Maine is known for its entrepreneurial spirit. That impulse combined with the burgeoning foodie reputation of the state has lately supported some great creative food enterprises. One of the most successful is Maine Distilleries’ Cold River Vodka, a spirit made from 100 percent Maine potatoes and water sourced from the eponymous Cold River Aquifer.
Cold River Vodka has a bite to it, for sure (for a sweeter alternative, try Cold River’s Blueberry Vodka) and the Cold River guys have done a good job making sure it’s ubiquitous in bars on the coast of Maine. The company also produces Cold River Gin. All of its spirits are distilled in small copper-pot batches in what the company touts as the only “ground to glass” distillery in the country – meaning Cold River oversees all aspects of production, from growing the potatoes on its Fryeburg farm to bottling the spirits on-site.
Cold River’s won nods from Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the World Spirits Competition, and other industry experts. If you’re wondering how to serve it, the company’s site has a nice list of cocktail recipes. I recommend the Blue Cosmo, with chilled blueberry juice and dried blueberries. Yummy.