UV Vodka 750ML is a four-times-distilled, gluten-free corn vodka bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) from Phillips Distilling Company in Minnesota. This expression earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and received a rating in Wine Enthusiast's "Superb" (90–95 point) tier, placing it among the stronger performers in the value vodka category. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof) | Origin: Minnesota, United States | Gluten-Free Corn Vodka | Distillery: Phillips Distilling Company Production & Heritage Phillips Distilling Company, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been producing spirits since 1912. UV Vodka is distilled four times — one more pass than many competitors — from 100% yellow corn, making it naturally gluten-free. The spirit is filtered through activated carbon, and the water used in production is drawn from aquifers beneath Princeton, Minnesota, then purified through a three-bed de-ionization process and tested to maintain a pH balance between 6.0 and 7.0. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose is largely neutral with a subtle grainy character. Behind that initial quiet opening, traces of dry cereal, parchment, and faint minerality emerge with time in the glass. Taste: Entry is smooth and slightly viscous, with a surprisingly thick mouthfeel for the category. The mid-palate introduces delicate notes of allspice, a whisper of vanilla, and bittersweet undercurrents of cocoa and coffee bean. A subtle sweetness balances the grain-forward profile as it progresses. Finish: The finish is warm and moderately long, carrying forward the allspice and vanilla along with a mild peppery kick. A faint mineral dryness lingers at the very end, keeping the palate clean. How to Drink UV Vodka Chilled and neat is the simplest way to appreciate the thick, slightly sweet corn character, though the spirit also works well over ice where the cold tames any residual ethanol warmth. As a cocktail base, UV Vodka holds its own in three reliable builds: a Moscow Mule, where the allspice undertone plays well against ginger beer; a Vodka Martini, where the clean mineral finish keeps things crisp; and a White Russian, where the cocoa and coffee hints in the vodka echo the Kahlúa. Best For Stocking a home bar on a budget without sacrificing quality Batch-mixing cocktails for gatherings or parties Introducing gluten-free guests to a reliable corn-based vodka Exploring value vodkas that have earned competition medals Frequently Asked Questions What does UV Vodka taste like? UV Vodka has a smooth, slightly viscous body with subtle allspice, vanilla, and bittersweet cocoa notes, finishing warm with mild pepper and clean minerality. How does UV Vodka compare to Svedka? Both sit in the value tier, but UV Vodka is distilled four times from corn (making it gluten-free), while Svedka is a Swedish wheat-based vodka distilled five times. UV leans slightly sweeter with more body, whereas Svedka tends to present a lighter, crisper profile. Is UV Vodka good for cocktails? Its neutral-leaning profile and smooth texture make it a capable mixer for classic vodka cocktails from Cosmopolitans to Screwdrivers without overpowering other ingredients. Where is UV Vodka made? UV Vodka is produced by Phillips Distilling Company in Minnesota, using water sourced from the natural aquifers beneath Princeton, MN, and purified through a proprietary three-bed de-ionization system. What foods pair well with UV Vodka? Smoked salmon and blini complement the mineral finish; fresh oysters echo the vodka's clean character; dark chocolate highlights its cocoa undertone; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the grain sweetness; and caviar with crème fraîche is a classic pairing that lets the spirit's smooth texture shine. What sizes does UV Vodka come in? UV Vodka is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, and Phillips also offers it in 50ml, 375ml, 1L, and 1.75L formats depending on market availability. Is UV Vodka worth the price? UV Vodka positions as a value-tier spirit, yet its Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and its rating in Wine Enthusiast's "Superb" range suggest it regularly punches above its price bracket. Why UV Vodka? The four-times-distilled process and activated-carbon filtration give UV Vodka a cleaner, more polished profile than many vodkas at this price point. Its Double Gold Medal at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a subsequent Gold Medal at the same competition in 2004 demonstrate consistent quality across judging panels. The 100% yellow corn mashbill makes it one of the more accessible gluten-free options on the market, and the meticulous water-purification protocol — rarely discussed at this tier — adds a degree of production rigor that shows up as mineral clarity in the glass.
