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The second panel was chaired by Bryan Rodriguez-Curtis, wine and spirits buyer at Harvey Nichols, who was joined by: Antony Moss MW; Evan Prousaefs, bar manager at Sexy Fish in London; and Tatti Sukamongkol, wine and spirits specialist, and contributor to Malt Review. The four Gold medallists were Dutch Barn Vodka, Baxter Vodka, Von Est Wheat Vodka, and Altamura Distilleries Vodka. The latter expression delivered aromas of “orchard fruits” and was found to be “well balanced”. Two vodkas were viewed as deserving of Silver medals for their smooth qualities. Fellow Gold medallist Saaremaa Vodka delivered a “creamy mouthfeel with a hint of sugar syrup and underlying cereal notes”. Two Silver medals were also awarded in this flight. Sparvoli said: “For the price I would say I was positively impressed.”
Other Golds went to Koskenkorva Vodka Climate Action, enjoyed for its “delicate sweetness and hints of white chocolate and earthy spice”, the “sweet and earthy” Jean Marc XO Vodka, and the “clean and crisp” White Claw Spirits Triple Wave Filtered Premium Vodka. The Dutch vodka made a strong impression on Proussaefs in particular, who was an admirer for its “lemon peel and freshly cut grass” on the nose, and its “long aftertaste, finished by a hint of bitterness” on the mouth. Desi Daru is more than just a vodka brand. It embodies a meeting of two worlds, a marriage between East and West – a combination of the spiritual and the spirited, for a spirit like no other. With the creamy tones of English wheat and the smooth texture of the natural mineral water, this is a vodka that straddles a unique line between boldness and subtlety, creating a memorable drinking experience that is as rich as it is clean.The Best of Category Flavored Vodka, Distilled Spirit, is Heritage Distilling Company Lavender Flavored Vodka. Smith said: “There are some real bargains to be had here, which means that quality can be affordable, but as with every category, not all vodkas are equal.” The Best of Category Bottled & Blended Vodka was Towpath Distillery, Vodka. The distillery describes its vodka as:
Stablemate Koskenkorva Vodka 7 Botanicals also lived up to the Master standard, with its “Asian‐style citrus and sweet notes; soft and balanced”, said Athavia. And also deemed Master‐worthy was Manchester Spirit Flavoured Botanical Vodka Grapefruit. Master‐winning Koskenkorva Vodka Sauna Barrel intrigued the judges with its uniqueness: “Lovely and tasty, somewhat like an unusual aquavit,” noted Gorn. “This was special. Lovely fresh vanilla notes with a touch of toasted wood and smoke.”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.” Desi Daruco-founder, Mohit Singh says: “It is the perfect marriage of East and West and we are thrilled the judges agree and have honoured us with such a prestigious accolade.
Besides impressing the judges with its sustainable principles, this vodka proved it was easy on the mouth and nose too, with one judge praising its “floral bubblegum’’ and “tart tannic grape” notes, that came with ”lots of almond and cherry”. This year’s Vodka Masters headed to the Hippodrome in London, where three panels of judges were tasked with dishing out medals to worthy entrants. However, they all produce superlative vodkas and are well worth seeking out. Once again, ADI has done a superb job identifying the craft distillery industry’s up-and-coming vodka producers. Winning five Master medals at The Vodka Masters helps us further position ourselves at the top bars – not just in London but in the world.”
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Referred to as ‘the King of Mangos’ in India, the fruit is described as ‘the sun-yellow jewel in the crown of Desi Daru’s flavoured vodka’, and offers a taste of the tropical.
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