Minnesota distillery takes home Readers' Choice award
Russia and Poland were distilling vodka as early as the 8th or 9th centuries. Since those early days, it has become one of the world's most popular spirits, thanks in large part to its versatility in mixing. But vodka doesn't just belong in cocktails; while some distilleries compete to create the smoothest, clearest and sometimes most flavorless variation, others are embracing vodka by making it with local, high-quality ingredients (including potatoes, wheat, corn and even grapes) with minimal distillation to allow the natural flavors to shine.
The top 10 winners in the Best Craft Vodka Distillery category are as follows:
- Prairie Organic Spirits - Princeton, Minn.
- Journeyman Distillery - Three Oaks, Mich.
- 44° North Vodka - Boise
- Tom's Town Distilling Co. - Kansas City, Mo.
- Dented Brick Distillery - Salt Lake City
- Graybeard Distillery - Durham, N.C.
- Smugglers' Notch Distillery - Jeffersonville, Vt.
- Hangar 1 - Alameda, Calif.
- Cascade Alchemy - Bend, Ore.
- Old 4th Distillery - Atlanta
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Emily Arden Wells (Gastronomista); Brian Christensen (Artisan Spirit Magazine); Derek Gamlin (Sub Zero Vodka Bar); Ziggy Eschliman, one of America's most authoritative and entertaining libation experts; Kevin Gray (Bevvy); Eric Grossman (Craft Spirits) and Jack Robertiello, a spirits competition judge, were chosen for their knowledge of the American craft spirits scene.
Congratulations to all these winning distilleries.
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The Experts
Emily Arden Wells
Emily Arden Wells is the editor and founder of the... Read More
Emily Arden Wells is the editor and founder of the award-winning cocktail and travel website Gastronomista. Follow her on Instagram at @gastronomista_
Emily Arden Wells

Emily Arden Wells is the editor and founder of the award-winning cocktail and travel website Gastronomista. Follow her on Instagram at @gastronomista_
Brian Christensen
In 2012 Brian Christensen founded Artisan Spirit... Read More
In 2012 Brian Christensen founded Artisan Spirit Magazine with a close group of friends to celebrate the art and science of craft distilling. It quickly grew to become the largest and most respected trade journal for distilling in America. Brian works with distillers, suppliers, industry associations and enthusiasts to tell stories that both inform, entertain and educate. He is passionate about distilling education and consumer outreach. Brian sits on several advisor boards and committees within the distilling industry, as well as acting as judging coordinator and spirits judge for numerous craft spirits competitions.
Brian Christensen

In 2012 Brian Christensen founded Artisan Spirit Magazine with a close group of friends to celebrate the art and science of craft distilling. It quickly grew to become the largest and most respected trade journal for distilling in America. Brian works with distillers, suppliers, industry associations and enthusiasts to tell stories that both inform, entertain and educate. He is passionate about distilling education and consumer outreach. Brian sits on several advisor boards and committees within the distilling industry, as well as acting as judging coordinator and spirits judge for numerous craft spirits competitions.
Derek Gamlin
Growing up, Derek Gamlin and his brothers always... Read More
Growing up, Derek Gamlin and his brothers always had a competitive camaraderie – and as the oldest, he was never shy to accept a challenge. After years of dreaming, his brothers challenged him to open his first establishment. Alongside his brother Lucas, he took the entrepreneurial plunge into the world of restaurant ownership when Sub Zero Vodka Bar opened its doors in 2004. Today it's home to the country’s largest selection of vodkas.
Derek Gamlin

Growing up, Derek Gamlin and his brothers always had a competitive camaraderie – and as the oldest, he was never shy to accept a challenge. After years of dreaming, his brothers challenged him to open his first establishment. Alongside his brother Lucas, he took the entrepreneurial plunge into the world of restaurant ownership when Sub Zero Vodka Bar opened its doors in 2004. Today it's home to the country’s largest selection of vodkas.
Kevin Gray
Kevin Gray is the co-founder and editor-in-chief... Read More
Kevin Gray is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Bevvy, an online service dedicated to enhancing people's drinking experiences though cocktail recipes, spirit reviews and helpful tips, plus entertaining articles about the people and brands behind the bar. Kevin was formerly the founder of CocktailEnthusiast.com, and has also written for numerous publications including the Dallas Morning News, Men's Journal, Tasting Table and more.
Kevin Gray

Kevin Gray is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Bevvy, an online service dedicated to enhancing people's drinking experiences though cocktail recipes, spirit reviews and helpful tips, plus entertaining articles about the people and brands behind the bar. Kevin was formerly the founder of CocktailEnthusiast.com, and has also written for numerous publications including the Dallas Morning News, Men's Journal, Tasting Table and more.
Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman is a travel and F&B writer based in... Read More
Eric Grossman is a travel and F&B writer based in Boston. Highlighting 250 of the world’s most important producers, his book Craft Spirits (DK; Penguin Random House) has been published in more than a dozen countries. Besides keeping tabs on the latest in industry trends by visiting the world's best bars, Eric has blended pisco in Peru, sourced gin botanicals in Holland and experienced baijiu culture in China.
Eric Grossman

Eric Grossman is a travel and F&B writer based in Boston. Highlighting 250 of the world’s most important producers, his book Craft Spirits (DK; Penguin Random House) has been published in more than a dozen countries. Besides keeping tabs on the latest in industry trends by visiting the world's best bars, Eric has blended pisco in Peru, sourced gin botanicals in Holland and experienced baijiu culture in China.
Jack Robertiello
Jack Robertiello has worked with or written about... Read More
Jack Robertiello has worked with or written about spirits, wine, food and restaurants for most of his adult life, for many publications. He speaks frequently at conferences and meetings, and judges at numerous competitions, including the annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Robertiello also gives private classes and seminars on tasting wine and spirits, and has advised producers, importers, marketers and publicists about the field. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Jack Robertiello

Jack Robertiello has worked with or written about spirits, wine, food and restaurants for most of his adult life, for many publications. He speaks frequently at conferences and meetings, and judges at numerous competitions, including the annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Robertiello also gives private classes and seminars on tasting wine and spirits, and has advised producers, importers, marketers and publicists about the field. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Ziggy Eschliman
Ziggy Eschliman is among America’s most... Read More
Ziggy Eschliman is among America’s most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. For 23 years, Ziggy has set and reported trends in wine, spirits and all things to imbibe. Her wine country lifestyle brand, ZigStyle, embraces the art of life, entertaining, cocktails, wine and gardening. Her award winning radio shows have a long time loyal following and are broadcast on FM stations and stream worldwide. Her writings are featured in lifestyle and libation based publications. She is a lead judge in international spirits and wine competitions. Ziggy is a dynamic guest speaker, educator and presenter. ZigStyle is embraced in all she does and is a welcome, catching organic approach to our busy lives.
Ziggy Eschliman

Ziggy Eschliman is among America’s most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. For 23 years, Ziggy has set and reported trends in wine, spirits and all things to imbibe. Her wine country lifestyle brand, ZigStyle, embraces the art of life, entertaining, cocktails, wine and gardening. Her award winning radio shows have a long time loyal following and are broadcast on FM stations and stream worldwide. Her writings are featured in lifestyle and libation based publications. She is a lead judge in international spirits and wine competitions. Ziggy is a dynamic guest speaker, educator and presenter. ZigStyle is embraced in all she does and is a welcome, catching organic approach to our busy lives.