Phillips Distilling Company, a Minnesota-based pioneer in breakthrough flavors and spirits innovation in North America for more than 109 years announced today that its Prairie Organic Vodka has been named the No. 1 Best Vodka in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards in the Distilleries category.
Prairie Organic Spirits
This recognition comes as the brand celebrates Earth Day, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to supporting farming communities and environmentally responsible practices. Prairie Organic Vodka is crafted from organic, non-GMO corn grown on Midwestern family farms, resulting in a spirit with a naturally soft sweetness and creamy mouthfeel. Challenging the idea that vodka should be completely neutral, Prairie Organic Vodka leans into ingredient quality to deliver a vodka with real character that performs in cocktails and stands on its own.
“As consumers become more intentional about what they’re drinking, transparency and ingredient integrity matter more than ever,” said Laura Donnelly, Vice President of Marketing at Phillips Distilling Co. “This recognition reflects our commitment to working with organic family farms across the Midwest and producing a vodka that delivers on both quality and taste. We’ve always believed great ingredients should come through in the glass.”
In addition to its organic distillation process, Prairie Organic Spirits has deepened its commitment through the Bee Better program, an ongoing initiative focused on protecting pollinators, supporting biodiversity, and strengthening the ecosystems behind its ingredients. In partnership with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Prairie advances pollinator protection efforts while inviting consumers to participate in the impact. Every purchase, whether a bottle or enjoying a Prairie cocktail at participating bars and restaurants, helps support the initiative and protect bee populations.
Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
The Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards recognize standout businesses, brands, and experiences across a wide range of consumer categories. Winners are determined through a public voting process in which readers select the companies and organizations they believe deliver exceptional quality, value, and customer experience.
The 2026 program highlights leading companies across numerous industries, including the Distilleries category, where Phillips Distilling Company’s Prairie Organic Vodka was recognized as No. 1 Best Vodka 2026.
“Each year, the Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the best of the best, as chosen by the people who matter most — our readers,” said Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham “We’re proud to recognize those organizations that continue to raise the bar for quality, innovation, and customer experience.”
About Phillips Distilling Company
Phillips Distilling Company is one of the most innovative and enduring distilled spirits companies in North America. Over 109 years in the making, Phillips continues to produce high-quality products using only the finest ingredients, sourced from around the globe. Phillips is consistently a pioneer in the spirits industry, from America's first schnapps in the 1930s to flavored vodka in the 1950s to flavored whiskey in the 1990s to organic spirits in the 2000s. The Phillips portfolio includes Phillips Spirits, UV Vodka, Prairie Organic Spirits, Revel Stoke Whiskies, Tomatin Scotch Whiskies, Trader Vic's Rums, and Douglas & Todd Small Batch Bourbon. The company is based in Princeton, Minn., with offices in St. Paul. For more information, go to phillipsdistilling.com.
About Newsweek
Newsweek is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 93-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people monthly with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. For more information, visit www.newsweek.com.
Media Contact
Zach Groth
VP, Top Shelf PR
groth@curichweiss.com
