Covington vodka touts itself as “The Best Yam Vodka on Earth,” yet the vodka is made from sweet potatoes – which aren’t quite the same thing as yams. However, since I’ve never tasted a yam or a sweet-potato vodka before, until proven otherwise, I’m going to agree with the claim. Covington’s new-to-the-market vodka is pretty darn tasty.
The vodka, made in rural eastern North Carolina from locally grown sweet potatoes, has a slightly earthy nose and tastes rich and creamy with a tiny bit of a floral finish. There’s nothing harsh or medicinal tasting about this spirit. Since there is a touch of taste to this vodka, I don’t recommend it for mixing, but instead, try it on the rocks or in a martini. If you would rather not commit to a bottle, Randall’s is currently selling 50 milliliter tasters for $3. And if you’re on the Paleo or CrossFit diet? Since sweet potatoes are technically unrelated to yams or potatoes, (hopefully this vodka isn’t actually the best yam vodka on earth), you can try it, too.
Find Covington vodka at Randall’s locations in South City, North County and Manchester.
This article appears in July 2013.