Review: Ryze Vodka
Ryze Vodka is crafted in Phoenix New York at Locke 1 Distilling Company. The distillery sits across the street from Lock 1 of the Oswego Barge Canal. The same canal preferred by bootleggers as the main artery from Canada to NYC during Prohibition. The bottles graphic image of a Phoenix raising from the ashes pays tribute to the vodka’s name and hometown. The distillery was founded by brothers Stephen and Kevin Dates and their cousin Brenden Backus in 2015. The family also owns Phoenix Welding and Fabricating. They brought their skills, craftmanship, ability, time and finances together to build a farm distillery in a century old building that opened in 2017. The family also owns Phoenix Welding and Fabricating. This background gave them the skill to renovate the century old building into their distillery, and to design and hand build their distilling equipment including a 17 foot high column still. The distillery also crafts Drawbridge Gin, Locktenders Gin, Inferno Cinnamon Whiskey, FA Waldron Bourbon, and their Excuse line of liqueurs. Master Distiller Brenden made 11 different vodkas before selecting the best tasting one. Ryze Vodka is made from locally grown New York winter wheat, and rye. It is small batch distilled 3 times and triple filtered through volcanic rock and active carbon. The aroma leads with apple. Banana bread, and rye follow. Additional time in the glass brings out strawberry, caramel, and warm wheat cereal notes. The bright apple and creamy banana entry has a soft mouth feel building to a strawberry banana peak. It fades with white pepper, caramel, and creamy wheat. It finishes with a mild peppery sting, spicy rye, strawberry, cream, and banana taste.
Electric Lemonade
1 Oz. Ryze Vodka
2 Count pour of Blue Curacao
Splash of Sour Mix
Shake With Ice
Serve in an Ice Filled Glass
Top With 7UP
Made in Phoenix New York
40% Alcohol
Score: 92
Award: Gold Medal