas Eve, there’s not enough time to order gifts.  So, until then, we’re going to suggest some items that we’ve rated highly this year that you can find in your local liquor store (hopefully).  For Day 22, we’re focusing on the 20 spirited products that received a GSN Rating of A- (90) during 2017.

1. Allaire Vodka
2. Auchentoshan – The Bartender’s Malt
3. Bache Gabrielsen Tre Kors Cognac
4. Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye
5. CALI California Sipping Whiskey
6. Cannon Beach Distillery Dorymen’s Rum
7. Cruzan Aged Dark Rum
8. D. George Benham’s Gin Sonoma Dry Gin
9. Don Ciccio & Figli Amaro Tonico Ferro-Kina
10. Don Ciccio & Figli Finocchietto Fennel Liqueur
11. Don Q 2007 Signature Release Single Barrel
12. Highland Park Magnus Single Malt Scotch Whisky
13. Koskenkorva Vodka
14. Montelobos Mezcal
15. Oamaruvian 16 Year Old Cask Strength DoubleCask
16. Paul John Bold Whisky
17. Savannah Spirits Amber Rum
18. TINCUP 10 American Whiskey
19. Van Gogh Vodka
20. Virginia Distillery Co. Cider Barrel Matured Virginia Highland Malt

GSN Review: Van Gogh Vodka

Originally launched in 2009 (as Van Gogh Triple Wheat Vodka), Van Gogh Vodka is one of the first terroir-specific vodkas.  Third generation Master Distiller Tim Vos distills Van Gogh from a blend of wheat sourced from Holland, France and Germany—each providing distinct characteristics as a result of the local terroir.

In Holland, the wheat is cultivated near the Dutch coast and is a little salty and dry from the maritime influence. The harvest in France comes from the center of the country and the wheat possesses a sweeter profile. The wheat grown in Germany is sourced from an area where water comes from the melted ice of a nearby mountain, giving the grain a mineral edge.

Van Gogh Vodka is crafted in small batches using purified water at Cooymans Distillery International in Tilburg, Holland through a triple distillation method, which maintains the integrity of the natural ingredients before final blending.

Van Gogh Vodka (80 proof)
Visual: Clear.
Nose: Earthy, mineral-laden, densely crisp and clean nose. Wet slate and rainwater.
Taste: Smooth entry with a semi-creamy mouthfeel. Lots of mineral with a slight sweet glaze of sweetness. Tasty and with a full body and a friendly character.
Finish: Medium, with the sweetness leading away to a dry and semi-metallic finish which cleanses the palate.
Overall: A vodka with character and class. Great on its own, or in any vodka forward cocktail.
GSN Rating: A-

For more information go to: Van Gogh Vodka