New Amsterdam Vodka has quickly gained recognition and popularity since its introduction to the market in 2011. Originating from Modesto, California, this brand offers a high-quality, budget-friendly option for vodka enthusiasts. The company's dedication to crafting a smooth and clean vodka has earned them praise from both critics and consumers alike.
The distillation process of New Amsterdam Vodka sets it apart from the competition. Five times distilled and three times filtered, this award-winning vodka uses the finest grains and purist water to produce an unparalleled smoothness in each sip. With a focus on uncompromising passion for great vodka, New Amsterdam has proven to be a strong contender in the spirits industry.
In a crowded and competitive vodka market, New Amsterdam stands out on its merits of quality and affordability. Its crisp taste and smooth texture make it an ideal choice for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike, enhancing the overall vodka experience for all who choose to pour a glass of this exceptional spirit.
New Amsterdam Vodka Basics
History and Origin
New Amsterdam Vodka was introduced in 2011 by the Modesto, California-based producer, New Amsterdam Spirits Company. The company originally launched its gin in 2007 before venturing into vodka production. As a vodka from the United States, specifically California, the brand quickly gained recognition and became the fastest spirits brand in history to sell one million cases.
The New Amsterdam Original Vodka is well-known for its clean, crisp taste, making it a popular choice for shots, straight up, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Crafted with high-quality standards in mind, the vodka boasts an ABV of 35 to 50 percent and contains 98 calories per shot.
New Amsterdam Spirits Company
Owned by E&J Gallo, the New Amsterdam Spirits Company strives to produce top-notch vodka by focusing on the distillation and filtration processes. The vodka is distilled five times and filtered three times, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This level of dedication to the craft has earned the brand a favorable reputation, with a 93 Points score from the 2016 Tasting Panel.
The New Amsterdam Vodka lineup includes a range of distinct flavors, all blended using the original vodka to ensure an ultra-smooth finish. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a mixer in various cocktails, New Amsterdam Vodka continues to be a popular choice for those seeking an exceptional drinking experience.
Production and Distillation
Ingredients
New Amsterdam Vodka is made with a base of two main ingredients: water and ethanol. The ethanol comes from fermenting grains like rye, wheat, and sorghum. These carefully-selected grains provide a foundation for the vodka's smooth and crisp taste.
Unique Distillation Process
During the distillation process, New Amsterdam Vodka is distilled five times to ensure purity and clarity. This process transforms the fermented grain mixture into a neutral spirit containing 95% ethanol (190 proof). The meticulous distillation process contributes to New Amsterdam Vodka's smoothness and characteristic taste.
Filtration
After distillation, New Amsterdam Vodka undergoes a filtration process to further refine and enhance its quality. The vodka is filtered three times, removing any lingering impurities and ensuring a clean, clear final product. This advanced filtration process is crucial for achieving the desired level of smoothness in the final vodka.
Water Sources
New Amsterdam Vodka is crafted using only the purest water sources, providing a clean and subtle base that supports the essence of the vodka. Combining the finest grains, rigorous distillation, meticulous filtration, and pure water, New Amsterdam Vodka achieves its smooth, crisp taste that pairs well with mixers or can be enjoyed on its own.
In addition to the unflavored vodka, New Amsterdam also offers an array of flavored vodkas, such as grapefruit, which use natural flavors to enhance the vodka's aroma and taste profile. The commitment to quality ingredients and superior production processes ensures that New Amsterdam Vodka stands out as a premium spirit.
Varieties and Flavors
Flavored Vodkas
New Amsterdam offers a range of flavored vodkas that cater to various taste preferences. These distinct flavors are blended with their original vodka to achieve an ultra-smooth finish. Some of the popular flavors include:
- Grapefruit
- Peach
- Pineapple
- Apple
- Raspberry
- Red Berry
- Mango
- Lemon
- Coconut
- Passionfruit
Each flavored vodka showcases a clean taste and a refreshing finish, making them ideal for creating cocktails. For instance, New Amsterdam's Mango Vodka and Coconut Vodka pair well with tropical and fruity ingredients, while the Peach Vodka and Pineapple Vodka work excellently in classic cocktails such as screwdrivers and mules.
New Amsterdam Gin
In addition to their vodka offerings, the company also produces New Amsterdam Gin, which served as their initial product before they ventured into vodka. Their gin boasts a clean finish and smoothness, making it an excellent choice for gin-based cocktails.
Their vodka has a crisp and clean taste, receiving high ratings such as 92 points out of 100 on tastings.com, and a remarkable 93 points from Barstool Sports. Their high-quality vodka appeals to both amateur and professional mixologists, making it a staple in premium bars and home cabinets alike.
To sum it up, the New Amsterdam brand offers a versatile range of flavored vodkas and gin for those looking to experiment with and create delicious cocktails. Their commitment to smoothness and clean finishes ensures that each product delivers a premium experience fitting for any occasion.
Tasting Profile and Experience
Smoothness and Finish
New Amsterdam Vodka is known for its clean, crisp taste and remarkable smoothness. The vodka's finish is both crisp and clean, leaving no overpowering aftertaste. This smooth vodka, with a clean finish, can easily be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails or served on the rocks without overwhelming the palate.
Aroma and Taste
In terms of aroma and taste, New Amsterdam Vodka offers a unique experience. The liquor has a citrusy aroma with hints of nectarine and mandarin, making it stand out among other vodkas. The taste profile is rich and weighty, with surprising citrus nuances, adding to its overall smoothness. The vodka's clean taste is achieved without sacrificing its delightful flavors and aromas.
- Tasting: New Amsterdam Vodka has a round, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body with a smooth and interesting medium-length finish.
- Aromas: Citrusy aromas, nectarine, and mandarin can be detected in this delightful vodka.
- Sweetness: The vodka also hints at a subtle sweetness that works in harmony with the citrusy notes for a well-balanced flavor.
- 93 points: It's worth noting that the tasting panel has awarded New Amsterdam Vodka an impressive score of 93 points, showcasing its quality and strong appeal.
In summary, New Amsterdam Vodka offers a great tasting experience, incorporating smoothness, a clean finish, and an enticing aroma and taste. Its versatility and affordability make it an excellent choice for those seeking an enjoyable and well-crafted vodka.
Cocktails and Pairings
Popular Cocktails
New Amsterdam Vodka is a versatile spirit that can be mixed to create a variety of cocktails. Some popular vodka cocktails include:
- Bloody Mary: A classic brunch favorite made with New Amsterdam Vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, and garnished with celery and olives.
- Sun Breeze: A refreshing blend of 4.45 cl New Amsterdam Vodka, 11.8 cl cranberry juice, 2.9 cl grapefruit juice, and a glass of ice, garnished with a slice of lime.
- New Amsterdam Pink Whitney: This trendy drink combines 1.5 oz. New Amsterdam Vodka, .5 oz. grapefruit juice, .5 oz. cranberry juice, and .5 oz. lime juice. Shake and strain over ice.
Mixers
To create tasty mixed drinks, you can pair New Amsterdam Vodka with a variety of mixers, such as:
- Fruit juices: Orange, cranberry, grapefruit, and pineapple juices are all popular choices that complement New Amsterdam Vodka.
- Sodas: Classic tonic water, ginger ale, and lemon-lime sodas are popular mixers for vodka-based drinks.
- Other mixers: Triple sec, grenadine, simple syrup, and vermouth can be used to create unique combinations with New Amsterdam Vodka.
Pairings
New Amsterdam Vodka can be enjoyed alongside different types of food, and it's versatile enough to enhance your mealtime experience. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Appetizers: Pair New Amsterdam Vodka with smoked salmon, shrimp cocktail, or caviar to elevate the flavors and enjoy a luxurious treat.
- Main courses: It complements dishes like grilled chicken, fish, and light pasta dishes that have citrus, herb, or mild cream-based sauces.
- Cheese: Bold and tangy cheeses like blue, gorgonzola, and aged gouda complement the refreshing crispness of New Amsterdam Vodka.
Remember, you can easily order New Amsterdam Vodka through Drizly and have it delivered to your door in under 60 minutes. Happy mixing and pairing!
Consumer Reviews and Recommendations
Awards and Recognitions
New Amsterdam Vodka has received favorable ratings and recognitions from various sources. For instance, Tastings awarded it 92 points and a Gold Medal, deeming it an exceptional vodka. Additionally, Wine Enthusiast gave it a rating of 88 points.
Budget and Pricing
New Amsterdam Vodka is considered a budget-friendly option, with a 40% ABV content. The Spruce Eats mentions that the brand gained popularity with its affordable vodka, while Tastings lists its price as $15, labeling it a Best Buy.
Gluten-Free Options
New Amsterdam Vodka is known for its 5x distilled and 3x filtered process, which ensures a clean and crisp taste. While the search results do not explicitly mention whether it is gluten-free, its smoothness and distinctive taste make it a popular choice for various cocktails and straight consumption.
Regarding the vodka's flavor and quality, reviews describe it as having citrusy aromas and flavors of nectarine and mandarin. Its edgy and angular profile resembles a New York skyscraper, which adds to its appeal.
To summarize the key points:
- Awards: 92 points (Tastings), 88 points (Wine Enthusiast)
- Pricing: $15 (Budget-friendly)
- ABV: 40%
- Distillation: 5 times
- Filtration: 3 times
Remember, always drink responsibly and enjoy New Amsterdam Vodka's unique qualities, whether in cocktails or consumed straight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a quality vodka?
New Amsterdam Vodka is considered a quality vodka due to its clean, crisp taste and smooth finish. The vodka is grain-based and distilled five times, then filtered three times, which contributes to its overall quality and flavor.
Is it an affordable option?
Yes, New Amsterdam Vodka is an affordable option for vodka enthusiasts. It offers premium taste and quality at a non-premium price, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing flavor and quality.
How smooth is the taste?
New Amsterdam Vodka is known for its smooth taste and clean finish. The distillation and filtration processes contribute to its refined flavor and help to minimize the harshness sometimes associated with other vodkas. This smoothness makes it enjoyable to drink on its own or in cocktails.
Where is it produced?
New Amsterdam Vodka is produced in Modesto, California, by the E&J Gallo company. It was first launched in 2011 and has since become one of the fastest-growing vodka brands in the world.
What flavors are available?
In addition to the original, unflavored vodka, New Amsterdam offers various flavored vodkas to suit different preferences. They have a range of fruit-inspired flavors such as Peach, Pineapple, Raspberry, and more. These flavored vodkas can be enjoyed on their own or mixed in cocktails for added variety.
What is the alcohol content?
New Amsterdam Vodka has an alcohol content of 40% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). This is a standard alcohol level for most vodkas and ensures that the spirit retains its intended flavor and smoothness.