Clear Water Vodka, Utah

Crème brûlée, cornbread and marzipan are unusually evocative reference points for a vodka, but they feature prominently in spirits educator Tony Abou-Ganim’s assessment of Clear Water Vodka. This sweet-corn-based spirit from Pleasant Grove, Utah, offers a creamy texture and expressive grain character before turning clean and dry. Bottled at 80 proof, it has enough personality for a measured neat pour and the versatility to anchor a well-made Martini or citrus-driven cocktail.

Product Details:

• Alcohol: 40% ABV.
• Proof: 80.
• Base Material: 99% sweet corn, as specified by the producer.
• Filtration: Charcoal-filtered; the producer does not specify a fixed number of filtration passes.
• Additives: Described by the producer as additive-free, with no sugar.
• Dietary Information: Described by the producer as gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
• Founders and Co-owners: Matt Eau Claire and Stephanie Eau Claire.
• Founding Head Distiller: Matt Eau Claire.
• Master Distiller: Molly Troupe, appointed in April 2025.

Sensory Description:

Drawing on Tony Abou-Ganim’s tasting notes, the nose opens with cereal grain and sweet corn-mash aromas, followed by crème brûlée, white pepper and a mineral accent. The palate is viscous and almost creamy, revealing vanilla, toasted almond, marzipan and impressions of maple syrup over buttered cornbread. Caramel corn and candied-bitter orange add further detail before the texture dries out. The medium-length finish brings a bright impression of acidity, a trace of black liquorice and lingering almond and caramel-corn notes. These are tasting impressions rather than added flavourings.

Awards & Accolades:

• Gold Medal: 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Silver Medal: 2025 TAG Global Spirits Awards.

Distiller's Background:

Clear Water Distilling grew from Matt and Stephanie Eau Claire’s interest in distinctive spirits and experiments prompted by a still given to Matt by friends. Their surname, meaning “clear water” in French, supplied the company’s name. Based in Pleasant Grove, the distillery builds its products around intended flavours, exploring ingredients and techniques across conventional spirit categories. Molly Troupe joined as Master Distiller in 2025, bringing a chemistry background and experience at Freeland Spirits to the company’s expanding production.

Serving Suggestions:

Try slightly chilled in a small tasting glass to explore its grain, vanilla and almond nuances, or pour over a large ice cube for a softer presentation. In cocktails, use it in a dry Vodka Martini with a lemon twist, a ginger-and-lime Mule or an Espresso Martini. Smoked fish, potato blini and lightly salted nuts make suitable accompaniments to a chilled pour.