SKYY Vodka was created in an effort to make a better Martini and was one of the first Vodkas made from American grains and water to appear on the market. It’s known for being conegener-free due to its unique distillation and filtration process. It also used to have one of the best slogans around, “Vodka so filtered – we even took the Russia out of it.”
Born in San Francisco, Skyy is made from American grains and water and uses an innovative proprietary quadruple distillation and triple filtration process. The now Campari Group-owned brand uses quadruple column distillation, which removes the majority of impurities. Then triple filtration brings out the spirit’s citrusy side.
On the nose, citrus and spice mix with notes of light grain. It’s smooth and plush on the palate with flavors of anise and coriander. The finish is peppery and quick.
While the Vodka can certainly be sipped or shot, it was made for being used in cocktails. If you’re looking to mix something up, the company recommends a Molly Brown:
Molly Brown
- 2 oz SKYY Vodka
- 1.5 oz Fresh Apple Juice
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 Dash Orange Bitters
- 2 Sprigs Tarragon
Pour Vodka, apple juice, lemon juice, simple into a shaker with one tarragon sprig and muddle, then shake. Pour the mix into a large rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with mandarined mini-apple and other tarragon sprig.
Maurice Kanbar created Skyy in 1992 and in 2009 was acquired by the Campari Group. In 2008, the company began making a variety of flavored Vodka, including Bartlett Pear, Blood Orange, California Apricot, Cherry, Citrus, Coastal Cranberry, Cold Brew Coffee, Georgia Peach, Honeycrisp Apple, Pacific Blueberry, Pineapple, Raspberry, Sun-ripened Watermelon, Texas Grapefruit, Tropical Mango, and Wild Strawberry.
SKYY Vodka Ratings:
- Wine Enthusiast: 93/100
- Distiller: 2.53/5