Loft & Bear Artisanal Vodka Review | The Black-Owned LA Distillery That's Better Than Goose | The Liquor Connoisseur
- connoisseurofliquo
- May 4
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Loft & Bear is a Black-owned Los Angeles craft distillery making a bold claim: their artisanal vodka is better than Grey Goose. Crystal and Roger take that claim seriously and taste with fresh, unbiased palates.
Bottle Specs
Spirit: Loft & Bear Artisanal Vodka
Distillery: Loft & Bear Distillery, Los Angeles, California
Ownership: Black-owned and operated
Category: American Craft Vodka
Base: Grain (winter wheat)
ABV: 40%
Price: ~$30–35
The comparison claim: Better than Grey Goose
The Loft & Bear Story
Loft & Bear was founded with a clear mission: create a premium, Black-owned craft vodka that competes at the top of the category without requiring a premium price penalty for the story. The Los Angeles location reflects the brand's cultural roots — this is a West Coast craft spirit with a specific community it's building around.
Tasting Notes — Nose, Palate, Finish
Nose: Cleaner and more expressive than Grey Goose — there's a subtle sweetness that signals quality grain and careful distillation. Palate: Smooth and well-textured with a creaminess that distinguishes craft wheat vodka from industrial production. The Loft & Bear house style leans toward softness rather than neutrality — it wants you to notice it's there. Finish: Clean and pleasant with a brief warmth — the mark of good vodka production.
Does It Beat Grey Goose?
Crystal and Roger's verdict: yes, in several dimensions. Loft & Bear has more character, comparable smoothness, and a production story that makes the purchase more meaningful. At a similar or lower price point, the case for Loft & Bear is compelling.
🥃 Crystal & Roger's LC Recommendations
For Grey Goose drinkers ready to upgrade: Try Loft & Bear. The quality is real, the story matters, and the price is right.
To support Black-owned spirits: Loft & Bear is doing exactly what the industry needs more of — independent, quality-focused, community-rooted production. Your purchase counts.
For cocktails: A Vodka Martini or simple vodka-soda with Loft & Bear shows the craft difference immediately. The character it brings to simple serves is the best test.
LC Verdict
A craft vodka that backs up a bold claim. Loft & Bear is genuinely better than Grey Goose in the ways that matter — quality, character, and a production story worth supporting.
Drink To Remember, Not To Forget. 🥃
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