Published on June 22nd, 2018 | by Darren Paltrowitz
03 Bottles To Add To Your Bar This Summer
Within the warmer months of the calendar year, you are likely to find wine and spirits part of your social calendar. Whether you are at the beach, a barbecue, a party or on vacation at a resort, odds are that alcohol will be a part of that equation. With craft spirits and specialized vineyards being more popular than ever these days, it is not always easy to keep up with the latest and greatest brands out there. But as a frequent reader of industry trades, a prolific interviewer of brand ambassadors and a follower of key developments within the world of alcohol, below are 3 recommended brands to stock your home bar with, all of which I also had the pleasure of speaking to representatives from.
Koskenkorva Vodka
An award-winning vodka from Koskenkorva, Finland, Koskenkorva Vodka comes from a town with a population of 2,100 people. It is the only globally-known vodka named after the village where it is made, and it has been produced steadily since 1953. The brand uses local ingredients for its product.
“Koskenkorva Vodka is refreshingly straightforward,” said Mikael Karttunen, a Brand Ambassador. “It’s made from the world’s northernmost grown barley, a product of short summers and seemingly endless days, and pure spring water. This creates an authentic and premium tasting vodka perfect for enjoying year round but it is especially enjoyable in the warmer months. It’s no fuss and simple — just like summer. Mix it in a cocktail with fresh, in-season ingredients, sip neat, or on the rocks.”
Maddalena Rosé
A product of the San Antonio Winery — which goes back to 1917, as one of the longest operating family-owned wineries in California — Maddalena Rosé comes from the Maddalena Vineyards. With bright flavors of raspberry and yellow peach, it is noted on the wine’s website that the Maddalena’s Rosé pairs well with a wide array of dishes such as goat cheese salads and fresh shellfish.
“This wine has a well-balanced body with crisp acidity and a nice lengthy finish,” began winemaker Anthony Riboli of the San Antonio Winery’s Riboli Family. “It’s great to enjoy alone or with a fresh summer salmon dinner. When dining alfresco Maddalena Rose will sure to be a crowd pleaser!”
Deep Eddy Vodka
Handcrafted in small batches, Deep Eddy Vodka is a popular spirit from Austin, Texas. Column-distilled 10 times and charcoal filtered, Deep Eddy definitely takes its vodka seriously. But Deep Eddy is also known for its involvement within the music world as a mainstay at many annual music events, including Firefly, Panorama, FYF, Noise Pop, Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, and the Billboard 100 Festival.
“Deep Eddy Vodka is synonymous with day drinking — responsibly — in the summertime,” Matt Pechman, Vice President of Marketing, told me. “Our name comes from the local Austin historic gem, the Deep Eddy Swimming Hole, a place where people congregate to enjoy good times and escape the summer heat. Deep Eddy Vodka embodies this same spirit – we are all about bringing people together for good times. Our vodkas are made with all natural ingredients and real fruit juice so they are light, refreshing, and best of all easy to mix for simple, delicious summertime cocktails.”
Pechman continued: “Wherever people are coming together for good times and good music, Deep Eddy is there, and we love hanging with our fans. We love having our fans come chill in our Dive In Trailer lounge and enjoy delicious Deep Eddy cocktails while they listen to their favorite artists. What could be better? We look forward to seeing you at your favorite music festival this summer!”