While visiting Costco in Indianapolis today, I got the bright idea to check out their vodka prices, with the thought that I’d bring home a bottle or two. The good news is, top shelf vodka and gin are pretty darn cheap at Costco. The bads news is that they only sell 1.75l bottles. And they’re not the basic jug handle bottles either. The Grey Goose bottle was a good 16 inches tall. Much too big to tuck in the corner of the freezer. The shortest bottle was the Ketel One. I was sorely tempted. Just over $32 for 1.75l is really a good price. But as I have mentioned recently, I’d rather start buying more varieties in smaller bottles so I can easily keep them in the freezer. Either that, or I need to buy a dedicated freezer just for vodka.

Hmm. Now there’s  an idea.

Beefeater has been producing gin since 1820. Beefeater is distilled from grain spirits and is 47% alcohol or 94 proof. Like most gin, Beefeater adds a bit of juniper berry to produce the distinctive gin “pine tree” taste. Otherwise gin is virtually tasteless. Much less oomph than vodka, too. Still, a fair burn going down. Tonight I used the same “Richard Nixon” technique as I did with the previous vodka martinis, although I left maybe a teaspoon more vermouth in the shaker than before. The result is a very smooth and drinkable martini. So drinkable, I may make another.

I picked up two vodkas and a gin today. I got Ketel One Citroen vodka, Level vodka, and Beefeater gin. Should make for some fun and interesting tasting. I’ll write a review of each along with some history of the individual companies. Hmm, I think the Ketel One will go nicely tonight. I’m in the mood for lemon.