UV Vodka 1.75L

UV Vodka 1.75L is a four-times distilled American corn vodka bottled at 40% ABV in a 1.75-liter handle format. It earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 93 points ("Excellent, Highly Recommended") from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2012, placing it among the most decorated vodkas in its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Princeton, Minnesota, USA  |  Style: Unflavored Corn Vodka  |  Distillery: Phillips Distilling Company

Production & Heritage

UV Vodka is produced by Phillips Distilling Company, a Minneapolis-based spirits house with roots tracing back to 1912. The vodka is made from yellow #2 corn grown in the American Midwest, distilled four times for purity, and then passed through activated carbon filtration to strip out congeners and impurities. After distillation, it is blended with water drawn from deep aquifers near Princeton, Minnesota, close to the headwaters of the Mississippi River — a mineral profile that contributes to the spirit's notably clean mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Largely neutral on the nose, as a well-made vodka should be. A faint grain-like sweetness and the slightest whisper of wheat emerge if you let the glass sit for a moment.

Taste: The entry is soft and remarkably smooth for a value-tier vodka. Mid-palate, gentle hints of allspice and vanilla come forward, balanced by a clean, lightly sweet grain character. There is no harshness or overt ethanol burn.

Finish: Warm and measured, with lingering traces of vanilla, allspice, and a touch of white pepper that fades cleanly. The finish is short to medium — tidy rather than complex, which makes it extremely versatile as a mixer.

How to Drink UV Vodka

UV Vodka works well chilled and served neat or over ice for those who appreciate a clean, unfussy spirit. Its real strength, however, is as a cocktail base — the neutral profile lets other ingredients lead. A Moscow Mule benefits from the subtle sweetness of the corn base against ginger beer's spice. A Vodka Martini stays crisp and dry thanks to the clean distillation. And a Cosmopolitan shines because UV's smooth body carries cranberry and citrus without adding competing grain notes.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar with a reliable, competition-winning everyday vodka
• Hosting parties or large gatherings where a handle-size format keeps the drinks flowing
• Mixing classic and contemporary cocktails that require a clean, neutral base spirit
• Budget-conscious drinkers who want verified quality without overpaying for branding

Frequently Asked Questions

What does UV Vodka taste like? UV Vodka is predominantly clean and smooth with subtle notes of allspice and vanilla on the palate, finishing warm with a light peppery kick. It leans neutral rather than characterful, making it an ideal blank canvas for mixed drinks.

How does UV Vodka compare to Svedka? Both sit in the same value-driven segment and are frequently compared by consumers. UV is distilled four times from American corn and carbon filtered, while Svedka is a Swedish wheat vodka distilled five times — UV tends to carry a slightly sweeter, rounder grain character, whereas Svedka leans a touch drier and more mineral.

Is UV Vodka good for cocktails? Yes — its neutral, four-times distilled profile is purpose-built for mixing. The absence of dominant flavors means it supports rather than competes with cocktail ingredients.

Where is UV Vodka made? UV Vodka is produced by Phillips Distilling Company in Princeton, Minnesota. The distillery uses water from deep local aquifers near the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

What foods pair well with UV Vodka? Smoked salmon and blinis complement the subtle grain sweetness. Fresh oysters on the half shell match the spirit's clean neutrality. Pickled vegetables and cured meats echo the peppery finish. Caviar service is a classic pairing, and light sushi like yellowtail sashimi works well with chilled UV served alongside.

What sizes does UV Vodka come in? UV Vodka is available in several formats, including 750ml and this 1.75L handle size, which is the most economical option for regular use or entertaining.

Is UV Vodka worth the price? UV Vodka positions as a value-tier spirit that consistently punches above its weight — a Double Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 93 points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge are accolades rarely seen at this price level, making it one of the stronger values in American vodka.

Why UV Vodka?

Few vodkas at this price point carry both a Double Gold Medal from San Francisco and a 93-point "Excellent" rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. The combination of yellow #2 Midwest corn, quadruple distillation, activated carbon filtration, and deep-aquifer Minnesota water creates a spirit that is genuinely clean and easy to drink. In a category crowded with marketing claims, UV Vodka lets verified competition results speak for it. The 1.75L format makes practical sense for anyone who mixes regularly and wants a dependable base spirit without compromise.