Review: JJ Pfister Vodka
JJ Pfister Vodka is crafted by Master Distiller Brian Keck at JJ Pfister Distilling Company in Sacramento California. The distillery is named for the family patriarch JJ Pfister who emigrated to the US from Switzerland at the age of 25. He settled in San Francisco, and in 1876 he launched his first business, a one man knitting company. By 1889 the business was successful enough to build his first factory in San Francisco. The factory was destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and was rebuilt in Berkeley California. JJ Distilling Company is a family owned business run by Kevin Keck the Great Grandson of JJ Pfister and the father of master distiller Brain Keck. Their first crafted spirit was a vodka distilled from potatoes they released in 2017. They currently craft about a dozen spirits including vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, eau de vie, brandy, and Drakus Honey Spirit. In 2020 they released their current JJ Pfister Vodka, distilled from organic rye locally farmed in the Sacramento Valley using sustainable practices. This vodka was originally produced as a base for JJ Pfister Gin and because it tasted so good they released it as a vodka. All of their spirits are crafted on custom stills built in Italy. The aroma leads with caramel and vanilla. Additional time brings out earthy tones, spicy rye and black licorice. The sweet marshmallow entry has a creamy mouth feel building to a butterscotch peak. It fades with caramel, vanilla, and earthy notes. The finish is semi-dry with vanilla, sea salt, a sprinkle of black pepper, rye, black licorice, and caramel.
Bay Breeze
1.5 Oz. JJ Pfister Vodka
2 Oz. Cranberry Juice
2 Oz. Pineapple Juice
Shake With Ice and Strain
Into an Ice Filled Glass
Garnish With a Lime Slice
Made in Sacramento California
40% Alcohol
Score: 92
Award: Gold Medal