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June 7, 2023

Review: Central Standard Vodka

by Jeff Ellingson

Central Standard Vodka is made from 100% Wisconsin grown rye at Central Standard Craft Distillery in Milwaukee Wisconsin.  Pat McQuillan and Evan Hughes founded the distillery in 2014 in space leased from Milwaukee Brewing company.  In 3 years they outgrew the space and moved production to a much bigger location.  In 2021 they opened a restored three story building originally built in 1874 and known as the Wisconsin Leather Building.  Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen is home to a restaurant, tasting room, private events space, rooftop patio, and a 100 gallon pot still that produces all of the spirits served and sold there.  Central Standard currently also crafts bourbon, rye, gin, brandy, Daily Grind Coffee Vodka, and Door County Cherry Vodka both made from the 100% rye vodka base.  The aroma leads with toasted rye bread and caramel.  Additional time brings out salted peanuts.  The sweet vanilla and citrus entry builds to a caramel rye peak.  It fades with butterscotch and nutty flavor, finishing warm and peppery with anise, lemon peel, vanilla, spicy rye, mineral, and black pepper.  Central Standard is a full flavored vodka that is tasty, and an enjoyable sipper if you can handle the initial punch of heat and pepper on the finish.

Made in Milwaukee Wisconsin

40% Alcohol

Score: 90

Award: Silver Medal

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