Nota bene: If you buy through the links in this article, we may earn a small share of the profits.
What we’re drinking: Quarantine Vodka
Where it’s from: Newcomer Quarantine Spirits, which debuts with a U.S.-made vodka “using the purest water in San Diego” and distilled six times.
Why we’re drinking this: For people who say, “All vodka tastes the same” … Have you experienced bad vodka? Of course you have! So you know that saying isn’t true. Also, a vodka has to have some sort of flavor profile to stand up in a cocktail.
I’m not a vodka connoisseur, but Tito’s and Ketel One are fine for everyday drinks, Absolut Elyx works fantastic in a martini and if your local watering hole uses Wodka as its well choice, you’re in good hands.
I had a good experience recently trying a Japanese, rice-based vodka (Suntory Haku) and I’ve personally found potato vodkas to have more weight and personality. Quarantine is distilled from 100% corn, which intrigued me. Could this be a vodka for the bourbon fan?
How it tastes: Loneliness. A hint of homemade banana bread, followed by some lingering Zoom.
I kid (social distancing jokes for the win!). In reality: I was expecting corn on the nose, but I actually discovered floral notes, with a little lemon and some pepper. The personality of the spirit shines best here, on its own … maybe by choice, given the vodka’s moniker.
That (tiny) hint of lemon continues during the first sip, although it recedes quickly. There’s not a lot of heft here on the palate; the vodka is extremely smooth, if now lacking character.
I also tried Quarantine in a vodka soda with lime, a Moscow Mule and in a very dry martini with a twist, and yes, it was a long night. In the first two cocktails, the flavor was masked (pun intended). At best, it was inoffensive — a trait casual drinkers probably won’t mind.
In a martini with a twist — I refuse to call this a Quarantini — there was a decidedly creamy mouthfeel and that tinge of lemon was accentuated. I prefer something a little more crisp, but I’d certainly use this again when I’m feeling fancy.
For being corn-based, I was surprised by the lack of, well, corn. Quarantine is a smooth sipper, probably good for shots, perfectly acceptable for non-discriminating boozers and a solid, inexpensive choice for martinis.
Fun fact: For each bottle of Quarantine Vodka sold, the company will donate a bottle of antibacterial soap to the COVID-19 relief effort.
Where you can get it: Quarantine Vodka is available on Flaviar for $28.
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself of for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.