44 Degrees North Potato Vodka, Idaho

Idaho’s agricultural identity comes through in 44 Degrees North Potato Vodka, an unflavoured, 40% ABV spirit distilled from potatoes and blended with Rocky Mountain water. Its appeal lies in the balance between a crisp, clean profile and a rounded, satiny texture, giving it enough presence for chilled sipping while remaining versatile in cocktails. Presented by the producer today as El Capitan, named for a peak in Idaho’s Sawtooth Range, this foundational vodka brings a distinctly regional ingredient story to a classic Martini, a savoury Bloody Mary or a simple pour over ice.

Product Details:

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 40%.
• Proof: 80 US proof.
• Base Ingredient: 100% potatoes.
• Potato Varieties: Idaho-grown Burbank and Russet potatoes.
• Distillation: Five-column distillation process.
• Water: Blended with Rocky Mountain water.
• Gluten Status: Gluten-free.

Sensory Description:

Clean and restrained in its aromatic expression, this vodka places particular emphasis on texture. The palate is rounded and satiny, with a smooth entry that gives the spirit substance without sacrificing its crisp character. Its unflavoured profile remains composed and straightforward, allowing the contrast between softness and freshness to carry the drinking experience. A clean finish maintains that balance, making it equally useful for a spirit-forward cocktail or a chilled, uncomplicated sip.

Awards & Accolades:

• Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge, 97 Points: 2022, Best Vodka and Best of Class, Potato Vodka. “Varietally correct, clean satiny texture, roundness.”
• Bartender Spirits Awards, 81 Points: 2021, Silver Medal, Vodka category.
• Gold Medal: San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2014, Vodka category.
• Third Place, Best Vodka: Sip Northwest, Best of the Northwest, 2015.

Distiller's Background:

Founded in 2004 by beverage-industry veterans Ken Wyatt and Ron Zier, 44° North was created to demonstrate what Idaho’s agricultural resources could contribute to American spirits. Its name references the 44th parallel, while its portfolio draws on the state’s potatoes, water and fruit-growing traditions. Potato vodka provides a foundation for that identity, alongside fruit-infused expressions featuring ingredients such as huckleberries, cherries and nectarines. The business has developed from its early Boise roots into an operation based in Shelley, maintaining a regional focus even as its distribution has expanded. At brand level, 44° North also earned Impact’s Hot Prospect recognition for its 2022 sales performance.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at approximately 4 to 8°C in a small tasting glass for a neat pour that emphasizes its satiny texture, or enjoy over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. For cocktails, try a Vodka Martini with dry vermouth and either a lemon twist or an olive, choosing citrus for freshness or an olive for a savoury accent. Its clean profile also works with ginger beer and lime in a Moscow Mule or with tomato, horseradish and celery in a Bloody Mary. Pair with smoked trout, gravlax, chilled shrimp or potato blini topped with crème fraîche; salted potato chips, cornichons and lightly salted nuts offer straightforward snack pairings.