Harlan D Wheatley Clix Vodka 750ML

Harlan D Wheatley CLIX Vodka 750ML is an ultra-premium American vodka distilled 159 times at Buffalo Trace Distillery, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). The name CLIX itself is the Roman numeral for 159 — a number that dwarfs the industry norm, where even ten distillations would be considered excessive. Produced in micro-batches of roughly 332 gallons yielding approximately 2,000 bottles, this is one of the most meticulously refined vodkas in the world. It earned recognition at the 2023 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA  |  Style: Ultra-Premium Small-Batch Vodka  |  Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Production & Heritage

Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky — one of America's oldest continuously operating distilleries, with roots tracing to 1775 and currently owned by Sazerac Company — is the birthplace of CLIX. The vodka is the personal project of Harlan D. Wheatley, the distillery's Master Distiller, who developed the spirit using a distinctive four-grain mashbill of soft red winter wheat, plump rye, yellow dent distiller's-grade corn, and distiller's malted barley. Each batch undergoes 159 individual distillations, an almost unheard-of commitment to purity that strips away virtually all congeners while preserving delicate grain character. The result is a limited-production spirit that stands apart from mass-market vodkas in both concept and execution.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose is gentle and inviting, opening with a clean, grain-forward sweetness that gives way to the essence of fresh nectar. Subtle herbaceous undertones emerge as the vodka breathes, with no perceptible alcohol sting.

Taste: The entry is polished and remarkably smooth, gliding across the palate without resistance. At mid-palate, light herbaceous tones surface alongside a whisper of citrus and a faint impression of lemon-soaked wood. The texture is silky and almost weightless, with an elegance that reveals interesting nuance beneath its apparent simplicity.

Finish: CLIX finishes quickly and cleanly, leaving the palate refreshed rather than coated. A fleeting mineral dryness and soft citrus echo linger briefly before fading entirely.

How to Drink CLIX Vodka

The ideal way to experience CLIX is neat at cool room temperature or lightly chilled, allowing its nuanced four-grain character and ethereal texture to come through without dilution. A single ice cube can open it up slightly for warmer-weather sipping. Its purity and clean finish also make it a superior cocktail base:

• Vodka Martini: CLIX's silky body and clean exit let dry vermouth and olive brine sing without competition.
• Moscow Mule: The herbaceous undertones complement ginger beer's spice, while the quick finish keeps each sip crisp.
• Lemon Drop: The spirit's inherent citrus character amplifies fresh lemon juice, reducing the need for excess sweetener.

Best For

• Gifting a spirits enthusiast who already owns every major whiskey release
• Hosting an intimate tasting focused on terroir and production technique in vodka
• Stocking a luxury home bar with a genuine conversation-starter bottle
• Celebrating a milestone occasion where rarity and craftsmanship matter

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CLIX Vodka taste like? CLIX delivers an exceptionally smooth, almost weightless palate defined by light herbaceous notes, subtle citrus, and a hint of lemon-soaked wood. The finish is clean and quick, with no lingering burn or oily residue.

How does CLIX Vodka compare to Grey Goose? Grey Goose is produced in France from a single soft winter wheat and distilled once before column rectification, yielding a round, slightly sweet profile. CLIX uses a four-grain mashbill and undergoes 159 distillations in extremely small batches, resulting in a leaner, more texturally refined spirit with greater complexity on the nose.

Is CLIX Vodka good for sipping neat? Absolutely — neat consumption is arguably the best way to appreciate the extraordinary purity achieved through 159 distillations. The absence of alcoholic sting and the subtle grain nuance reward slow, attentive tasting.

Where is CLIX Vodka made? CLIX is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, one of America's oldest continuously operating distilleries. Master Distiller Harlan D. Wheatley personally oversees each limited batch.

What foods pair well with CLIX Vodka? Fresh oysters on the half shell benefit from the vodka's mineral dryness. Smoked salmon and crème fraîche blini complement its herbaceous undertones. Chilled shrimp cocktail mirrors its clean citrus notes. Light goat-cheese crostini pair with the spirit's subtle grain sweetness. Caviar — served alongside the vodka neat — is a classic luxury pairing that highlights CLIX's silky texture.

What sizes does CLIX Vodka come in? The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle.

Is CLIX Vodka worth the price? CLIX positions firmly in the ultra-premium tier, justified by its 159-distillation process, four-grain mashbill, and micro-batch production of roughly 2,000 bottles per run. For drinkers who value process-driven rarity over brand-driven luxury, it represents genuine substance behind its price point.

Why CLIX Vodka?

No mainstream vodka undergoes 159 distillations — the sheer commitment to refinement places CLIX in a category essentially by itself. The four-grain mashbill adds another layer of distinction; while most premium vodkas rely on a single grain, CLIX draws complexity from wheat, rye, corn, and malted barley working together. Its micro-batch scale of approximately 2,000 bottles means each release is genuinely limited, not just marketed as such. For anyone who believes vodka can be a spirit of character rather than mere neutrality, CLIX is the most compelling argument on the shelf.