CH Distillery Vodka 750ML is a Chicago-made craft vodka distilled from Illinois rye and winter wheat, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml format. It earned a Gold Medal with 94 points at the 2018 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, underscoring its standing among top American craft vodkas.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA | Style: Rye & Winter Wheat Grain Vodka | Distillery: CH DistilleryProduction & HeritageCH Distillery operates as Chicago's leading artisan spirits producer, milling, mashing, and fermenting all spirits from scratch on-site. The vodka uses a mashbill of rye and winter wheat sourced from Illinois farms, with as many ingredients as possible coming from within an hour's drive of the distillery — a genuine grain-to-bottle operation. This hyper-local approach gives the spirit what the distillery describes as terroir, a concept more commonly associated with wine: the grain's origin directly influences the vodka's character, yielding a flavor profile that reflects the climate and soil of the Illinois growing region.Tasting NotesAroma: Fresh-baked pastry and vanilla lead, followed by subtle berry and grape undertones. There is a gentle rye spice in the background that keeps the nose from reading as purely sweet.Taste: The entry is soft and fruit-forward, building toward a bright mid-palate peak of whipped cream and raspberry. A delicate sweetness from the winter wheat carries through, while rye grain adds structure and mild spice that balances the creamier elements.Finish: Medium in length with a warm, gently peppery sting from the rye, fading into a semi-dry close with a mineral touch. The interplay between the creamy wheat texture and dry rye spice lingers pleasantly.How to Drink CH VodkaNeat or slightly chilled is the best way to appreciate the rye-wheat interplay; a single large ice cube opens up the vanilla and pastry aromatics without diluting the grain character. This vodka also performs well in cocktails where its subtle complexity can shine through: Moscow Mule — The rye pepper complements ginger beer's bite, creating a layered, spicy drink. Espresso Martini — Vanilla and pastry notes in the vodka mirror coffee's roasted sweetness without competing. Vodka Collins — The winter wheat's creamy body holds up against lemon and soda, adding texture where a neutral vodka would disappear. Best For Supporting local craft distilling with a genuinely grain-to-bottle Illinois spirit Gifting a cocktail enthusiast who values traceable, small-batch production Side-by-side tastings comparing terroir-driven vodkas to neutral-grain imports Hosting a dinner party where a versatile, conversation-starting bottle is needed Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does CH Vodka taste like? CH Vodka opens with vanilla and fresh pastry aromas, transitions through a creamy raspberry mid-palate from the winter wheat, and closes with warm rye pepper and a semi-dry mineral finish.How does CH Vodka compare to Koval Vodka? Both are Chicago-based craft vodkas, but CH Distillery uses a rye and winter wheat mashbill sourced specifically from Illinois farms, while Koval's vodka is distilled from a single grain. CH tends toward a creamier, more pepper-driven profile, whereas Koval leans brighter and more grain-forward.Is CH Vodka good for sipping neat? Yes — the dual-grain mashbill delivers enough texture and complexity to reward neat sipping, particularly if you enjoy subtle spice and pastry character rather than a completely neutral spirit.Where is CH Vodka made? CH Vodka is produced at CH Distillery in Chicago, Illinois, where every step from milling and mashing to fermentation and distillation happens on-site using grain grown within the state.What foods pair well with CH Vodka? Smoked salmon benefits from the rye spice as a contrast to the fish's richness. Fresh oysters echo the vodka's mineral finish. Soft, creamy cheeses like brie complement the winter wheat's buttery texture. Dark chocolate amplifies the vanilla aromatics. Rye bread with cured meats creates a natural grain-to-grain harmony.What sizes does CH Vodka come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.Is CH Vodka worth the price? CH Vodka positions as a premium craft expression within the American small-batch vodka tier, and the grain-to-bottle production using locally sourced Illinois rye and wheat justifies its place above mass-produced alternatives while remaining accessible compared to ultra-premium imports.Why CH Vodka?What separates CH Distillery's vodka from the vast majority of American vodkas is verifiable provenance: the grain is Illinois-grown, and every production step occurs under one roof in Chicago. The 94-point Gold Medal at the 2018 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, along with a Highly Recommended rating from the Beverage Tasting Institute, confirms that the terroir-driven approach translates into measurable quality. The rye-and-winter-wheat mashbill is an uncommon choice for vodka, delivering a textural depth and spice that most single-grain or potato vodkas simply do not achieve. For anyone seeking a craft vodka with genuine locality and character rather than neutrality, this is one of the strongest options produced in the American Midwest.
