28 Mile Vodka 750ML is a handmade American vodka distilled from malted Midwest grains, bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml bottle. This Illinois-produced spirit earned a Double Gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — one of the industry's most rigorous blind-tasting evaluations — reinforcing its standing among top-tier craft vodkas.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof) | Origin: Highwood, Illinois, USA | Style: Malted Grain Vodka | Distillery: 28 Mile SpiritsProduction & Heritage28 Mile Spirits takes its name from its home in Highwood, Illinois, a small city situated exactly 28 miles north of Chicago with a long and storied history tied to the American spirits trade. The vodka is distilled from an uncommon three-grain mashbill of malted Midwest wheat, barley, and rye — a distinction that separates it from the vast majority of commercial vodkas, which rely on unmalted grains or potatoes. The decision to use all malted grains contributes a naturally creamy body and subtle sweetness that carries through from the still to the finished spirit, eliminating the need for excessive filtration or additives.Tasting NotesAroma: Clean and inviting on the nose, opening with soft almond and vanilla bean. Secondary notes of carnation and a faint mineral quality, reminiscent of wet slate, develop as the spirit breathes.Taste: The entry is silky and notably smooth, with a creamy texture that coats the palate immediately. Mid-palate, flavors of vanilla and cocoa nibs emerge with gentle sweetness, while the malted grain backbone provides a subtle bready depth. A light herbal undercurrent keeps the profile balanced and prevents any single note from dominating.Finish: The finish is remarkably clean, tapering off without harshness or bitterness. A gentle warming sensation lingers, along with a whisper of cream and toasted grain.How to Drink 28 Mile VodkaServed neat or slightly chilled, the malted grain character and creamy texture come through with clarity — a worthwhile first pour to appreciate the spirit on its own terms. A single large ice cube opens the vanilla and almond notes slightly without diluting the body. Vodka Martini: The silky mouthfeel and clean finish make it a natural fit for a classic dry martini where the vodka must carry the drink. Espresso Martini: Cocoa nib and vanilla notes complement coffee liqueur and fresh espresso without clashing. Moscow Mule: The creamy grain character rounds out ginger beer's sharpness, producing a smoother, more integrated version of the cocktail. Best For Gifting a craft spirits enthusiast who values small-batch American production Building a premium home bar anchored by an award-winning domestic vodka Hosting a blind tasting alongside other grain-based vodkas to showcase malted grain differences Mixing elevated cocktails where vodka needs to contribute flavor, not just neutrality Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does 28 Mile Vodka taste like? 28 Mile Vodka delivers a silky, creamy palate with prominent notes of vanilla, almond, and cocoa nibs, finishing clean with a gentle warming sensation. The malted grain mashbill gives it more body and subtle sweetness than most neutral vodkas.How does 28 Mile Vodka compare to Tito's Handmade Vodka? Both are American-made craft vodkas, but they differ significantly in raw materials: Tito's is distilled from corn, while 28 Mile uses a blend of malted Midwest wheat, barley, and rye. The result is that 28 Mile tends toward a creamier, more textured profile, whereas Tito's leans cleaner and lighter on the palate.Is 28 Mile Vodka good for sipping neat? Yes — the malted grain base produces enough body, sweetness, and aromatic complexity to reward neat sipping, especially when served slightly chilled. Its Double Gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition was awarded during a neat, blind evaluation.Where is 28 Mile Vodka made? 28 Mile Vodka is produced in Highwood, Illinois, a city located 28 miles north of Chicago on the Lake Michigan shore. The distillery sources its wheat, barley, and rye from Midwest farms.What foods pair well with 28 Mile Vodka? Smoked salmon or cured fish accentuate the spirit's mineral and cream notes. Soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese mirror its creamy texture. Dark chocolate highlights the cocoa nib character. Fresh oysters pair well due to the vodka's clean finish and wet-slate minerality. Herb-crusted crostini complement the faint herbal undertone in the mid-palate.What sizes does 28 Mile Vodka come in? The standard offering is the 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.Is 28 Mile Vodka worth the price? 28 Mile positions as a premium craft vodka, priced above mass-market brands but competitive within the small-batch American vodka tier. Its Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and unique malted grain production method provide strong value justification at that level.Why 28 Mile Vodka?The all-malted mashbill of wheat, barley, and rye is the defining detail here — a production choice that is genuinely rare in vodka and directly responsible for the spirit's creamy body and layered flavor. A Double Gold at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, awarded through rigorous blind tasting by an expert panel, validates that this approach produces results well above standard category benchmarks. Additional Gold medals from Tastings.com and the USA Spirits Ratings further support its consistency across multiple evaluations. For drinkers who find most vodkas interchangeable, 28 Mile presents a compelling argument that grain selection and malting can make a measurable difference in the glass.
