Steel 43 Vodka: A Premium San Antonio Spirit

Small batches. Texas corn. Six distillations. These three elements define Steel 43, a premium vodka that's quickly becoming San Antonio's most talked-about spirit. From its 15,000-square-foot facility in south San Antonio, Steel 43 is crafting a vodka that proves premium spirits don't need European roots to deliver exceptional quality.

This remarkably smooth vodka is now available for you at Pascale's Liquors. Visit our store at 7401 Oswego Road, Liverpool, NY 13090, call us at (315) 701-0781, or explore our selection online at www.pascalesliquor.com to discover this exceptional spirit for yourself.

Steel 43 Vodka story began in San Antonio in 2015 when the Pascale family set out to create a premium handcrafted vodka. Their vision centered on producing a spirit that would distinguish itself through exceptional smoothness and refined flavor. The name "43" marks the 43rd parallel north, a geographical line running through renowned vodka-producing regions including parts of France, Croatia, and Oregon.

The distillery operates from a 15,000-square-foot facility in south San Antonio. Inside, four copper stills form the heart of the operation, while a specialized filtration room houses the proprietary filtering systems. The facility's layout places milling, fermentation, distillation, and bottling in separate zones, maintaining strict quality control through each production phase.

Steel 43's commitment to small-batch production limits each run to 500 gallons. This controlled scale allows distillers to monitor temperature variations down to half a degree and check alcohol content every fifteen minutes. The master distiller oversees each production run, making precise adjustments based on environmental conditions and grain characteristics.

This attention to detail stands in sharp contrast to large vodka producers, who routinely process between 10,000 and 15,000 gallons per batch. The smaller scale at Steel 43 means each batch receives individual attention, with filtering elements inspected and replaced between runs, and samples drawn at multiple points throughout production.

Steel 43's signature six-time distillation unfolds over 72 hours. The first distillation runs for eight hours, separating alcohol and removing major impurities to reach 35% ABV. During the second phase, a 12-hour process eliminates methanol and acetone, bringing the alcohol content to 45%.

The third and fourth distillations span 24 hours, pushing purity to 85% through activated carbon filtration. The fifth round takes 16 hours, employing specialized copper mesh filters to remove sulfur compounds and achieve 95% purity. The final distillation, lasting 12 hours, polishes the spirit through proprietary mineral filtering and brings it to its bottling strength of 40% ABV.

Steel 43 sources its yellow dent corn from Texas farmers who grow specifically for distillation. The grain arrives with precise specifications: 72% starch content, 9% protein, and carefully controlled moisture levels. The distillery works with five Texas farms, selecting suppliers based on consistent quality and optimal starch content.

The milling process creates a precise blend of particle sizes. Fine flour makes up the majority, with medium and coarse grits balanced to maximize sugar conversion during fermentation. This careful attention to corn processing contributes to Steel 43's naturally gluten-free status and creates its characteristic subtle sweetness.

Quality control runs deep in the ingredient program. The distillery conducts weekly grain analysis, checking everything from moisture content to protein levels. Each batch of corn undergoes thorough testing before entering production, ensuring consistent quality in every bottle of Steel 43 Vodka.

Steel Dust Vodka represents the distillery's premium offering. It undergoes eight distillation cycles, two more than Steel 43, utilizing a proprietary dust filtration system. This additional processing removes microscopic particles that can affect mouthfeel and flavor development.
The production incorporates an extra carbon filtration step between the seventh and eighth distillations. This filtration uses activated carbon specifically chosen for its pore size and absorption characteristics. The result achieves higher purity levels while maintaining essential mineral content that contributes to mouthfeel.

Steel Dust Vodka differs from Steel 43 in several technical aspects. The spirit comes off the still at a higher proof, 43% ABV versus Steel 43's 40%. This higher alcohol content creates a more pronounced texture and carries flavors more intensely. The additional filtration steps result in measurably lower congener levels.

Production runs remain limited to 300 gallons per batch, smaller than Steel 43's standard runs. Each bottle carries a batch number and distillation date, allowing for precise tracking. The smaller batch size permits even tighter quality control, with more frequent testing throughout the production process.

Steel 43 Vodka contains 96 calories per 1.5-ounce serving. This caloric content comes purely from the alcohol itself, as the six-time distillation process removes residual sugars and carbohydrates. The extensive filtration also reduces congeners, compounds that can contribute to next-day discomfort.

The distillation process strips away all measurable amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. A standard serving contains zero grams of sugar, making it compatible with various dietary preferences. The absence of additives or flavoring agents keeps the caloric content consistent across batches.

Steel 43's corn-based formula naturally excludes gluten-containing grains. Unlike wheat-based vodkas that require specific processing to remove gluten proteins, Steel 43's production never introduces gluten in the first place. The distillery maintains separate storage and processing areas for its corn supply, preventing cross-contamination.

Regular testing confirms the absence of gluten proteins in the finished product. The distillery sends samples from each production run to independent laboratories, maintaining documentation for quality assurance. This thorough testing makes Steel 43 a reliable choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Steel 43 Vodka's 96 calories per serving sits below several common spirits. Gin typically contains 110 calories per 1.5 ounces, while spiced rum reaches 122 calories. Whiskey averages 105 calories for the same serving size. These differences stem from varying sugar content and production methods.

The vodka's purity also affects how it combines with mixers. Steel 43's clean profile means cocktails retain the caloric values of their ingredients without hidden additions from the spirit itself. The mineral content remains minimal at 0.4g per liter, lower than many premium vodka brands that range from 0.5g to 1.2g per liter.

Steel 43 Vodka opens with a clean mineral note on the nose. The initial taste brings a soft, creamy texture that coats the palate without heaviness. The corn base contributes subtle sweetness mid-palate, balancing the mineral elements without becoming cloying.

The finish stays remarkably clean, with minimal ethanol burn. Notes of vanilla and fresh bread emerge as the vodka warms slightly. The aftertaste fades gradually, leaving a gentle sweetness and light mineral impression. Temperature affects the expression significantly - at room temperature, more grain character emerges, while chilling emphasizes the mineral aspects.

The six-time distillation process of creating Steel Vodka results in a clean, smooth spirit perfect for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails. Steel Dust Vodka elevates this foundation with additional filtration and higher proof, offering another dimension of refinement.

Visit Pascale’s Liquors at 7401 Oswego Road, Liverpool, NY 13090 to explore our complete selection of Steel 43 products. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through both expressions and help select the perfect mixers and garnishes for your preferred drinking style. Contact us at (315) 701-0781 or browse our selection online at www.pascalesliquor.com.