— When you buy through a link on our site, 10Best may earn a commission. Our editors operate independently of affiliate relationships.
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 category Best Craft Vodka Distillery are as follows:
- 619 Spirits - San Diego
- Cardinal Spirits - Bloomington, Ind.
- Long Road Distillers - Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Tom's Town Distilling Company - Kansas City, Mo.
- Stumpy's Spirits Distillery - Columbia, Ill.
- Boot Hill Distillery - Dodge City, Kansas
- Smugglers' Notch Distillery - Jeffersonville, Vt.
- Journeyman Distillery - Three Oaks, Mich.
- Swallowtail Spirits - Springfield, Ore.
- Grand Teton Distillery - Driggs, Idaho
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning distilleries!
License the 10Best Readers' Choice Award Logo
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Brian Christensen
Brian Christensen is the co-founder of Artisan... Read More
Brian Christensen is the co-founder of Artisan Spirit Magazine, the most trusted distilling trade journal in America, and the Still Talking Podcast, an irreverent distilling podcast his wife won’t even listen to. He is a member of multiple industry committees, advisor boards, and spirits competitions around the country. Brian is lucky enough to spend his days working with distillers, suppliers, state guilds, and industry associations around the world to tell stories that both inform and educate.
Brian Christensen
Brian Christensen is the co-founder of Artisan Spirit Magazine, the most trusted distilling trade journal in America, and the Still Talking Podcast, an irreverent distilling podcast his wife won’t even listen to. He is a member of multiple industry committees, advisor boards, and spirits competitions around the country. Brian is lucky enough to spend his days working with distillers, suppliers, state guilds, and industry associations around the world to tell stories that both inform and educate.
Wayne Curtis
Wayne Curtis is the author of And a Bottle of Rum:... Read More
Wayne Curtis is the author of And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails, which was updated and re-released in 2018. He has written about cocktails, spirits, travel and history for many publications, including The Atlantic, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He currently covers spirits and cocktails for The Daily Beast, Garden & Gun, Spirited, Distiller and 750 Daily. He lives in New Orleans except during the yellow fever.
Wayne Curtis
Wayne Curtis is the author of And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails, which was updated and re-released in 2018. He has written about cocktails, spirits, travel and history for many publications, including The Atlantic, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He currently covers spirits and cocktails for The Daily Beast, Garden & Gun, Spirited, Distiller and 750 Daily. He lives in New Orleans except during the yellow fever.
Ziggy Eschliman
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy... Read More
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy Eschliman is among America's most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. Her internationally known company, ZigStyle, combines her artistry for wine country entertaining and gardening while integrating her expertise of wine & spirits, showcasing a unique lifestyle. For over 25 years Ziggy has set and reported trends in all things wine and spirits. Her radio shows are broadcast throughout wine country and are available online.
Ziggy Eschliman
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy Eschliman is among America's most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. Her internationally known company, ZigStyle, combines her artistry for wine country entertaining and gardening while integrating her expertise of wine & spirits, showcasing a unique lifestyle. For over 25 years Ziggy has set and reported trends in all things wine and spirits. Her radio shows are broadcast throughout wine country and are available online.
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.
Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman is a travel and food/drink writer... Read More
Eric Grossman is a travel and food/drink writer who has visited more than 60 countries. Always up for an adventure, Eric is constantly searching for new and inspiring experiences, with a keen interest in luxury travel and urban exploration. Memorable experiences have run the gamut from discussing the future of food with Ferran Adrià to sharing a stage with Coldplay.
Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman is a travel and food/drink writer who has visited more than 60 countries. Always up for an adventure, Eric is constantly searching for new and inspiring experiences, with a keen interest in luxury travel and urban exploration. Memorable experiences have run the gamut from discussing the future of food with Ferran Adrià to sharing a stage with Coldplay.
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.