Sauvage Distillery takes its Upstate Vodka to the next level with Black Oxford, a limited-edition expression distilled exclusively from the rare heirloom Black Oxford purple apple.
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. Today, it remains one of the rarest heirloom apple varieties in existence, cultivated in extremely limited quantities.
Each bottle is crafted from approximately 75 hand-selected Black Oxford apples, sourced from select New England orchards. Distilled by Head Distiller Jamie Terk, on the Sauvage’s 150-gallon single-column still – the same that produced the very first bottle of Upstate Vodka.
“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,” said Sauvage Distillery Head Distiller Jamie Terk. “Every step – from sourcing to the final cut – honors its legacy while revealing new dimensions of flavor. 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.”
Upstate Vodka Black Oxford is housed in a handcrafted wooden box with a deep purple hue, engraved metallic gold lettering, brass hardware and a black satin lining inside frame the bottle.
“At Sauvage innovation is born from respect for heritage,” says Ilio Mavlyanov, CEO & 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.”
Only 32 bottles of Sauvage Distillery’s Upstate Vodka Black Oxford are available for $500.
