Product Review - TOM OF FINLAND ORGANIC VODKA

May 7, 2020

Dallas, TX

Most of us are familiar with Tom of Finland, (Touko Laaksonsen) the Finnish artist and gay icon known for his homoerotic artwork. He created images of hyper-masculine bikers, sailors, and cowboys that are just as relevant today as ever. Want proof? Just stop by The Eagle on leather night and take a peek. Hell, you might even be one of them (DM me pics if so).

Tom of Finland’s name has been used to sell not only his artwork but everything from apparel to sex toys. It has been the inspiration for a feature biographical film (Tom of Finland) as well as the inspiration for many gay porn films. There is even a Tom of Finland Foundation in Los Angeles, created to preserve erotic art and advocate tolerance towards sexuality.

While shopping at my local liquor store in the gayborhood (Cedar Springs in Dallas, TX), I spot something with a very familiar name. Was it Tom of Finland? Yes! Was it a sex toy? No! It was Tom of Finland Organic Vodka. I was immediately intrigued. The bottle was equipped with the iconic artwork you would expect from the Tom of Finland brand. It included a masculine male profile rocking a leather hat, leather jacket, and a thick mustache. The bottle read: Distilled from Organic Grain (Rye and wheat to be exact). I took out my phone and with a quick google search I found this vodka is distilled using pure arctic water and made with no sugar. Sounds impressive, I thought. I went in deeper.

Tom of Finland Organic Vodka is the brainchild of One Eyed Spirits, a progressive Finnish company made up of ex ad creatives who aim to nurture brand ideas and find ways to bring them to life. Not a bad mission statement. After all, these are the same guys who brought us Ron de Jeremy Rum (yes, pornstar Ron Jeremy has his own rum).

I proceeded to check out and even with paying considerably more than I normally do for my Tito’s Handmade Vodka, I was excited to get home and give it a try. I typically put a half ounce in a shot glass for a quick taste if I’m trying a new spirit. I do this to appreciate the quality (or lack there of) even though I plan on mixing it later with Topo Chico or club soda later. What did I learn?

I can honestly say this is one of the best vodkas I’ve ever tried. I am not much of a martini drinker but after that sample the martini glasses came out. I put two ounces of Tom of Finland Organic Vodka, a bit of dry vermouth, and some ice in a shaker. I did a cute dance (seriously adorable) and poured what is now one of my favorite drinks in my fanciest martini glass.

Vodka and martini drinkers, I highly encourage you to give this one a try. While it’s not the most available product yet, you can request your local liquor store to order it from their distributor. You can also take it upon yourself to do a little cruising. I promise you this, he’s worth finding.

Wesley Smoot