Apples, a major New York State crop, can be macerated, fermented and distilled into an apple vodka. Upstate Vodka is made at Sauvage Distillery in Charlotteville, N.Y., west of Albany, with the distillers Jamie Terk, and Ken Wortz, whose own distillery became Sauvage, in charge. The property has apple trees but also buys fruit, including Cortland, Kingston Black and Spy Gold varieties, from local orchards. The resulting spirit, 80 proof, has a lightly fruity aroma, is smooth on the palate, makes a commendable V&T and works well in cocktails. It’s kosher and gluten free, and each bottle is dated and numbered.
Upstate Vodka, $29.99 for 750 milliliters, drinksauvage.com.
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