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Meili Vodka
About Meili Vodka
Meili Vodka is produced by Meili Spirits, a celebrity vodka brand owned by Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson. Based in Bozeman, Montana, Meili is created with locally sourced grains and pure, unprocessed spring water from an alpine aquifer. They own the family-run farms that produce their grains, which are strategically located close to the distillery for a lower carbon footprint.
Although not much is disclosed about their production process, they do mention that their vodka is rested at the end of the distillation process, before being bottled in hand-blown, post-consumer recycled glass bottles. They take pride in the fact that no two bottles are alike.
Bottle Specs
❖ ABV: 40%
❖ Distillery: Meili Distillery
❖ Aging: N/A
❖ Price Point: lower moderate
My Tasting notes
The aroma of this vodka was sweet on the nose, with a subtle hint of alcohol scent coming through after several whiffs. Overall, it was a mild aroma with no distinct notes.
My first sip of Meili vodka had a harsh flavor with notes of wheat on the finish. As I continued, the harshness remained consistent, though sweet honey notes also began to emerge in both the nose and the palate. Overall, it was not very pleasant to sip without mixers.
Cocktail
Summer Sweetheart
recipe by Emmeline Gonzalez-Beban
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
- 2 oz grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
Instructions
- add the ingredients to a shaker with ice, and shake until chilled
- strain the mixture into a glass
- garnish with an edible flower if desired
Inside of a cocktail, this vodka was pretty underwhelming. I found it to be a bit bitter and difficult to balance, with no recognizable flavor notes of its own. I came up with this original cocktail back in 2020, so, at this point, I’ve made it several times with different vodkas. However, this Meili Vodka really had a hard time balancing out the natural bitterness of the grapefruit. It just didn’t cut it.
Bottom Line
RATING: 2/5
At the end of the day, I wouldn’t feel comfortable recommending this bottle of Meili Vodka. For me, the flavor was lackluster, and it lacked a certain smoothness that I would expect based on the marketing materials. The entire time I was tasting this vodka straight, my mouth just wanted it to be over. It did alright as a mixing vodka, though you could probably achieve similar results with a cheaper option.
What’s more, I found the process of reading their website to be quite frustrating. Through the flowery and poetic language, the information sometimes said very little, and sometimes twisted things to the point of trickery. It felt like an attempt to gaslight us all into thinking this vodka is more “sustainable” and eco-friendly than it actually is.
As far as I can tell, they are pretty much doing the bare minimum by using recycled glass for their bottles. They also mention that their farm is “located centrally” to the distillery and the water source, as evidence of a low carbon footprint. I found this wording to be very odd, and was left wondering about the distance between the water source and the distillery. Not to mention, there are many efforts they could take to have a low carbon footprint at the distillery itself, yet they don’t mention any. I must say, it left a sour taste in my mouth as a consumer.
I don’t think I will be purchasing Meili Vodka again.
As always, drink responsibly.
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Emmeline, you might have corrected “Halvorson ” but how in the name of all that’s holy, could you spell “Momoa” wrong?
I Italy disagree with your opinion. I am not ANY kind of drinker and I especially hated vodka. But, I love Jason and all he does for the environment, so I thought I’d try it, fully expecting the burn and to spit it out. I didn’t have to. I still don’t love hard alcohol but Meili didn’t make me want to vomit. And lower priced? At $20, just the gorgeous bottle alone, is worth that and the logo is beautiful. In my opinion, you dragged it because it’s a “celebrity” brand and it shows. Can’t spell Momoa? Don’t review his stuff. And it makes a delicious bloody Mary!!
Hi Carolyn,
I’ve corrected the typo, thanks for bringing that to my attention. I respect your difference of opinion regarding the taste, and I’m glad you’ve found something you enjoy.
Take care, Emmeline
Also, that other comment on here from “Erica Budewitz” is obviously some public relations or employee of the brand. I’ve never seen a comment make it so blatant before in my life. Honestly impressive how they didn’t even try to hide it
I agree with what you said about their marketing being seemingly deceptive. I expected a lot more on their sustainability practices but it seemed like they boiled it down to “we’re not using really cheap glass and are using recycled glass so we’re super sustainable trust me”. Thank you for the review – probably won’t be picking this up despite wanting to previously.
You spelt blaines last name incorrectly in your post its Halvorson. Discredits a solid 50% opinion to this by that factor alone.
I would definitely reconsider your review with updated/ valid information coming straight from the sources. It is Distilled once. There are 2 distinct flavors from a warm Vodka vs a cold vodka, did you drink warm or cold? Also please credit. This Vodka was not designed for mixing it is the first “sipping” vodka bec of its clean distinct taste. As well as adding in their numerous awards in vodka shows they have now received by renounced high end taste testers. Also this is a GLUTEN free vodka & has been studied and passed as gluten free these past couple of weeks. Not yet marketed or labeled as such.
Hi Erika,
Apologies for the typo – I can’t believe I didn’t catch that, but I’ve corrected it now!
To clarify, we taste each spirit both straight and in a cocktail regardless of marketing, as we recognize consumers have different preferences, and will be interested in a comparison. I respect your difference of opinion regarding the taste, and I’m glad you found something you enjoy.
Please note the background information in this review is sourced directly from the Meili Vodka website. I did double check it again today, and found no errors beyond the typo. Take care, and thanks for reading!