1911 Beak & Skiff Vanilla Chai Vodka – Chai-Spiced Vodka with an Orchard Twist

Updated → September 2025

1911 Beak & Skiff Vanilla Chai Vodka is a unique craft vodka distilled from apples and infused with real vanilla and masala chai spices. This small-batch spirit offers a smooth, aromatic profile with hints of honey and herbal spice, making it a standout choice for creative cocktails or cozy sipping.

• Flavored Vodka in Context
• Craft Distilleries Leading the Flavor Trend
• Vanilla and Chai Appeal in Spirits
• 1911’s Innovative Entry
• How 1911 Vanilla Chai Vodka Stacks Up
• Compared to Other 1911 Flavors
• Compared to Mainstream Brands
• From Orchard to Bottle: The Story Behind the Spirit
• A Century-Old Orchard Distillery
• Apple-Based Vodka Distillation
• Infusing Vanilla and Chai Spices
• Serving and Enjoying 1911 Vanilla Chai Vodka
• Signature Cocktail Ideas
• Perfect Pairings and Occasions
• Conclusion: Savor the Spice

Flavored Vodka in Context

Flavored vodkas have become a staple in the spirits market, evolving from a handful of basic flavors into a diverse array of creative infusions. Consumers today seek flavors that go beyond the ordinary, craving authentic ingredients and unique combinations. Small-batch distilleries and craft brands have responded by offering artisanal twists on classic vodka, using real fruits, botanicals, and spices to create flavors with depth and character. This trend has set the stage for innovative offerings like to shine, providing something distinctly different from mass-produced flavored vodkas.

Craft Distilleries Leading the Flavor Trend

The rise of craft distilleries has significantly influenced the flavored vodka landscape. Unlike industrial giants that rely on artificial additives, craft producers use natural ingredients and often infuse flavors during distillation with real fruit or spices. This yields more genuine taste profiles and appeals to drinkers who value quality and authenticity. In the case of , the base spirit is distilled from orchard-grown apples and flavored by true vanilla and chai spices rather than synthetic syrups. Such craftsmanship elevates the vodka’s taste and distinguishes it from mass-produced offerings.

Vanilla and Chai Appeal in Spirits

Vanilla has long been one of the most popular vodka flavors due to its smooth, versatile sweetness. Chai, on the other hand, brings a mix of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves – flavors traditionally enjoyed in tea but now increasingly found in creative cocktails. The combination of vanilla and chai in a vodka is a novel twist that taps into current tastes for comfort and exotic spice. Think of the widespread love for chai lattes and spiced autumn beverages – that same appeal is captured in . Sipping this vodka provides a cozy, aromatic experience, as the familiar creamy sweetness of vanilla intertwines with the aromatic kick of chai spices. It’s a flavor profile that stands out on store shelves, offering a welcome departure from the usual citrus or berry-infused vodkas.

1911’s Innovative Entry

1911 Established – the craft spirits brand of Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards – saw an opportunity to create something special. With a history of blending tradition and innovation, 1911 applied its apple-distilling expertise to craft a vanilla chai vodka unlike anything in the mainstream. This release expanded 1911’s lineup and offered consumers a flavor they never knew they needed. Vodka enthusiasts and cocktail lovers were immediately intrigued by the idea of chai spices in a clear spirit.

How 1911 Vanilla Chai Vodka Stacks Up

With so many flavored vodkas available, it’s natural to wonder how compares to others on the market. From its ingredients to its flavor intensity, this vodka carves out its own niche. Let’s look at how it stands against both 1911’s other offerings and the popular flavored vodkas from larger brands.

Compared to Other 1911 Flavors

1911’s lineup of vodkas often highlights fruits from their orchards, like a Honeycrisp apple vodka or a blueberry vodka, and even playful dessert-like editions such as an Orange Creamsicle flavor. In contrast, is spice-driven rather than fruit-forward. It layers the warm complexity of chai spices onto the same smooth apple base, creating a robust and cozy character. This unique profile adds welcome variety to 1911’s offerings – it’s the bottle you reach for when you crave an indulgent spiced flavor instead of something purely sweet or fruity.

Compared to Mainstream Brands

Mainstream vodka brands offer plenty of flavors (vanilla, citrus, caramel, and more), but virtually none offer a vanilla chai – making a standout find. Apart from its unique flavor, it also differs in how it’s made. First, 1911 uses an apple-based spirit, whereas big brands use grain neutral alcohol; the apple base lends a subtle fruity smoothness to the vodka. Second, real spices and vanilla are infused during distillation in 1911’s process, yielding authentic cinnamon, clove, and ginger notes instead of the one-dimensional sweetness that often comes from artificial flavorings. Finally, as a small-batch craft product, the balance of flavors in this vodka is more refined – the vanilla and chai complement each other without one overwhelming the other, resulting in a nuanced sip that mass-produced bottles often lack.

From Orchard to Bottle: The Story Behind the Spirit

Every bottle of carries with it a piece of New York’s rich apple-growing heritage. Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, founded in 1911 in LaFayette, NY, has over a century of experience cultivating some of the state’s finest apples. Originally known for fresh apples and cider, the orchard expanded into crafting 1911 Established spirits as a way to bring their harvest from tree to tumbler. This vanilla chai flavored vodka is a direct product of that orchard-to-bottle philosophy. It starts at the source – in the rolling apple orchards – and ends up as a premium spirit that reflects both tradition and creativity. The 1911 distillery’s commitment to quality means that only the best ingredients and techniques are used at each step.

A Century-Old Orchard Distillery

Beak & Skiff’s family-run orchard spent decades growing apples and pressing cider. Expanding into spirits under the 1911 Established label was a natural next step. The distillery was built right on the orchard grounds, ensuring the fruit’s freshness carried into every bottle. Their flagship apple vodka even earned awards for its smooth character. Buoyed by that success, the distillers began experimenting with new infusions, always drawing inspiration from the orchard. This deep-rooted heritage gives a level of authenticity that few competitors can claim – it’s not just another flavored vodka, but a spirit with a 110-year legacy behind it.

Apple-Based Vodka Distillation

Apples as a vodka base impart a delicate sweetness and velvety texture that you don’t get from grain or potato spirits. At 1911, pressed apple cider is fermented and then triple distilled in copper stills, yielding an ultra-smooth vodka with subtle orchard fruit nuances. For , this high-quality apple vodka provides a clean, slightly sweet canvas that complements the warm chai spices. The excellence of the base spirit keeps the flavored vodka balanced and free of harsh burn. As a bonus, because it’s made from apples (not grains), the vodka is naturally gluten-free.

Infusing Vanilla and Chai Spices

What truly sets this spirit apart is the infusion of real vanilla and chai spices during a final distillation. Instead of adding flavoring after the fact, 1911’s distillers pass the vodka vapors through a basket of masala chai ingredients – cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and vanilla – in a technique similar to how gin is infused with botanicals. The result is a vodka with deeply integrated flavors. Open the bottle and you’re met with a sweet, herbal aroma reminiscent of an exotic spice market. Take a sip and you’ll find it silky on the palate: vanilla and a hint of honey sweetness come through first, then the chai spices follow, providing gentle warmth and an earthy finish. The flavor is bold yet balanced, with neither the vanilla nor the spices overwhelming the other. Bottled at 35% ABV (a touch lighter than standard vodka), it delivers all the depth of a spiced liqueur while still finishing clean and dry, without any cloying sweetness.

:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} The bottle of reflects its artisanal nature, featuring the 1911 Established logo and notes of its apple origin and chai spice infusion on the label. It proudly states 35% ABV (70 Proof), indicating a slightly lighter strength than standard vodka, which contributes to its smooth sip. The design marries rustic orchard charm with a hint of spice imagery, making the bottle as inviting as the spirit inside.

Serving and Enjoying 1911 Vanilla Chai Vodka

A spirit as unique as invites creativity when it comes to serving. Whether you prefer to keep things simple or experiment with mixology, this vodka can accommodate. Thanks to its balanced flavor, it’s enjoyable neat or on the rocks – a testament to its smoothness – especially if you want to savor the layering of vanilla and spices on their own. Chilling the vodka can bring out even more of its sweetness and soften the spice kick, so storing the bottle in the freezer for a ready-to-serve icy pour is one option. For those who enjoy a little fizz, topping vanilla chai vodka with ginger beer or ginger ale creates a quick highball that accentuates the spiciness (imagine a chai-inspired twist on the classic Moscow Mule).

Signature Cocktail Ideas

The flavors of vanilla and chai open up a world of cocktail possibilities. One popular route is to embrace the creamy side: for instance, create a “Chai Latte Martini” by shaking with a splash of espresso or coffee liqueur and cream. This results in a decadent, dessert-like drink reminiscent of a dirty chai latte, perfect for after dinner. Another idea is a spiked cider – try adding a shot of this vodka to hot apple cider (a fitting combination given its apple origins) for a toasty fall cocktail that could rival any hot toddy. If you’re a fan of classics, you might experiment with a Chai White Russian, substituting for regular vodka to give that mix of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream a spiced upgrade. Even simpler, a Vanilla Chai Mule can be made by mixing this vodka with ginger beer and a squeeze of lime; the ginger in the chai spices pairs beautifully with the ginger beer’s kick. Ultimately, the goal is to have fun and tailor the drink to your taste – this vodka is an excellent tool in the cocktail kit for any adventurous home bartender.

Perfect Pairings and Occasions

shines during the cooler months and holiday seasons, when its warm spice notes complement the atmosphere, but it’s by no means limited to winter. For food pairings, consider what you might enjoy with a chai latte or a creamy dessert. This vodka goes exceptionally well with sweet treats and cozy flavors – think alongside a slice of pumpkin pie, gingerbread cookies, or apple crumble. The spices in the drink echo the spices in the food, creating a harmonious pairing. In terms of occasions, pour this vodka for a relaxed evening by the fireplace, a fall-themed party, or as a unique offering at a holiday gathering. Guests are often intrigued when they hear “vanilla chai vodka,” and it quickly becomes a conversation starter. Since it’s smooth and not overly sugary, even friends who don’t typically drink flavored spirits might be pleasantly surprised. Having a bottle of this spirit on your shelf means you can easily bring a bit of spiced cheer to any moment that calls for something special.

Conclusion: Savor the Spice

offers an experience that’s both comforting and novel. By marrying the familiar sweetness of vanilla with the exotic zest of chai, it stands apart from the crowd – all built on the foundation of a century-old orchard’s craftsmanship. Whether you sip it over ice or mix it into a creative cocktail, this vodka invites you to savor its rich tapestry of flavors. If you’re seeking something different in the spirits world, a drink with a story and a unique taste, give a try.