While some people like their martinis shaken instead of stirred, others prefer gently stirring the martini instead of shaking. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa (GV) makes their martinis any way the customers want, starting with using their award-winning GS Small Batch Vodka.

“In line with everything that Gervasi does, we go the extra mile with all our products and services,” said head distiller Shae Pridemore. “Sourcing the highest quality ingredients comes first, and when we purchase them, we buy them whole instead of pre-ground or crushed. Then we freshly grind all the ingredients on the morning of distillation to preserve the flavor and aromas. We try and keep our ingredients as local as possible – we have a great representation of what our local region has to offer.”

He added that GV’s Gin and Vodka are wheat-based products. The vodka is run through the pot still and as the vapor rises it climbs through the columns to help increase proof and to give it a very neutral flavor and aroma that is required to be called vodka.

Historically, vodka sells better than gin around the world, so it’s no surprise that GV’s vodka is one of the top sellers, closely followed by their Wine Barrel Bourbon.

Shae said, “But gin is a very good mover for us as well, especially when our GS Pink Peppercorn Gin is released every year.”

What are the Nuances of Gin and Vodka?

One of the main differences between vodka and gin are the piney juniper berries (among other botanicals) that are added when distilling gin.

Vodka usually has a neutral flavor profile. The favorite spirit (around the world) is odorless and colorless.

According to LiveScience magazine, “From its humble medieval origins as a medicinal agent, vodka has conquered the world. In 2020, the worldwide sales of vodka earned around $45 billion, and U.S. consumers alone guzzled 189.7 million gallons (862.4 million liters) of the potent alcoholic beverage…”

Gin and vodka start with raw grains. Then yeast is added to start fermentation. The liquid is distilled after fermentation. Distilling transforms the product into a spirit.

Both can be made in any country and use pretty much any raw grain and type of still. The big difference is in the distilling.

When pursuing neutrality, vodka is often re-distilled and filtered multiple times with different materials and techniques. Gin, by comparison, is all about the flavorings and aromas from the different botanicals. Juniper is always used, but others such as coriander, citrus fruits, angelica, and orris root are also added.

GV’s Production Processes Make a Difference in Taste

Gervasi’s production philosophy is to produce consistent unique craft spirits using the best ingredients, which gives all of GV’s spirits a top-shelf product status.

Gervasi uses top-notch equipment in its distillery. The equipment is run through a computer interface. Shae said having high-tech equipment allows the distillers to control the consistency without losing the craft distillery nuances that make GV’s products unique.

There are other ways GV makes their gin and vodka products stand out in the market and why GV’s spirits have been so award-winning.

“When making our gin, we use our base vodka in the pot still and add our gin botanicals,” Shae said. “Some of the more flavor-packed botanicals like juniper, coriander, cardamom, pink peppercorns, etc. will be added straight into the pot itself. Doing so allows the alcohol to extract flavors, somewhat like when tea is steeping.  Some lighter, more delicate botanicals such as orange blossom and lavender, will also go into the gin basket. When the alcohol vapors rise and pass through the gin basket some of the lighter more delicate flavors will be picked up and give a nice balance to the spirit.”

Customers Know What They Like

For GV’s vodka enthusiasts, the Lush Blush Martini that uses the GS Sinner’s Blush Rosé Vodka is a fan favorite, along with the Original Martini that uses the GS Small Batch Vodka.

Shae said, “On the Gin side we have GS Gimlet which features our GS Small Batch Gin. But my personal favorite would be the Gin Daisy with our GS Pink Peppercorn Gin, it is very bright and refreshing for summer days on the Piazza.”

Not sure what to order out at a restaurant? Ask the server for their recommendations! Worried others will judge your signature drink? “Honestly, I would say order a drink you know you enjoy,” Shae said. “Some people like to turn their nose up to things, but if you enjoy something, then drink it. I craft our spirits here at Gervasi to be enjoyed either alone or in a cocktail. For those truly trying to experience all the craft and hard work it takes to come up with these spirits, I would say to try them straight. There are delicate and balanced flavors that can only be experienced when just simply poured in a glass and enjoyed.”

Gervasi Spirits Sinner's Blush

GV’s Gin and Vodka Menu

Guests can try their favorite gin and vodka in a cocktail at any of Gervasi’s restaurants including The Bistro, The Crush House, The Piazza, and The Still House.

Below is a list of favorite vodka and gin cocktails from Gervasi’s offerings.

Vodka Cocktails

  • THE ORIGINAL MARTINI: GS Small Batch Gin or Vodka, Dry Vermouth
    NO.1 • Orange Bitters, Lemon Twist
    NO.2 • Blue or Feta Stuffed Green Olives
  • LUSH BLUSH MARTINI: GS Sinner’s Blush Rosé Vodka, Grand Marnier, Fresh Lemon Juice, Monin Strawberry Purée, Soda
  • STRAWBERRY SAGE LEMONADE: GS Small Batch Vodka, Lemon, Strawberry, Organic Cane Sugar, Sage
  • ESPRESSO MARTINI: GS Small Batch Vodka, GS Giava Liqueur, Baileys
  • THE SPIRE OF TEMPERANCE: GS Small Batch Vodka, Yuzu Juice, Ginger, Thai Chili-Lime Bitters, Aquafaba, Hibiscus Spray

Gin cocktails:

  • GS GIMLET: GS Small Batch Gin, Fresh Lime Juice, House Made Simple Syrup, Cherry Bitters
  • APOTHECARY: GS Small Batch Gin, Grapefruit, Lemon, Cardamom

Don’t forget to stop at The Marketplace to stock your home bar with all your favorite GS Spirits!