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Smith called the flight a “step up in interest and complexity from the previous category, with a more developed character from some of these products”. Shaken, stirred or sipped neat, there are plenty of quality options to discover in this year’s results The “bright and elegant” Muff Vodka and Altumura Vodka with its “luxurious texture” took home Gold medals. Sarah Lawson, head of marketing for softs at SHS Drinks, added: “While this is the first time we’ve put the brand name to an alcohol product, all Bottlegreen drinks are crafted using specialist, flavour-enhancing processes traditionally employed by winemakers, so the alcohol category isn’t totally alien to us.” As evidenced by our Taste Master winner, perhaps a renewed focus on flavours from vodka producers will help to drive growth of the category.
Three Silvers were given out in the penultimate flight, Flavoured/Infused Vodka-Based Spirit Drink, including two for White Claw Spirits Co. While sales appear to be stagnant for the category in the US, producers continue to invest in new products, capitalising on trends such as sustainability, low-ABV and provenance. Even ready-to-drink brands, such as White Claw and Truly, have made moves into the vodka category as demand for hard seltzers falters.The team at Edwards have control of the whole process from the sowing and growing to the brewing and distilling – a true British soil to spirit vodka. Once the potatoes have been harvested and washed, they arrive in the distillery where every step of the process is watched by the meticulous eyes of the distilling team. They truly believe that quality British vodka made from locally grown, raw ingredients could transcend the popular craft market and conquer the premium spirits industry. They set out to prove that quality produce, originating from their own farms across Lincolnshire & beyond, could create a premium single-estate potato vodka, from a simple ingredient on their doorstep that they already knew so well. Filer said of the Premium flight: “A flight with impressive quality, considering the value of the products; some still have the distinctive ‘cheap vodka’ flavour and texture, but some present a balance and complexity that is impressive for the price point.”
The Smooth flight saw Desi Daru Mango Vodka take home another Master, enjoyed for its “lovely juicy mango on the nose” and “warming and smooth texture without excessive heat”. Despite ups and downs, vodka is still one of the world’s most popular spirits. As our judges discovered in The Vodka Masters 2023, the reason for this is quality liquid made with care and passion. This year’s medal winners demonstrated care and passion for crafting top-quality vodka Other Gold winners included: Into the Wild Vodka, with its “clean and neutral nose” and “spice and pepper”; “creamy and sippable” Tanzanite Vodka with its “touch of crushed pine needle freshness and lime zest”; “soft and floral” Riverland Rose Vodka; and Incognito Vodka, with its “creamy sweetness and tangy citrus” on the palate.Moving on to vodkas with different bases, and a flight of Grain Blend bottlings were sampled next. Golds were given to Meili Vodka, with its “vanilla and white chocolate” aroma, and Short Story Grain Vodka, described as “tangy and vibrant” with “lots of lime zest and a hint of fresh basil”. Silver medal winner Pur Sang completed the flight. Gold winner Maple Vodka was lauded for its “maple syrup and caramel on the nose” and “sweet and syrupy palate”. Other Gold medallists included Absolut Peppar, with its “fresh, savoury and pepper aroma”, and Sapling Zero Waste Raspberry + Hibiscus Vodka, with flavours of raspberry and a “hint of tropical, late peppery spice”. Eastern Europe saw Dima’s Vodka from Ukraine grab a Gold, praised for its “lemon and green apple on the nose” and “nutty and savoury mouthfeel”. A Silver went to Flirt Vodka from Bulgaria.
Edwards 1902 English potato vodka is crafted in Lincolnshire from a single variety of potato – the King Edward. The King Edward potato was first cultivated in 1902 in fields just a few miles away from the distillery.Six Golds and 13 Silvers were also awarded. Koskenkorva won three Golds for its 7 Botanicals, Lemon Lime Yarrow, and Sauna Barrel expressions. Bottlegreen, a UK-based premium cordial and Edwards 1902, a vodka made from potatoes, have teamed up to create an elderflower vodka liqueur. Their team members have been working separately on the creation of a new, premium spirit since 2013 but it wasn’t until three families’ paths crossed in 2018 that the Elsham Wold Distillery became a reality.
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