In the world of vodka, the mass producers would have you believe all vodka is the same. Sure, most people can taste the difference between a low quality vodka and a more expensive, middle of the road vodka. However, tasting the difference between mid-range vodka and top shelf vodka, according to the mass producers, is marketing.

The Europeans have a different take of vodka, especially the Germans, to whom vodka is truly a flavored product. Flavor does not come from lemon or lime, orange juice or tonic; rather, flavor is a direct result of the recipe and distillation process. Many small European distilleries make distinct tasting vodka, with a hint of flavor derived from individual recipes. While most of the world’s mass vodka makers are trying to appeal to mass-market taste, the micro distilleries find their niche in the subtle differences vodka can have in richness, smoothness and body.

Micro-distillers throughout the nation are determined to show vodka – clean, crisp and colorless – does not mean flavorless. Mystic Mountain Distillery exemplifies boutique distilling and demonstrated vodka produced with smoothness, less bite and in many cases, flavor.