CH Distillery Vodka 1.75L is a grain-to-glass craft vodka distilled in Chicago from Illinois-grown organic rye and winter wheat, bottled at 40% ABV. This expression earned a Gold Medal with 94 points at the 2018 New York International Spirits Competition, a testament to the distillery's commitment to producing vodka entirely from scratch rather than redistilling purchased industrial ethanol.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA | Style: Grain Vodka (Rye & Winter Wheat) | Distillery: CH DistilleryProduction & HeritageCH Distillery operates out of Chicago and sources all of its grain from farmers in Kane County, Illinois. The mashbill consists of 60% rye and 40% winter wheat, with each grain fermented separately before blending — one tank dedicated to rye, another to wheat. Every batch is milled, mashed, and fermented from scratch on-site, then run through a single pass of the still to reach the target proof, distinguishing it from many craft vodkas that require multiple distillation runs. CH Distillery positions itself as the only vodka producer handmaking its spirit entirely from Illinois grain, in contrast to operations that purchase pre-made ethanol and simply redistill or flavor it.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with fresh-baked pastry and warm vanilla, followed by subtle berry and grape undertones. A thread of cracked black pepper emerges as the spirit breathes, hinting at the rye's influence.Taste: On entry, the winter wheat delivers a soft, delicate sweetness that coats the palate without cloying. At mid-palate the rye asserts itself with gentle spice and a faint cereal grain character. The balance between the two grains keeps the texture smooth yet engaging, with neither component overwhelming the other.Finish: Medium in length with a clean peppery warmth driven by the rye component. The sweetness recedes gradually, leaving behind a dry, slightly spiced close that invites the next sip.How to Drink CH VodkaNeat or slightly chilled is the most revealing serve, allowing the rye-wheat interplay to come forward without dilution. A single large ice cube tempers the pepper notes for those who prefer a gentler experience. Moscow Mule: The rye spice amplifies ginger beer's bite while the wheat softness rounds the cocktail's edges. Vodka Martini: The pastry-vanilla aromatics and dry finish pair naturally with dry vermouth, producing a Martini with more character than neutral grain alternatives. Bloody Mary: Peppery backbone stands up to tomato, horseradish, and hot sauce without disappearing into the mix. Best For Stocking a home bar with a locally produced, organic-grain spirit in a volume format Hosting cocktail parties where a versatile, flavorful vodka base is needed in larger quantities Gifting a craft spirits enthusiast who values grain-to-glass transparency Exploring the difference between rye-forward and wheat-forward vodka profiles Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does CH Vodka taste like? CH Vodka leads with soft vanilla and baked-pastry sweetness from winter wheat, balanced by a peppery rye spice that carries through to a clean, dry finish.How does CH Vodka compare to Koval Vodka? Both are Chicago-based craft distilleries using organic grain, but CH Vodka uses a 60/40 rye-wheat mashbill while Koval's vodka is distilled from a single grain. CH's dual-grain approach delivers a spicier, more textured profile compared to Koval's typically softer character.Is CH Vodka good for sipping neat? Yes — the single-pass distillation preserves grain character that rewards neat sipping, and the 94-point Gold Medal from the 2018 New York International Spirits Competition reflects its quality as a standalone spirit.Where is CH Vodka made? CH Vodka is produced at CH Distillery in Chicago, Illinois, using rye and winter wheat sourced exclusively from farmers in Kane County, Illinois.What foods pair well with CH Vodka? Smoked salmon benefits from the rye spice cutting through richness; fresh oysters complement the clean wheat sweetness; aged cheddar mirrors the pastry and vanilla aromatics; pickled vegetables echo the peppery finish; dark rye bread with butter ties directly into the grain profile.What sizes does CH Vodka come in? CH Distillery Vodka is available in a standard 750ml bottle and the 1.75L handle size featured here.Is CH Vodka worth the price? CH Vodka positions as a premium craft vodka within the grain-to-glass category, where the fully on-site production process and organic Illinois-sourced grain justify a step above mass-market pricing while remaining accessible relative to ultra-premium imports.Why CH Vodka?What separates CH Distillery Vodka from the crowded American craft vodka field is verifiable provenance: every grain is grown in Kane County, and every production step — milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling — happens under one roof in Chicago. The single-pass distillation preserves a level of grain character that multi-pass or column-still vodkas typically strip away, resulting in a spirit with genuine flavor rather than engineered neutrality. A 94-point Gold Medal at the 2018 New York International Spirits Competition validates that approach on a competitive stage. In the 1.75L format, it delivers that craft-distillery quality at a practical volume for regular use and entertaining.
