A Flowery Song

Background: Rye-based artisan vodka from northern Michigan that’s won gold medals from the Beverage Testing Institute and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  In addition to this plain offering, they also have one flavoured with (hopefully Michigan) cherries.

Nose: Ooh, that’s spicy.  Some floral and melon notes as well.

Taste: Smooth and creamy, spicy hints of citrus and an oily finish with some flinty minerality.

Overall: Okay, time for me to stop being so dismissive of vodka.  While I still maintain there’s much less room for variability than in most spirits, the difference in character between this vodka and, say, this other one is actually quite large.  This smooth, spicy, and sweet product is an excellent introduction from an up and coming distillery.  I’m looking forward to any future offerings, though I have to say that “less of the
juniper and more botanicals” rather misses the mark in what I want from a gin.

Background: From Traverse City, Michigan; a sweet fruit wine made from tart Michigan cherries.

Presentation: Clear glass bottle, synthetic cork. Pours a deep red. 11% ABV

Nose: Cherry, funk, and alcohol.

Taste: Sweet cherry, somewhat cloying, some earthy funk, and a bit of tartness in the finish. Hot alcohol.

Overall: Not great. The earthy notes were interesting, but they were the wine's only redeeming quality.

Background: Dry red table wine from Traverse City, Michigan. Blend of Gamay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and “Red Blend”. No oak.

Presentation: Green bottle, beautiful wrap-around paper label. Pours a clear brownish red.

Nose: Cherries and fresh green apples.

Taste: No tannins, fruity, with a light acidic tang. Short finish has a mildly earthy background.

Overall: Inoffensive, easy drinking. I get the feeling that it's trying to appeal to people that don't like red wine.