As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, many are symbolically protesting by boycotting Russian vodkas. Here is a list of several vodka brands produced in San Diego to choose instead of their Russian counterparts.
Around the world, people are outraged over the Russian aggression toward neighboring Ukraine, so much so that they're pouring out Russian vodkas in an act of protest. Locally, San Diego-based The Cohn Group of restaurants made an announcement that they'd no longer be serving the signature Russian spirit. Other local establishments like Desi's Bar & Grill in Point Loma, Don Pietro restaurant in Old Town, and Curbside Eatery & Drinkery in La Mesa followed suit, ditching Russian brands like Russian Standard, Kubanskaya, Narodnaya, Putinka, Pyatizvyozdnaya, Rodnik, Ruskova, Shustov, Starka, Stolnaya, Youri Dolgoruki and Beluga Vodka.
"As a very small gesture of solidarity with the Ukrainian people and against Russia's unprovoked aggression, the Cohn Restaurant Group is removing all Russian Vodka from our bars," read the announcement from Cohn Restaurant Group. "We hope that all our San Diego restaurant and bar friends do the same."
Those looking for an alternative to Russian vodka need look no further than some of San Diego's spirit companies. Below is a list of San Diego-made vodkas.
Locals Only Vodka, Oceanside - Sited in San Diego's North County, Locals Only distills its vodka with California grapes and uses an eco-friendly coconut shell charcoal filtration method to filter for contaminants. The company also has a partnership with 1% For The Planet to donate to local environmental charities.
ReBru Spirits, Barrio Logan - Started during the pandemic, this Thorn Beer offshoot distills its spirits using unused local beer. The charcoal used to clarify ReBru Spirits is also sourced from barbecue leftovers from its onsite restaurant. Rebru Vodka is distilled through 18 copper plated and carbon filters six times for a clean, smooth, and crisp finish.
You & Yours Distilling, East Village - This 5-year-old San Diego distillery and tasting room uses a custom-built hybrid eau de vie still to create two kinds of signature vodka. Y&Y Vodka grape-based vodka has a smooth texture with an elegant floral finish. The company also makes a Summer Citrus variety with that is inspired by the gorgeous orchards and herb gardens at Loews Coronado Bay. Expect bright notes of kumquat and rosemary.
San Diego Sunshine, Ramona - In addition to their signature rye whiskey, this artisanal small batch distillery makes an 80 proof vodka using traditional methods that is produced using corn, wheat and barley.
Copper Collar Distillery, Santee - Vodka is the flagship spirit produced by this East County distiller. It is distilled multiple times with no carbon filtration to produce a vodka with a floral aroma. The company is also in the process of making a star anise flavored vodka variety.
Storyhouse Spirits, East Village - Offering an amazing decor with a full-fledge restaurant component, Storyhouse Spirits produces a cucumber and lemon vodka using fresh California citrus and cucumber. The spirit is distilled from California-grown Red Winter wheat and infused with direct seeded Southern California cucumbers and Buddha's Hand citrons.
619 Spirits, North Park - This 10-year-old San Diego spirits company was one of the first local company to produce a vodka distilled in America's Finest City. Patrons can pick up this vodka at Six One Nine Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room in North Park, which also has a full restaurant and bar component.
Mike Curphy Distillery, Spring Valley - This super small batch craft distillery was founded in East County San Diego in 2015, and in addition to an award-winning rum and whiskey, the company produces Ole Dawg Vodka.
Malahat Spirits, Miramar - This 100% grain to bottle vodka uses a combination blend of corn, wheat, rye, and barley to produce an unique aroma, flavor and body. Meant for sipping, this spirit has hints of citrus which comes through on the palate and offers a clean and smooth taste from start to finish.
Cutwater Spirits, Miramar - Although now owned by beer behemoth Anheuser-Busch InBev, Cutwater Spirits was founded in San Diego. Previously Ballast Point Spirits division, the company makes a variety of canned cocktails and also produces variations of whiskey, gin, rum and vodka, all distilled right here in San Diego.
