Notes: This vodka is not a flavored vodka in the usual sense of a vodka where someone added a flavor (natural or artificial ) as an essence or liquid flavoring agent. It is an infused vodka meaning that the vodka and the actual flavor ingredients spent some time together. Modern Spirits starts off with a base of wheat and potato vodkas at a much higher proof than what most people who are making infusions can (or even think of) get to do infusions. These are not one of those ‘Gee , I can do this at home’ kind of infusions.

They sell this vodka and the other varieties such as Black Truffle, Three Tea, Candied Ginger, Chocolate and Orange, Pear and Lavender, available in 375 ml bottles so you and a few friends can try them straight or in drinks without committing the money to a 750 ml. An important point, I think, because I hate spending money on a bottle I haven’t tried especially something flavored (as in what-can-you-do-with-it-if-you-don’t-like-it?). Although this should not be a problem due the the high quality of the ingredients and finished product.

Made with a blend of celery, peppercorn and other spices – it is a very savory and piquant vodka with the Modern Spirit complex flavor/bouquet profile. As they say in their literature, it seems blended more like a perfume than a vodka (by that I mean a skillful balancing of ingredients- not an analogy to what is going on in Russia at the moment with the vodka shortages).

Appearance: Bright color, crystal clear- no sediment whatsoever (all important points – especially in a flavored vodka). On swirling, it leaves a thin clear coat on the inside of the glass with long thin legs. Wonderful bright appearance.

First Impression: Spicy and green vegetal notes with alcohol smell in the background, the blending of the two types of vodka base play off each other well a very round alcohol smell – no trace of off notes or the smell of rubbing alcohol that many vodkas suffer from.

Taste: Vegetal, herbaceous, and slightly hot/spicy from the dried chilies and Malabar peppercorns. Wonderful aperitif or paired with food (see theirwebsite for some great suggestions).

Drinks: Well of course it make a outstanding Bloody Mary or a number of other tomato drinks. It could also be substituted for Aquavit or Gin in a number of drinks for a whole different flavor spin on a classic drink, their recipes represent a new way of thinking for many people as to the integration of a cocktail as a organic component of a meal, not a before or after separate component of a evening but the pairing and enhancement/amplification of a dish.

Bottle: Brilliantly clear glass,tall rectangular with rounded edges and heavy decanter type base bright modern label makes them easy to find on a shelf.

Final Thoughts: My final thoughts on the economics of spirits run a bit long so I am going to put the longer version on my blog. Short form is this is a outstanding handmade product that should be accorded the same respect as any gourmet ingredient.Yes, it is pricey compared to lesser vodkas, but if you are serious about your food ingredients you should be just if not more so about what you drink or pair with your food.

There is a distinct difference between a quality artisanal product and something that is just expensive for the sake of cachet. Also I must point out that you can use this as a flavoring and you use another good quality (preferably a potato vodka – see our vodka review section for ideas) to make up the vodka component so therefore your bottle of Modern Spirits goes a long way- and reduces your cost.

Website:http://www.modernspiritsvodka.com/

Well laid-out site, excellent recipes (the food pairing ideas and dinner examples are quite outstanding), lots of information on the different products and possibly most importantly how to get hold of them – which is something we always appreciate.