Heritage & Distillery
Long Table Distillery, based in Vancouver, have established themselves as one of British Columbia's most inventive craft spirits producers, and the Texada Vodka is perhaps their most distinctive creation. Named after Texada Island in the Strait of Georgia — the source of the limestone through which the finished spirit is filtered — this is a vodka that wears its provenance openly and with justifiable pride.
The inclusion of fresh lemongrass during distillation in copper pot stills is a bold decision that could, in lesser hands, produce a spirit that reads as a flavoured vodka rather than a characterful plain one. Long Table navigate this distinction with considerable skill — the lemongrass is present as a subtle aromatic element rather than a dominant flavour, lending the vodka a brightness and originality that distinguish it from its peers without compromising its identity as a clean, well-made spirit.
Production & Tasting
The nose is immediately engaging — bright lemongrass aromas emerge first, complemented by clean citrus zest and a subtle mineral quality that speaks to the limestone bed filtration. On the palate, the vodka is crisp and refreshing, with the lemongrass providing a herbal top note that sits atop a smooth, slightly oily base spirit of evident quality. The texture is particularly noteworthy — there is a silkiness to the mouthfeel that suggests careful attention to both distillation and dilution.
The finish is clean and bright, with the lemongrass lingering pleasantly before giving way to a dry, mineral close that invites the next sip. This is a vodka that rewards contemplation but would also perform admirably in a Martini or a simple serve with quality tonic and a sprig of fresh herbs.
Verdict
Texada is a genuinely original vodka that manages the difficult trick of being both distinctive and versatile. The lemongrass infusion and limestone filtration give it a character all its own, while the underlying quality of the spirit ensures it can hold its own against more conventionally produced premium vodkas. A credit to the Canadian craft distilling movement.
