Quinoa is everywhere right now (the trend is even parodied in this hilarious beer commercial), but would you expect it to turn up in your cocktail? Prepare to be wowed by gluten-free, quinoa-based Fair vodka. Fair is the first Fair Trade Certified line of spirits, meaning they pay the farmers that they work with a fair price, which “enables them to cover their production costs, live from farming, educate their children and build schools,” as a part of a global movement to alleviate poverty in ways that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

Fair begins with organic quinoa, a type of grain grown by the Incas from about the 13th century, that is harvested from the Altiplano plateau of Bolivia, and organic sugar cane grown in the Belizean sun. Then it’s shipped to the famous region of Cognac in France for distilling.

But don’t assume Fair is just for foodies. Folks who enjoy a crisp, clean martini to sip on will be interested to know that SpiritsReview.com gave it ten out of ten olives in addition to commending the company for its practices: “Another vodka for conscious and conscientious people….They are a stand out from the corporate empires that are churning out oceans of soulless vodka for the masses. Buying a bottle of this vodka is not only a political/ideological statement but makes sense from taste point of view.”

The site called a Fair martini “outstanding” and described the premium beverage as versatile and more subtle than other vodkas. The first impression reads,  “Clean grain distillate smell, a touch sweet but no cloying smell. No smell of esters or oils; clean. Later on, it develops a clean rye grain smell, grains, nuts, etc.”

“Nicely oily on the tongue, medium to heavy body- especially for a vodka. Crisp, mild bite to it on the midline and back of your tongue. Dry, mineral and grain-like aftertaste with a touch of sweetness, with a attractively oily body/mouthfeel. Traces of a grain-like aftertaste with a subtle smooth heat. Dangerously smooth and drinkable.”

It’s surely no coincidence that a quality flavor and drink-ability comes from a product crafted with such care– both in its process and its heart. “We are a spirits company,” the company explains, “dedicated to high quality products that are sourced ethically and sustainably.”

“Our company believes in treating all people fairly. Our vision has taken us all over the world to source the best ingredients for our high quality spirits. We believe that all the people involved, in every stage of the process, should be treated equally.’

Will you give Fair quinoa vodka a fair shot? –– Casandra Armour