Back in 2019 when I was traveling, I came across a rep from Bedlam Vodka who was giving out samples. The flavor was unlike any vodka I’d come across to that point, and I’m hard pressed to think of one that’s similar since. Made at Graybeard Distillery in Durham, NC, Bedlam Vodka aims to be the unvodka. The slogan ‘Vodka Need Not Burn’ is located right at the bottom of the bottle. Made from long grain rice, the aim was to make smoother, softer vodka. Did they succeed and should it have a place in your home bar?
Bedlam Vodka
Sight: Clear
Smell: There’s a vanilla note that’s accompanied by touches of fruitiness and hints of cereal like sweetness. Notes of sake and a subtle creaminess joins in. There’s almost a yogurt like tang and creaminess to the nose.
Sip: The start is smooth and light on the palate. The flavor begins with notes of vanilla, sake notes, and a subtle cereal character. The body is soft and round, feeling lanolin and smooth with just a hint of sweetness.
Savor: The ending carries more ethanol and subtle touches of citrus and fruitiness.
Bedlam Vodka is very smooth and silky on its own. As a result of the smoothness, its enjoyable on it’s own. None of the flavors are particularly powerful, although the sake character is clearly unique to it. Bedlam’s attempt to becoming the unvodka worked, but seems to have accomplished being something that doesn’t quite fit the normal vodka mould.
In Cocktails
In a Kangaroo Bedlam Vodka provides the sensation that the drink may have been spiked with sake. As a result of the long grain rice used in the distillation, the Kangaroo takes on a particularly fruity nature that actually compliments the vermouth in an entirely unexpected way. The drink ends up smooth and highlights the sweetness and bright notes in the herbs. Is it a traditional vodka martini? Certainly not, but it is delicious.
In Review – Bedlam Vodka
Bedlam Vodka is unique and as a result your mileage may vary. The sake like notes are both harmonious and off-putting when compared to most vodkas. In all honesty, I really love Bedlam. I think it’s both unique and flavorful. I’d gladly buy a bottle from time to time if they distributed in my state. That said, I can’t in good faith that Bedlam needs a place in your collection. If you enjoy the flavor of rice distillates or sake, then this is a must try. Other vodkas drinkers may want to exercise caution, and those individuals starting their bar should probably steer clear unless they’re certain they like Bedlams flavor profile.