Dixie Southern Vodka, an independent, craft distiller established in 2014 in Charleston, South Carolina, recently entered the Colorado market and I was pleased earlier this year to have an opportunity to sample its products with founder Matti Anttila at Denver’s Tupelo Honey Cafe.
Mr. Antilla told me Dixie Southern Vodka is distilled six-times from American grown corn. He produces six 80-proof vodkas: the flagship Southern Vodka, Black Pepper, Citrus, Mint, Peach, and Wildflower Honey, with ingredients sourced from collaborative growing partners across the Southeast. Importantly, the flavor ingredients for several of these vodkas are obtained through collaboration from small, independent southern producers.
They were a clean, flavorful and smooth. Typically, prices run about $23 per bottle. My favorite – a surprise to me- was the Black Pepper.
Dixie also is a member of 1% for the Planet, which means they have committed to donating at least 1% of sales to support local organizations across the country working together to protect the future of our planet. The current focus is bees, with donations to Charleston-based The Bee Cause, which provides observation hives to educate people about the importance of bees. They also have made donations for hives by other organizations across the country. This has included working with the Montzeuma Land Conservancy in Southwestern Colorado’s Four Corners area.
These vodkas shine in cocktails like Tupelo Honey’s “Wildflower Moscow Mule”, made with Dixie Wildflower Honey Vodka and “Madame Beauregarde” Martini, featuring Dixie Southern Vodka, St. Germaine liqueur, blueberry, basil, and orange.
Mr. Anttila was proud that Dixie is a fast-growing brand nationally. After this tasting, I can see why. These vodkas would be an excellent gift for any of your vodka-loving friends. And while you are at the liquor store, pick up one (or more) bottles for yourself.