New Deal vodka, that is – made right here in Portland, Oregon by two computer programmers who got inspired to make a vodka “for these times” – in their spare time.

I’d been following New Deal for a while, waiting patiently for a taste. First, WWeek did a profile piece and tasting review, promising it’d be available soon.

Then, the Trib announced New Deal’s arrival Friday – which tipped me off to today’s tasting at 11th Avenue Liquors on Hawthorne (one of two liquor stores it’s available at now, along with a select few local bars…)

Of course I had to add that tasting to the weekend’s agenda.

So I went.
I tasted.

Grey Goose? Out. New Deal? In. It’s now my house vodka of choice & I’ve my first New Deal martini (with extra olives, of course) sitting right here by my side as I write this.

Yes, it’s that good. Which makes it yet another local company this vodka drinker is more than happy to support.

It’s a damn fine vodka, to be sure. But they also make it easy to love them with statements like this (from their manifesto):

We want a local product our customers will feel an attachment to. Think Stumptown. Think Voodoo Donuts. Think about whatever local business inspires you to want to create something yourself. When was the last time a fast food chain made you want to open a burger joint?

We want to be liberal in the best sense of the word, open and inclusive and generous. Given the current political environment that doesn’t always seem easy. But living in a 21st century version of the Red Scare political blackout makes us want to turn on the disco lights and party on the roof. Hell, we want to party with everybody.

WeÔøΩre gonna need a bigger tent.

Most definitely, guys. ‘Cause you’re making some good stuff here. And I’m not just talking about the vodka…