The Providence distillery is breaking new ground with Vodka Ostreida, a new spirit distilled with oysters
At The Industrial Spirit Company (ISCO), gin, vodka and bourbon are handcrafted at 1 Sims Avenue. Its next release will be Ostreida vodka, distilled with oysters. Manya K. Rubinstein, ISCO’s CEO, believes it is the first time such a product has been made in the United States.
A Florida company, Distillery 98, is known to have filtered its Dune Laker vodka through whole oysters last year, but there is no product that shows the same characteristics as Vodka Ostreida.
Rubinstein said that, to make Vodka Ostreida, they distil their neutral organic corn spirit with oysters. As the oysters steam, they release their liquor into the still’s kettle. The spirit picks up hints of brine and aroma as the vapours pass through.
“We allow the resulting distillate to rest so the flavours can come together, then we reduce it to 80 proof to create a smooth drinking experience,” explains Dan Neff, ISCO’s head distiller.
“Vodka Ostreida brings a savoury, salty coastal minerality with a subtle bivalve note on the nose,” Rubinstein said. She added that it has the buttery texture and creamy finish that are characteristic of their spirits.
The idea for Vodka Ostreida came about when the Industrial Spirit team was celebrating its first anniversary as a distillery last spring. They were doing it with oysters and cocktails. They wondered what would happen if they combined the flavour of the sea with their spirits made from organic corn.
It pairs not only with oysters, but also with salty olives. It can be enjoyed over ice or in a cocktail.
It was made with a special selection of oysters from Duxbury, Massachusetts, hand-picked by Bayberry executive chef Mike Seely. This limited edition of Vodka Ostreida will be offered exclusively in cocktails at the restaurant and in bottles from ISCO’s tasting room.
ISCO will host a launch party and donate a portion of all Vodka Ostreida bottle sales in bars, restaurants and liquor stores to GreenWave, an organisation that trains and supports ocean farmers. Bayberry Garden will also donate a portion of its Vodka Ostreida sales from the after-party to GreenWave.
A cocktail to try with Vodka Ostreida: The Pearl
The Pearl is a crisp martini with a touch of red wine mignonette, created by The Industrial Spirit Company.
Make the mignonette: mix 1 tablespoon of pepper, ½ cup of red wine vinegar and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped shallots.
Combine 2½ ounces of Ostreida with half a teaspoon of red wine mignonette.
Pour into a shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain into a martini glass or into a glass over cubes.
Garnish with cocktail onions soaked in the red wine mignonette.