Modern Spirits Pumpkin Pie Vodka

Extremely rare, but highly sought after, a pumpkin-flavored distilled spirit comes up in cocktail conversations every year as summer turns to autumn. Every now and then one dons the liquor shelves and drinks are created with it, but more often than not it is a fleeting bottle that is gone before you know it and most liquor producers choose not to pursue it again. That is the case, to a certain extent, for Modern Spirits Pumpkin Pie Vodka, but in this instance it comes around once a year and should be a staple for any pumpkin cocktail lover's fall bar and, with luck, it will continue to make its annual appearance.

Modern Spirits Pumpkin Pie Vodka is a marvel in comparison to any pumpkin spirit I have ever tasted. Often, such as the case with Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice Liqueur, the attempts at bottling this flavor result in a sugary, syrup-like liqueur that is less than flattering to the taste of a real pumpkin pie. While these spirits do fit a need every year for that elusive Pumpkin Martini, they often fall short in quality. Allow this pumpkin pie vodka to step into the mix, as I have in my recently adapted Pumpkin Spice Martini, and the experience is elevated to a level unobtainable in cocktails unless a fresh pumpkin puree is used.

What I really love about what Melkohn Khosrovian and Litty Mathew of Modern Spirits have done with this difficult flavor is that they have seriously perfected the taste of a freshly baked pumpkin pie in a bottle instead of thinking that as long as there is the taste of artificial pumpkin with some sort of spice it is acceptable. This one is a true pie in a bottle without all of the unnatural sweetness, instead the pumpkin itself is allowed to sweeten the spirit. Not being the biggest fan of the pie itself (sorry Grandma), I found this vodka to be the best representation of what I do like about the dessert.

In true Modern Spirits fashion (read the article from How to Pair Cocktails and Food for more), this vodka is made to pair with food and it does so beautifully, though don't go with the obvious and think that pumpkin pie is a great pairing - two similar tastes breaks the "rules." You will find that any suggestion the Modern Spirits duo gives you for food and spirit pairings is spot on and such is the case here when they recommend pecan pie, cheesecake, roasted quail or braised short ribs. I've tried the cheesecake and the culinary experience is fascinating.

To drink this unique (as pumpkin vodkas are usually only found in homemade infusions) a bit of creativity is required. Though it is very tempting to drink it straight and chilled (recommended 45 degrees) because it does tantalize the taste buds, there are many cocktailian possibilities. The aforementioned martini is one example, with a simple adaptation of the standard Vodka Martini - utilizing the pumpkin vodka and the addition of orange bitters - being one of the easiest pumpkin cocktail options. More can be found on their website, with the Everything Nice being the most decadent. I can only imagine the possibilities that would come to light the longer this vodka is around. For an artisnal vodka such as this the wait is well worth it.

Tasting Notes:
A sweet, freshly baked pumpkin pie aroma greets the nose with subtle spices and leads to a soft, semi-sweet pumpkin taste with a smooth texture. The finish brings the spice back in a soothing manner that would remind anyone of Grandma's homemade pumpkin pie.