Review: The Reid Vodka

Fancy vodka rarely comes with a pedigree that justifies the sky-high prices that these products typically command, but The Reid is on a whole other level.

The vodka is a product from New Zealand’s Cardrona Distillery, which makes the eponymous single malt whiskies, and it’s also made from single malt — only it’s distilled to a higher proof on a pair of column stills and, obviously, isn’t aged. The resulting product is a rich and silky — and a much different vodka than you are likely familiar with.

The Reid Vodka Review

Exotic and malty on the nose, this immediately connotes white dog whiskey, with a grainy underbelly and notes of baked fruits. The harshness of unaged whiskey is absent, though, and the vodka tempers any lingering barley-driven funk with a gentle, biscuity sweetness and layers of honey. As it builds in glass, an austere aroma of old books and leather takes a secondary role.

Lemon drops immediately surprise on the palate, offering a tart sweetness that is never telegraphed by anything in the nose. Apples and pears, baked into a pie, kick in from there, any overtly fruity sweetness tempered by growing notes of toasted grains, sesame seeds, and an enigmatic floral character. There’s a clear almond/marzipan note, laced with baking spices, that emerges as the finish approaches — and which is ultimately the least vodka-like part of this experience. A reprise of apples on the finish doubles down on the apple pie expression — in the best possible way.

Best enjoyed neat or straight.

88 proof. Bottles are individually numbered.

A- / $90

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