In 2009, everyone was saying vodka is dead. Food and Wine called it passé. The New York Times seemed a little iffy about vodka. Not everyone was fooled, especially us. Now, according to the LA Times, vodka is on the upswing with local mixologists, and it’s finally getting some respect. Both mixologists in the story agree that they don’t want to bury the vodka in mixers, and even suggesting that they want to taste the vodka. It’s nice to see some folks acknowledging vodka as more than just a “tasteless” alcohol delivery mechanism.