OATS AND MASHED FIGS (A VODKA REVIEW)

Although not exactly proof that the Apocalypse is upon us, tasting High West 7000 vodka last night was kind of scary. 

There must be something in the snowmelt water of Park City, Utah that causes people to take leave of their (common) sense(s) and not just in matters of cinema.

We thought we would like to have a nightcap yesterday evening.  When I saw the unusual, attractive blue bottle on the shelf, it called to me as possibly something special.  Reading the label description of its Utah origins, I was doubly attracted because we have a family trip to Salt Lake City planned for next month.  

I like all kinds of vodka, my favorites being Kord vodka, distilled from beets in Czechoslovakia, and Moskovskaya, Stolichnaya’s rougher little brother.

But that was then; this is now and High West Vodka 7000, with its distinct “oaten” taste is just horrible.

The review below, from Tastings.com, an arm of the respected and prestigious Beverage Tasting Institute, accurately describes the flavor notes. Its conclusion is deficient, however.

We’ll get through the bottle (we always do), but I’ll do my best to bury the distinctive oaten flavor (along with the mashed figs, clay and talc) at the bottom of memory's sea.

High West Vodka 7000' $29.99.

Clear. Mild aromas of mashed figs and steel cut oats follow through round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with touches of raisin and white clay. Finishes with a lively, peppery spice, talc, and oatmeal accented fade. A pleasant, tasty vodka with a very true oat and dried fruit character. Distinctive.

RATING: 91 points (Exceptional)

ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 40.0%
CATEGORY: Unflavored Vodka, Vodka
TASTING LOCATION: In Our Chicago Tasting Room
TASTING DATE: Sep-01-2009
SPIRITS ID: 189708

From Tastings.com, the website of the Beverage Testing Institute 

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