Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Plan Penn: Penn 1681 Vodka

Philadelphia Distilling Co.
by Tipsy Grrl on Sep 20, 2010 in Liquor
Plan Penn: Penn 1681 Vodka

When they opened in 2004, Philadelphia Distilling became the first craft distillery in the state of Pennsylvania since prohibition. Their family run facility sports a hand hammered copper still, and is located in northeast Philadelphia. Master Distiller Robert Cassell is a Pennsylvania native, his forefathers purchased land directly from William Penn.

 

The story behind their Penn 1681 Rye Vodka reads like a locavore's dream. Named for the year King Charles II granted William Penn that land which would become Pennsylvania, Penn 1681 is made from organic rye harvested from Amish fields first planted hundreds of years ago. The bottles are made from recycled glass, and the spent grains from distilling are sent back to the fields as fertilizer for future crops.

 

The company touts the vodka like their other fine products (Bluecoat Gin and Vieux Carre Absinthe) as a gourmet liquor, to be enjoyed by the high end consumer.

 

While the caliber and distinctive taste of Penn 1681 do fit that model, Philadelphia Distilling might consider also focusing on another big segment: that composed of college students, true tipplers and other bacchanalians.

 

To wit: Penn 1681 is relatively inexpensive, checking in at around $20 per bottle at State Stores. And because of the extensive filtering process (Penn 1681 is one of the only vodkas in the country to be filtered through a 4-column still), it is virtually free of impurities.

 

What does this mean? Well, you can drink copious quantities for low bucks, fully enjoy your evening, and avoid any kind of hangover. (Why yes, I have focus-group tested this, thx very much.)

 

If anything, the vodka should appeal to all types. It has a slight bite, a sharp but pleasant taste when sipped neat. Which you could happily do; there is plenty of flavor in the straight spirit. An innocuous mixer to dump in a punch bowl this is not.

 

The forward taste of rye (think a hint of raw whiskey flavor with none of the burn) works extremely well in a classic martini with olives (or a caper berry!), but also is pleasant with a touch of citrus.

 

And if you really want to get jiggy, see if you can concoct this beauty, the brainchild of Preston Eckman, Resident Cocktailian at Adsum Restaurant.

 

Emerald Orchards

2oz Penn 1681 Vodka infused with fresh kaffir lime leaf
(Chop 1 small Kaffir lime leaf finely and infuse for 1 hour)
.75oz Dolin Blanc vermouth
3 drops of orange flower water
2 dashes of vanilla cherry bark bitters (try Bittercube)
Stir and strain into a chilled champagne coupe rinsed with Licor 43 (vanilla liquor)
Garnish with an orange flower blossom


09.08.10

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Celebrate spring in style this April with Philadelphia Distilling at Botanicals in Bloom - a secret garden spe...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Apr 2, 2025
Emmett: Inside Look at the Cozy Grandma's House Inspired Cocktail Menu

Emmett: Inside Look at the Cozy "Grandma's House" Inspired Cocktail Menu

From Executive Chef Evan Snyder and partner Julian van der Tak comes Emmett, a Levantine-Mediterranian bar and...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Mar 25, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Philly's Best Happy Hours: Almyra's $7 Cocktails, $8 Tuna Crispy Rice, & $8 Flaming Cheese, 7 Days a Week

Philly's Best Happy Hours: Almyra's $7 Cocktails, $8 Tuna Crispy Rice, & $8 Flaming Cheese, 7 Days a Week

This week's installment is all about Almyra, a modern Greek restaurant and bar in Rittenhouse Square that tran...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Mar 18, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Part of Canada's response, their retaliation, to the tariffs imposed on Canadian goods coming into the U.S. ha...read more ›

by Lew Bryson Mar 17, 2025
Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice is the first artisanal ice company in Philly focused on elevating the quality of cockta...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 9, 2025
Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

The Franklin Mortgage in Rittenhouse is transforming their entire space into a pop-up flower shop featuring a ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 25, 2025
The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The German Society of Philadelphia's 12 Annual Bierfest returns February 22 with a selection of over 50 German...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Feb 18, 2025
Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

In this segment of Behind the Bar, we get a chance to speak with bartender and industry community advocate, So...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 4, 2025
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close