1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka – From Orchard to Glass, Pure Apple Excellence

Updated → August 2025

Discover 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka, a triple-distilled premium spirit crafted from hand-picked apples in Lafayette, New York. This ultra-smooth vodka delivers subtle vanilla and caramel notes with a crisp finish, making it perfect for elevated cocktails or sophisticated sipping.

The Apple Vodka Revolution

In the crowded landscape of premium vodkas, 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka stands as a testament to American innovation in spirits production. While most vodkas derive from grains or potatoes, this exceptional spirit harnesses the natural sweetness and complexity of fresh-pressed apples, creating a vodka that challenges preconceptions about what premium spirits can be.

The concept of apple-based vodka might seem novel to casual drinkers, but it represents a return to traditional European distilling practices where local fruits often served as the base for spirits. What sets 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka apart is its commitment to estate-grown apples and meticulous production methods that preserve the fruit's essential character while achieving remarkable smoothness.

Five Generations of Orchard Legacy

The story of 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka begins in 1911 when Andrew Beak and George Skiff established their apple orchards in Lafayette, New York. Today, the fifth generation of the family continues this agricultural legacy across more than 350,000 apple trees spread throughout the rolling hills of Central New York. This isn't just a distillery that sources apples – it's an apple orchard that evolved into distilling.

The transition from orchard to distillery came naturally. In 2001, the family introduced their first alcoholic beverage, a hard cider that showcased their fruit's quality. By 2010, they had installed state-of-the-art distilling equipment and began producing 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka, bringing their tree-to-bottle philosophy to the spirits world. The master distiller's office overlooks the very orchards that supply the apples, ensuring an intimate connection between agriculture and artisanal production.

Triple Distillation Mastery

The creation of 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka begins with hand-picked apples from the surrounding orchards. These apples are pressed into fresh cider, which undergoes fermentation to create the base for distillation. The fermented cider then enters the copper pot stills for the first of three distillations.

The heart of the operation is a 19-plate copper column still that creates exceptional purity while preserving subtle fruit characteristics. Each distillation run is carefully monitored, with the master distiller making precise cuts to separate the heads, hearts, and tails. Only the finest heart of the distillate makes it into 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka. The spirit is then cut to bottle strength using completely purified water, ensuring nothing interferes with the vodka's inherent character.

Flavor Profile Deep Dive

Upon first nosing 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka, you're greeted with a fruity bouquet that hints at its apple origins without being overtly apple-flavored. The aroma is clean and inviting, with subtle notes of fresh-pressed apple, banana, and delicate vanilla undertones.

On the palate, this vodka showcases remarkable smoothness that sets it apart from grain-based competitors. The initial entry is sweet and gentle, with apple and banana flavors joined by caramel notes. As it develops, vanilla emerges, creating a complex yet balanced profile. The finish is semi-dry with lingering notes of apple, caramel, and a gentle warmth rather than the harsh burn found in lesser vodkas. It's important to note that while 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka is made from apples, it's not an apple-flavored vodka – the fruit provides the base and contributes subtle complexity rather than dominant flavor.

Premium Vodka Comparison

Cocktail Applications

The unique character of 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka makes it exceptionally versatile in cocktails. Its inherent smoothness means it can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but it truly shines in mixed drinks where its subtle fruit notes add complexity without overwhelming other ingredients.

Classic vodka cocktails take on new dimensions with this spirit. A Moscow Mule gains subtle fruit undertones that complement the ginger beer beautifully. Vodka tonics become more interesting as the apple notes play against the quinine's bitterness. Even a simple vodka soda transforms into something special when made with 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka.

The Perfect Apple Martini

While 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka excels in many cocktails, it creates an extraordinary apple martini that showcases its apple heritage without relying on artificial flavors or excessive sweetness. Here's our recommended recipe:

• 2 oz 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka
• 1 oz fresh apple juice (preferably from Granny Smith apples)
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.25 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Thin apple slice for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to ensure proper dilution and chilling. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a thin apple slice. The result is a sophisticated cocktail that celebrates the apple without descending into candy-like sweetness.

Seasonal Cocktail Inspirations

The versatility of 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka shines through seasonal cocktail applications. In autumn, combine it with apple cider, cinnamon syrup, and a splash of lemon for a harvest-inspired cocktail. Winter calls for warming combinations with cranberry juice and rosemary simple syrup. Spring cocktails might feature elderflower liqueur and fresh herbs, while summer begs for refreshing combinations with watermelon juice and basil.

For holiday entertaining, create a signature cocktail by mixing 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka with pomegranate juice, lime, and a touch of sparkling wine. The vodka's subtle fruit notes harmonize beautifully with seasonal ingredients, making it a year-round staple for creative mixologists.

Serving Temperature & Glassware

To fully appreciate 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka, serving temperature plays a crucial role. For neat sipping, chill the bottle to between 32-39°F (0-4°C). This temperature range suppresses any residual alcohol burn while allowing the subtle flavors to emerge. Avoid freezing the vodka solid, as extreme cold can mask the delicate vanilla and caramel notes.

Glassware selection enhances the experience. For neat service, use a small tulip-shaped glass or a traditional vodka glass that concentrates the aromas. In cocktails, choose glassware appropriate to the drink style – martini glasses for up drinks, rocks glasses for spirits served over ice, and highballs for long drinks. Always chill glassware before serving to maintain optimal temperature throughout consumption.

Food Pairing Excellence

The subtle complexity of 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka makes it an excellent companion to various cuisines. Its clean profile and fruit undertones pair beautifully with seafood, particularly oysters, sushi, and ceviche. The vodka's smoothness doesn't overwhelm delicate flavors while its subtle sweetness complements briny elements.

For heartier pairings, serve alongside charcuterie boards featuring aged cheeses, cured meats, and pickled vegetables. The vodka's crisp finish cleanses the palate between rich bites. During dessert service, 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka complements fruit-based desserts, dark chocolate, and vanilla-forward sweets without competing for attention.

Small Batch Production

The term "small batch" on 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka isn't marketing hyperbole – it reflects a genuine commitment to artisanal production methods. Each batch is carefully crafted using traditional techniques combined with modern technology. The master distiller personally oversees every run, making adjustments based on the specific characteristics of each apple harvest.

This attention to detail extends throughout the production process. From the selection of apples to the final bottling, every step receives meticulous care. The result is consistency in quality while allowing for subtle variations that reflect the terroir of each year's apple crop. This approach stands in stark contrast to industrial vodka production, where the goal is absolute neutrality and uniformity.

Awards & Recognition

1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka has garnered recognition in spirits competitions, earning bronze medals and positive reviews from industry professionals. Critics consistently praise its smoothness and unique flavor profile, noting how it challenges preconceptions about fruit-based spirits. The vodka has developed a devoted following among bartenders who appreciate its mixability and consumers seeking alternatives to grain-based vodkas.

Beyond formal awards, the vodka has earned its place in premium bars and restaurants throughout New York and beyond. Its presence on curated spirits lists speaks to its quality and the growing appreciation for craft distilleries that prioritize local ingredients and traditional methods. The success of 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka has also inspired the distillery to expand its portfolio, including flavored vodkas and other apple-based spirits.

Where to Buy & Pricing

1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka is available at select liquor stores throughout New York State and increasingly in other markets. The vodka typically retails between $25-30 for a 750ml bottle, positioning it competitively with other premium vodkas while offering unique value through its distinctive production method and flavor profile.

For those visiting the Finger Lakes region, the distillery's tasting room offers the complete 1911 experience, including tours and tastings of their entire spirits portfolio. Online availability varies by state due to shipping regulations, but many retailers offer local delivery or in-store pickup options. When purchasing, look for recent bottling dates to ensure optimal freshness, though the vodka's high proof ensures extended shelf life when properly stored.

Storage & Shelf Life

Proper storage ensures 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka maintains its quality over time. Store bottles upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. While vodka doesn't spoil in the traditional sense, exposure to heat and light can affect its subtle flavors over extended periods.

Once opened, 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka maintains its quality for years when properly sealed. The high alcohol content prevents oxidation, though it's best consumed within 1-2 years of opening for optimal flavor. If you notice any changes in clarity, aroma, or taste, it may indicate improper storage conditions rather than spoilage.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka represents more than just another premium vodka – it embodies a philosophy of agricultural heritage meeting artisanal craft. For vodka enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary, this apple-based spirit offers a unique experience that respects tradition while embracing innovation.

Whether enjoyed neat to appreciate its subtle complexities or mixed into creative cocktails, 1911 Beak & Skiff Small Batch Vodka delivers exceptional quality and distinctive character. Its smooth finish and nuanced flavor profile make it an excellent choice for those looking to explore beyond grain-based vodkas. From the orchards of Lafayette to your glass, this is American craft distilling at its finest.