Reyka Vodka

A few spirits have employed the pure Icelandic waters in their production, however Reyka is the first to wholly take advantage of the country's resources as it is the first to be distilled and bottled there. The result is a super clean, premium vodka that has an environmental conscience.

To promote Reyka, the company has created some interesting television spots that are innovative and simply fun and quirky. Visit the Reyka website and click on the TV to watch the campaign.

As the first vodka to be distilled and bottled in Iceland, the makers of Reyka have created their ideal vodka using the country's pristine resources. Not only is this barley and wheat vodka clean, but it also comes with an air of prestige to it due to the distillers behind it, William Grant & Sons (makers of Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and Hendrick's Gin) and Master Distiller, Kristman Olafsson. These masters of spirits have designed the distillation perfectly to fill a need for a purer and more responsible production and, as Olafsson puts it, a "uniquely Icelandic" vodka.

Amidst the clean air of the village of Borgarnes in western Iceland, sits the distillery where Reyka comes together. The entire operation is run by the abundant geothermal heat of the land, a factor that led to the naming of the spirit as Reyka (Ray-kuh) is an ancient Icelandic word for steam or smoke. Small batches of only 235 cases per distillation contain glacial water from the Grabok Spring, which runs through a 4,000 year old lava field. Researchers have tested the waters and found there to be zero impurities. The resulting vodka is a testament that if clean products go in, clean products come out.

Tasting Notes:
Reyka has a strong "green" aspect to it. A delightful nose of sweet rose and fresh cut hay fills the senses with clarity. The palate is silky and marked with rose, lavender and a surprisingly spicy cedar. A short finish with undertones of warm citrus and grain complete the experience with uplifting purity.

Enjoy Reyka Vodka
Because it is so clean, this vodka is the perfect base for any cocktail: dry, sweet, fruity or herbal, it's all good. Reyka on the rocks and two dashes of Angostura bitters became a personal infatuation, as it is a beautifully herbal, earthy sipper that refreshes and uplifts the palate.