Rutte is one of the Netherlands' most historic distilleries, established in 1872, and while they are perhaps better known for their genever and gin, their vodka is a quietly accomplished spirit that deserves wider recognition. Made from French winter wheat and cut with triple-filtered local Dutch water, it aims for purity and freshness above all.
The nose is clean and inviting, with subtle citrus zest and a whisper of grain sweetness. There is a mineral quality that speaks to the Dutch water — not overbearing, but present and distinctive. On the palate, the wheat delivers softly, with gentle grain character and those same citrus notes adding a touch of brightness.
The triple water filtration is an interesting point of difference. Where most producers focus on filtering the spirit itself, Rutte have invested equal attention in the purity of their dilution water, and the result is a vodka of notable clarity and freshness. The finish is crisp and clean, with a gentle sweetness and a dry mineral close.
At just over thirty-three pounds, this sits in a competitive part of the market, but the quality of the production and the heritage of the distillery justify the price. A well-made wheat vodka from a house that knows its craft intimately.
