Sweet Ice Tea and Vodka
Notes: Four times distilled and all natural – not a lot of other information on this vodka. Interesting formula for this vodka from what I understand- according to my understanding of their literature it is a 1/3 each mix of black tea,water and vodka to make a 80 proof product. Also caramel is added to the vodka for color (and side effect of sweetening).
Appearance: Tea colored, no sediment whatsoever. On swirling, it leaves a thin clear coat on the inside of the glass with very uniform scalloping that eventually looks like teardrops.
First Impression: Black tea and alcohol. Fruity notes coming from somewhere also.
Taste: Very sweet and almost syrupy ice tea with alcohol notes at first then astringent bite of hearty brewed tea dries up the tongue, then sweetness again. Almost more like a liqueur than a vodka- too thick and syrup like.
Drinks: On the plus side it stands up very well to any dilution – think of it as a concentrated sugar tea bomb to add other mixers to. There is a recipe for a Palmer (as in Arnold – the poster boy for liver transplants) calling for 1/2 and 1/2 this stuff and lemonade or just another drink which is just this stuff on the rocks with a lemon wedge either would be good (if not dangerous) on a hot day poolside.
Bottle: Clear glass generic bottle. Simple paper labels. Not a lot to describe. Obviously didn’t try to fool anyone with a fancy bottle.
Final Thoughts:Well it does provide two of my basic food groups – sugar and alcohol. Unlike the raspberry, I think this one is closer to being something you could use.
Web site: http://www.dukesvodka.com/
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