Cheers – Upstate Vodka is Kosher for Passover

Mar 27, 2025 by Chef David

By Chef David

Vodka may be the world’s most popular spirit. Its name comes from the Russian word “voda,” meaning water, which relates to its presentation as a clear liquid but with a powerful kick. Vodka dates to the Middle Ages when it was produced from potatoes and used as a medicine to cure the common cold. It can be made by fermenting with the addition of yeast, and is often made of potatoes, corn, or wheat, or even apples like Upstate Vodka, handcrafted apple-based vodka certified by the OK.

Upstate Vodka is gluten-free, and its Grey label is Kosher for Passover. It is made from apples, with each bottle containing 70-80 apples. Apple vodka tends to be smoother with a slightly sweeter finish than grain vodkas.

Distilled and bottled by Sauvage Distillery in Charlotteville, NY, handcrafted in small batches, it offers a complex flavor profile: tart/sweet and smooth.

Upstate New York Apples

New York is the second largest apple producer in the United States, home to over 700 apple orchards. Upstate Vodka uses apples harvested from local orchards, combining NY State signature sweet apples like Spy Gold, Cortland, Kingston Black, and Liberty. Each apple contributes a varietal and a different tannin profile to produce a vodka with a smooth, clean mouthfeel with a lingering hint of fruity sweetness.

Their Process

Vodka is fermented. The process of fermenting apples is three times longer than for grain vodka. The first stage is the ‘mash,’ which physically breaks down the apples. To start the process, they add kosher yeast which begins fermentation, converting the fruit sugars into alcohol to produce hard cider. Then, using 16 and 18-plate 2-column stills, the hard cider is distilled two or three times.

They removed the unpleasant-tasting alcohol (found at the start and end of the run), leaving the heart —190 proof pure distilled apples — then is blended down to 80 proof with local spring water. It is bottled by hand, with each batch numbered and sampled by Head Distiller Ken Wortz.

Why Apple Vodka?

Apple vodka has a unique mouthfeel and is gluten-free, without any chance of cross-contamination in their 100% apple-only distillery. Upstate Vodka is fermented, distilled, and bottled under one roof. Upstate Vodka has a light, crisp mouthfeel, but it is still vodka, with the characteristic alcoholic aroma and taste.

Upstate Vodka has 40% proof and comes in three varieties:

Silver Label – traditional vodka, a special batch Kosher for Passover, which was awarded the Platinum Medal from Sip Awards in 2020. Described as being smooth and rich, clean and soft with a hint of apple.
Black Label – traditional apple vodka with a unique, light, crisp mouthfeel. Each batch has a distinctive profile
1. Batch 2021 Spigold, Jonagold
2. Batch 2022 McIntosh red
3. Batch 2023 Granny Smith, Gala apple
4. Batch 2024 Ida Reds, Greenings, Crispin
Red Label –Cinnamon vodka has a warm and inviting aroma, with distinct notes of freshly ground cinnamon and subtle hints of vanilla. It delivers a smooth and slightly sweet spiciness.

Vodka Never Goes Bad – Vodka loses its potency over time. It is recommended to use unopened bottles of vodka within 30 to 50 years of production. Opened bottles of unflavored vodka are shelf-stable for 10 to 20 years, after this time, oxidation starts to break down the vodka’s potency.

Grey label – Photo credit to Scott Allen

L’Chaim

Upstate Vodka goes down so smoothly, you can drink it straight (no freezing needed) with a subtle sweet/tart apple essence – Grey label is certified kosher for Passover!

Consider Upstate Vodka for kiddish (especially during passover), gatherings with friends, or a cocktail.

This is a refined vodka with a slightly sweet, gentle taste that you will enjoy.

—————————————————————————————————–

Recipe: Apple & Honey Cocktail – Kosher for Passover

Ingredients