For decades, vodka was defined by neutrality. Federal standards historically required vodka to be “without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color.”
That changed in 2020, when the federal definition was amended, opening the door for vodka to have distinctive flavor and character. Golden Eagle was built around that change and the simple idea that vodka can, and should, have character.
The idea came from founder Dakota Rader’s career behind the bar. After years as a bartender and restaurant operator, he saw an opportunity to approach vodka differently. Instead of a neutral spirit designed to disappear into a cocktail, he created a vodka whose raw ingredients and production methods could actually contribute to the experience.
Golden Eagle starts with Montana-grown Dark Northern Red wheat, selected for its naturally rich, sweet profile. While most vodka is distilled repeatedly to create neutrality, Golden Eagle takes the opposite approach. It is distilled once, preserving more of the grain’s natural body, texture, and flavor.
The result is what Golden Eagle calls American Character Vodka: a vodka with enough character to enjoy on its own while remaining clean and versatile in cocktails.
That difference has been recognized in competition. Golden Eagle has earned more than 40 international tasting accolades and ratings as high as 99 points.
One of the simplest ways to experience it is the Cowboy Martini: vodka, ice, and lemon. With nothing to hide behind, the grain, texture, and character speak for themselves.
COWBOY MARTINI
Ingredients
2½ oz Golden Eagle Vodka
1 large ice cube
1 lemon peel
Directions
Fill a mixing glass with ice and add Golden Eagle Vodka. Stir until thoroughly chilled. Strain over one large ice cube in a rocks glass. Express the lemon peel over the glass to release its oils, then garnish with a twist.
For an alternative, top with soda water.