Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/39104
Flavor Forward Finds Anything as pure as vodka is just begging to get injected with just a tinge—if not a blast—of fl avor. Vodka producers have answered the challenge with infused and fl avored expressions that run the gamut from fresh and fruity to sapid and savory, from audacioualy herbal to brac- ingly citrusy . . . and beyond. Here are our favorite fl avor fi nds on shelves and backbars today. THE BRAND BAKON VODKA The vodka is quadruple-distilled entirely from Idaho Russet Burbank potatoes. The fi nal step entails re-distilling the vodka with a bacon infusion. The result is a silky smooth, 80-proof spirit that smells and tastes like peppered bacon straight off the griddle. BELVEDERE BLOODY MARY This all-natural rye spirit is the fi rst vodka developed for use in a specifi c drink. It’s produced by maceration using fresh tomatoes, black pepper, horseradish, bell and chili peppers, fresh lemons and vinegar distillate. The aromatic vodka has a lush body and waves of smoky, spicy and palate warming fl avors. CUPCAKE CHIFFON VODKA The handcrafted, 80-proof gem is distilled from grain and a touch of grape spirits by winemaker Adam Richardson and spirits authority Doug Frost at Cupcake Vineyards in Monterey County. The lemony Chiffon fl avor joins Original, Frosting and Devil’s Food versions for a party-ready line-up. KETEL ONE ORANJE Made in Schiedam, Holland, the small-batch vodka is distilled with the essence of Italian Mandarin oranges and Valencia oranges from Florida and Brazil. Oranje (oh-RON-yeh) has the fresh zesty orange fl avor and aroma found only in nature. SQUARE ONE ORGANIC BASIL Square One’s newest fl avor sensation is infused with the organic essence of four varieties of garden-fresh basil—Genovese, Thai, lemon and sweet. Then small amounts of organic coriander, honeysuckle and lemongrass are added to balance the spirit’s robust herbal character. It’s a vodka gin drinkers will adore. ZU ZUBRÓWKA This tantalizing rye vodka from Poland is infused with the fl avor of bison grass. Its essential oils imbue the vodka with a greenish tint, an herbaceous aroma and a spicy palate. In addition to being delicious, some say the vodka has aphrodisiac properties, while others contend it increases virility, vitality and strength. THE BASICS THE STATS ORIGIN: Idaho, USA DISTLLED FROM: potatoes SRP: $27.95 SUPPLIER: Black Rock Spirits THINK WHILE YOU DRINK One of our favorite cuts of pork. 1 5 2 3 4 8 4 6 7 9 ORIGIN: Poland DISTLLED FROM: rye SRP: $34.95 SUPPLIER: Moët Hennessy USA Let’s do Belve brunch! ORIGIN: California, USA DISTLLED FROM: grain and grapes SRP: $18.95 SUPPLIER: Cupcake Vineyards ORIGIN: Netherlands DISTLLED FROM: grain SRP: $27.95 SUPPLIER: Diageo North America Cheers to the Dutch Princes of Orange. Hey, who doesn’t love cupcakes? ORIGIN: USA DISTLLED FROM: grain SRP: $27.95 SUPPLIER: Square One Organic Spirits Look for Thai basil’s licorice- like fl avor. ORIGIN: Poland DISTLLED FROM: rye SRP: $26.95 SUPPLIER: Rémy Cointreau USA Home on the range, Polish-style. august 201 1 / the tasting panel / 79