Volstead Vodka, Oregon, USA

An ironically named Vodka from Oregon with a smoky and exotic flare.

Westward Whiskey was founded by Christian Krogstad, who graduated from the Siebel Institute of Technology—America’s oldest brewing academy. He worked at west-coast craft breweries, then moved to a vineyard for a number of years before setting up his own gig with Westward Whiskey in 2004. His history will tell you quite a lot about the character of his products. There is a strong, blue-collar brewmaster ethos going on in everything he does. This Oregon distillery produces five signature spirits, including Aquavit, Volstead Vodka, Casa Magdalena Rum, Westward Whiskey, and a tasty coffee Liqueur.

Here at Flaviar we often talk about the “Dark Days of Prohibition” where the lovely intoxicating beverages that we adults so greatly enjoy were banned. Well, the National Prohibition Act of 1919 that started that whole nasty business is sometimes called “The Volstead Act” after Congressman Andrew Volstead from Minnesota who sponsored that unpleasant business. Volstead Vodka is… um, named somewhat ironically after him. It’s a corn-based Spirit (thus naturally gluten free) that is filtered through charred coconut husks after distillation. This yields an interesting Vodka with a smoky/exotic essence. Oh, and it earned a Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition upon its release.