VODKA REPORT
Karven Grain Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $75, 50ml RRP $7 Quench Collective
Spiritual 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $59.99 Spiritual
White Sheep Co. Sheep Milk Vodka 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $64.95 Beverage Brothers
A small-batch grain vodka with a rich, smooth, rounded mouthfeel, a long finish and a hint of spicy floral character. It is made using artesian mineral water from an aquifer that sits beneath the Puhoi distillery north of Auckland, and fresh Manuka and Kanuka flowers during distillation.
Spiritual uses a fine grain spirit that is distilled seven times, blended with New Zealand artesian water and a hint of Manuka honey. It has a delicately honeyed aroma with a floral hint. The flavour is clean with a hint of sweetness and a smooth, warming finish. Awarded Gold at the Global Vodka Masters 2018, held by The Spirits Business.
Fermenting sheeps’ milk for 12 days using special yeasts prior to distillation in a traditional copper still creates this smooth, unique tasting vodka. A unique addition to any shelf, this vodka has plenty of body and delicate sheep milk notes. It won Gold and the Trophy for Best NZ Vodka at the NZ Spirits Awards 2019.
Karven Starka Vodka 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $80, 50ml RRP $7 Quench Collective
A contemporary take on a barrel-aged vodka that originated in Eastern Europe. The grain vodka is rested in virgin American oak barrels for six to eight weeks and infused with Manuka honey and a selection of botanicals, giving it its unusual (for a vodka) amber hue. It has aromas of oak, while on the palate it is creamy with notes of vanilla and honey, and a blend of wood and spice on the finish. Ideal as a sipping vodka. Reefton Wild Rain Vodka 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Beverage Brothers
A smooth, clean vodka that makes use of the abundant West Coast rain that filters its way down the Southern Alps. Crisp and and pure on the palate. Awarded Silver at the NZ Spirits Awards 2019.
56 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020
Stil 37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $39.99 Lion
A value pour vodka that is twice-distilled, filtered then blended with New Zealand spring water. ‘the reid’ Single Malt Vodka 44% ABV, 750ml RRP $110 Cardrona Distillery
Presented in a striking droplet-shaped bottle, this vodka is named for three of the Cardrona Distillery founders. It is made from a malted barley spirit base and twice distilled before it is blended with Cardrona alpine water. It is a rich, full-bodied vodka with a distinctive aroma of biscuit and banana on the nose. (The team at Cardrona refer to the ‘banoffee pie’ character). This continues on the palate with a slight banana sweetness, a hint of caramel and a warming finish.
ENGLAND Chase Aged Marmalade Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $91.99 Long Cloud Wines and Spirits
The aroma of juicy, freshly cut oranges rises from this pale straw-coloured vodka, which is also full of sweet orange on the palate, but not cloying. The intense orange character gives way to a lingering yet delicate bittersweet orange finish. Seville orange marmalade is used in the distillation, with the vodka then aged in oak for three months.