New York State craft spirits producer Sauvage Distillery just unveiled Upstate Vodka Black Oxford: a limited-edition expression distilled from the rare heirloom Black Oxford purple apple. This limited release only has 32 bottles available.
First discovered in Oxford County, Maine, around 1790 by Nathaniel Haskell, the Black Oxford apple is revered for its dramatic deep purple hue, dense texture, and rich, complex flavor, according to the distillery. Today, it remains one of the rarest heirloom apple varieties in existence, cultivated in extremely limited quantities and treasured by orchardists and connoisseurs alike.
Each Upstate Vodka Black Oxford bottle is crafted from approximately 75 Black Oxford apples, according to the distillery, sourced from select New England orchards. The bottle is then housed in a handcrafted wooden box with a deep purple hue alongside engraved metallic gold lettering, brass hardware and a black satin lining the inside frame.
“Working with the rare Black Oxford apple was an extraordinary opportunity to marry our deep-rooted expertise in apple distilling with a fruit of remarkable heritage. Every step – from sourcing to the final cut – honors its legacy while revealing new dimensions of flavor,” said head distiller Jamie Terk in a news release. “The result is a micro-batch spirit of exceptional finesse, with layers of ripe orchard fruit and soft florals unfolding into soft notes of honeyed grain. Coupled with the lingering finish of crisp apple, our latest expression is complex and incredibly unique for a vodka: a testament to what can be achieved when rarity meets relentless craftsmanship.”
“At Sauvage innovation is born from respect for heritage,” added Ilio Mavlyanov, CEO and founder of Sauvage Distillery. “The Black Oxford apple is an heirloom treasure and reimagining it through our lens of distilling craftsmanship allowed us to create a spirit that feels both timeless and groundbreaking. It’s a rare intersection of history, artistry, and forward-thinking distilling—crafted for those who seek the extraordinary.”
Upstate Vodka Black Oxford comes in at 40% ABV and has an SRP of $500 per 750ml bottle, according to the distillery. While most of the bottles will be available via private auction, an extremely limited number can be found direct-to-consumer while supplies last at www.drinksauvage.com.
