Matchbook Distilling 'Blingnova' Corn Vodka

Matchbook Distilling Co. is an experimental distillery located in Greenport, NY, that draws inspiration from the intersection of agricultural anthropology, scientific innovation, and the multifaceted role of plants as food, medicine, and the source of perfume, flavor, and human pleasure. At the heart of it all is the firm belief that healthy soils produce the healthiest - and tastiest - ingredients. Co-founder Leslie Merinoff happens to have distilling in her blood - as a direct descendant of Hiram Walker, the 19th century American whiskey mogul who created Canadian Club during his work in Canada. But this small, diverse distillery eschews empire building for a firm focus on local agriculture, with each bottling seeking to capture their fascination with the natural world into a tasty snapshot by sourcing herbs and produce from nearby farms.

‘Blingnova’ corn vodka (named for the cosmic collision of two neutron stars that leads to the creation of gold) is made from another kind of gold: 100% certified organic corn from Thor Oeschner’s regenerative farm in the Finger Lakes. This incredibly rich corn yields a vodka worthy of the element that inspired it, perfectly capturing a warmth and coziness that evokes memories of childhood comfort food. After milling, mashing, and fermentation, the first distillation, a stripping run through a copper and stainless pot still, takes place, resulting in what’s known as the “low wines.” Three batches are distilled before the low wines are combined again in the still for a final run through the 22 plate copper columns. Even after that elaborate distilling and refining process, ‘Blingnova’ retains its unique depth and warmth on a sleekly elegant, yet still incredibly characterful frame.