Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/776532
january/february 2017 / the tasting panel / 87 "Van Gogh Vodka is a combination of three wheat alcohols from three different countries—Holland, Germany and France—each of which brings a unique flavor characteristic to Van Gogh due to a combination of local surroundings and climate where the crops are grown," says Tim Vos, third-generation Master Distiller for Van Gogh Vodka. "When combined, Van Gogh's triple wheat base is an example of where the sum is greater than the parts—the taste is nuanced and the smoothness is unparalleled." Flavored expressions receive equal attention to detail, as raw ingredients infuse each spirit with an authentic flavor that is evident the moment the bottle is opened: "We use a combination of distilling, infusing and maturing our raw materials together to obtain the level of accuracy you find with the Van Gogh flavors. Melon is a combination between Spanish cantaloupe and honey- dew, while the Açaí-Blueberry is a combination of açaí, blueberry, raspberry and almond distillate," Vos explains. In its expressive new makeover, Van Gogh Vodka is more of a masterpiece than ever. january/february Van Gogh Vodka "European grain laced with mineral undertones creates a soft and well-balanced spirit." —Tim Vos Florida Ginger ◗ 2 oz. Van Gogh Vodka ◗ ½ oz. fresh lemon juice ◗ ½ oz. hibiscus syrup ◗ ½ oz. Ruby Red grapefruit juice ◗ Top with ginger beer Build ingredients into a rocks glass with ice and roll back and forth. Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka "A brilliant aroma and flavors from the finest cocoa. Subtle undertones of caramel and coffee; long with a smooth cocoa finish." —T. V. Holland-Hattan ◗ 2 oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka ◗ 1 oz. sweet vermouth ◗ 2 dashes Angostura Bitters Shake ingredients very well with ice and strain over ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with cherries. Van Gogh Açaí-Blueberry Vodka "The nose features blueberry with a bit of raspberry and some nuts from the açaí. There is structure in the mouth, making this a sophisticated flavor softened by blueber- ries, raspberries and a hint of almond." —T. V. Lovin' The Blues ◗ 2 oz. Van Gogh Açaí-Blueberry Vodka ◗ ½ oz. cranberry juice ◗ ½ oz. fresh lime juice ◗ ½ oz. honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water, dissolved) ◗ 5 blueberries Muddle the blueberries in the lime juice and honey syrup. Add remaining ingredients with ice and shake well. Strain into a Martini glass. Garnish with two blueberries or raspberries and a lime wheel on a pick. Works of Art Jonathan Pogash, The Cocktail Guru and a frequent collabora- tor with Van Gogh Vodka on drink development and spirits education, designed these cocktails to allow each spirit to shine. "Today, we're again seeing bartenders appreciate vodka and realizing the cat- egory's importance to modern- day mixology," he says. "We demand products that are naturally produced; flavored vodkas that are high quality, unique, versatile in cocktails and above all else taste good—like Van Gogh vodkas." Tim Vos, third-generation Master Distiller for Van Gogh Vodka, offers his tasting notes on each spirit sipped neat. Tim Vos, third-generation Master Distiller for Van Gogh Vodka.