Vodka may seem like an uncomplicated spirit, but it has come a long way from its 9th century origins as a humble “bread wine” in Eastern Europe. Whilst many still enjoy vodka in the classic way—neat, on the rocks or in familiar mixed drinks—there are a growing number of artisanal vodka producers experimenting with distinctive new flavours and production techniques. From unusual base ingredients to unexpected infusions, these unique vodkas offer spirit lovers, mixologists and enthusiasts an exciting array of options waiting to be discovered.
What Makes a Vodka Truly Unique?
Typically distilled to showcase purity and lack of discernible aroma or flavour, many modern vodka makers are bucking tradition in their quest for distinction. Unusual base ingredients now extend from milk and honey to quinoa, tomatoes and beyond, introducing new taste dimensions to this neutral spirit. Custom infusions with unexpected flavours—from chocolate to chilli, tea to cannabis—also provide opportunity for creativity. By tweaking distillation rigs and playing with filtration methods, some producers create intriguing and even creamy textures to delight the palate. The result is a new breed of distinctive artisanal vodkas that offer a fascinating point of difference for the adventurous sipper.
Noteworthy Producers Pushing the Boundaries
“I’m especially impressed by Empirical Spirits in New York,” says revered London mixologist Charles Schaub. “They take a scientific approach to flavour development with fabulous vodka expressions like a British-inspired custard and an award-winning chilli vodka with real warmth and depth.”
Fellow Brits should also feel proud of Black Cow Vodka, completely made from the milk of grass-grazed West Country cows and filtered through activated charcoal for exceptional smoothness. With sustainability at its core, Sweden’s small-batch Balance Vodka draws pure, soft water from its own farm wells to distill a quality organic spirit from local wheat and barley. And for those who think vodka should focus on provenance not pizazz, Italy’s Principe Vodka offers a back-to-basics style distilled using juice from sweet San Marzano tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions from an Expert
When first tasting these distinctive vodkas, small chilled shots make it easier to appreciate their pure textures and flavours. A premium tonic water can then reveal how different infusion ingredients introduce wonderful botanical aromas. “For cocktails, milk-based vodkas work beautifully shaken with ice into creamy espresso martinis or served straight up with a dash of coffee liqueur after dinner—rather perfect during a British winter!” suggests Charles. More robust infusions have great potential too, from Bloody Marys with chilli vodka to chocolate martinis with orange.
So why not try one of these creative vodkas next time? Your taste buds are in for an exciting surprise. And please do share your own discoveries of unique flavours and intriguing new brands worth seeking out. The world of vodka has much still left to explore!