Square One Botanical

From Rigby, Idaho I would have expected a vodka from potatoes, but Square One has created one from USDA organic rye, smoothing the heat and spice that can come from that grain with a botanical infusion of pear, rose, chamomile, lemon verbena, lavender, rosemary, coriander and citrus peel.

Nose: Somewhat flowery, with lemon, orange, rosemary and coriander all coming through.

Taste: A slight taste and feel of rose oil on the palate, followed by an immediate punch of rosemary and coriander. There’s a full flavor of Red Bartlett pear, with some citrus notes — mostly orange. Aside from the floral components, the flavor profile is one of late summer/early fall.

Finish: A bit warm going down due to the high proof, but not hot, per se. Lingering flavors of pear and citrus peel, cardamom and rosemary.

Notes: Yes, this is a vodka, given how it’s distilled and flavored. But this vodka is infused with enough botanicals that it smells and tastes similar to a gin, albeit with juniper absent, supplanted by rosemary. The fact that it’s bottled at 90 proof contributes to that gin feeling. This would pair well with ginger, cirtus, and other accompaniments that would play well with the rosemary, coriander and pear that come out so strongly in this vodka.

Square One Botanical (100 percent Organic Rye Vodka), 90 proof, $34.95 in Oregon Liquor Stores

(Bottle of Square One Botanical provided by our friends Jussi and Heather)