Protected: Get your hands on this Ontario vodka that was listed as a Top 10 in the world
Protected: Get your hands on this Ontario vodka that was listed as a Top 10 in the world
Georgian Bay Vodka has been cleaning up at international spirits competitions
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/food/get-your-hands-on-this-ontario-vodka-that-was-listed-as-a-top-10-in-the-world/&title=Protected: Get your hands on this Ontario vodka that was listed as a Top 10 in the world&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/WEB_Georgian-Bay-Spirit-set-july-HR-2020-13-2000x1562.jpg&description=When it comes to stocking your bar this season, there’s no question which vodka you should turn to. In 2020 alone, Georgian Bay Vodka has won three top prizes at international spirits competitions, including Best in Show at the London Spirits Competition and a coveted gold medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition. There, the judge’s tasting notes described Georgian Bay Vodka as, “Elegant, subtle, refined and achingly sophisticated.” The vodka is produced in small batches in Ontario, and the blend of corn and malted barley give off unique notes of cereal, caramel and vanilla, all while remaining true to vodka’s roots. The company behind the vodka, Georgian Bay Spirit Co., was founded in 2013 by a pair of friends and entrepreneurs who wanted to combine their passion for spirits with their love of Georgian Bay. They spent a year making gin in their kitchen, developing 48 recipes until they found one they liked, using local spring water and wild juniper berries. In the years since, the company has stayed true to their small-batch, handcrafted roots, but their popularity has exploded, and they’ve expanded into canned cocktails and the aforementioned internationally recognized vodka. The company has just finished building its mammoth new distillery just outside of Collingwood, which will house production for its entire lineup of spirits and cocktails, with a tasting room opening in late 2021 for visitors to check out their latest batches.
Q&A: Master Distiller Joshua Beach
Joshua Beach is an industry veteran with experience in brewing and distilling. He’s won over 15 awards in his career, including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and, most recently, numerous gold and silver medals at the 2020 Canadian Whisky Awards.
How did you get into the distilling world?
I started brewing my own beer at home, and became so fascinated with the process that I enrolled in a Master’s program in Scotland. Since then, I’ve worked in Germany and Vancouver, eventually launching a line of spirits for a distillery in Niagara before starting with Georgian Bay a year ago.”
What’s the key to creating a spectacular spirit?
“I think the real key is having all flavours and characters in balance. Especially with gin, you want to make sure the spirit character isn’t overpowering, but is in harmony with all of the botanicals around it."
What makes Georgian Bay Gin so special?
“It’s a London dry gin that we distill with botanicals, including juniper that’s handpicked from the shores of Georgian Bay. It’s got such a bright citrusy nose. We use orange and lemon peel that really shines through. There’s a floral aroma, with the pine and juniper, but then you also get the underlying creaminess of the spirit.”
What do you love about Georgian Bay Vodka?
“I think the cereal, caramel and vanilla notes really come through on the nose, but then it still stays true to a vodka. Vodkas should always be neutral, but hint at the underlying raw ingredients, and I think ours does that really well.”
What’s your favourite cocktail to make with Georgian Bay spirits?
“I personally love our gin in a negroni. That’s my all-time favourite go-to at any time of year. I’m also a big fan of mules with our vodka.”
How to make your own Georgian Mule
• 2oz Georgian Bay Vodka
• 0.5oz fresh lime juice
• Splash of premium ginger beer
• Lime wheel for garnish
Fill a low-ball or mule cup with ice, and add the Georgian Bay Vodka and lime juice. Top with the ginger beer and gently stir. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy.
For more recipes,
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