Teaneck—Isn’t vodka an old-world liquor made from potatoes? Not anymore. An Israeli vodka, made by Marc Grossfield and first brought to the neighborhood by Ma’adan Kosher Delicatessen and Catering on 446 Cedar Lane, is distilled from pomegranates, grapes, olives, wheat, barley, figs and dates. The grains and the fruits in Aviv 613 are distilled three times separately before being blended and distilled one more time. The vodka then goes through six filtration processes before bottling.

This has created an ultra-smooth taste with a slightly sweet finish, and, according to critics, it’s considered an extraordinary-tasting vodka. The water used to make the vodka comes from the Sea of Galilee, which happens to be the lowest elevation freshwater source in the world, and that contributes to the drink’s smoothness. “Every few years you see something that truly knocks your socks off,” said Stuart Kahan, who organized the tasting last week, and augmented it by serving Ma’adan’s famous cholent and potato kugel. The vodka itself was served with a choice of two traditional pairings: cranberry or orange juices.

Poured from an angular, almost triangular bottle, Aviv rep Yamilka Landron shared that the 40-proof Aviv vodka is gluten-free and has already won six gold medals. The 750 ml bottle itself is designed with many messages for the person enjoying it to discover. The sweet finish makes drinks with fruit juice or fruit liquor taste better. She recommended mixing the vodka with orange and apple juices for an Aviv sea breeze cocktail, or with rosemary, lemon, club soda and honey for a fall fizz. Their “jumpstart” Aviv cocktail includes Frangelico, Godiva chocolate liqueur, fresh espresso and a few coffee beans.

Aviv 613 is available at Ma’adan, and is imported locally by Royal Wines. Visit @avivvodka on Facebook or Twitter. The vodka is on sale at Ma’adan for approximately $30.

By Elizabeth Kratz