Notes: This Vodka is one of the few Chocolate vodkas that does not use a load of caramel and other noxious colorants to color their vodkas (and kill the taste). It is made in Schiedam, Holland and is part of a large portfolio of flavored vodkas including, a Citroen, Coconut, Double Espresso (Colored),Espresso, Mango, Melon, Orange, Pineapple, Raspberry, Vanilla, Wild Apple, and of course a regular “unflavored” version.

Appearance: Absolutely clear, on swirling, it leaves a a thick clear coat on the inside of the glass and a few legs developing slowly. It is however well-blended in that the essential oils do not separate from the alcohol base, a difficult trick when dealing with real, fresh ingredients. Well done!

First Impression: Roasted chocolate cocoa beans with only a hint or underlayment of alcohol in the background, wonderful chocolate alkali smell or real beans not some chemical equivalent developing, and some sweetness starting to peek through on warming.

Taste: Thick body, has a more butterscotch or a caramel taste than one would expect from the bouquet, sweetish finish with a little pucker/dryness from the coco beans. This does not have the creaminess of a milk chocolate but more the flavors and textures of a artisanal high cocoa chocolate bar – as it should be. As a spice trading nation (and at one time superpower),the Dutch have a much more discerning grasp of spices and a memory of how they should be – Americans seem to think everything should be bland and sugar sweet.This is not the case with this vodka.

Drinks: Makes a more manly chocolate martini and of course works very well in recipes, including desserts and sauces, that call for a more austere, drier form of chocolate than those oceans of Yohoo/Chocolate vodkas and drinks, and of course regular hot chocolate. Use this instead of sugar in your cup and you will have a more relaxed morning. A chocolate vodka for grownups. Finally!

Final Thoughts: A wonderful example of a chocolate vodka that is true to chocolate and not just some caramelized sugar and milk solids .As a clear chocolate vodka it also allows for a cocktail that doesn’t look like mud also.OK it costs more than most but quality isn’t free, and in the case of Van Gogh vodkas it is a fair price.

Bottle:A frosted yet distinctive tall cylindrical bottle square shoulders marvelous graphics and a clear window to a reverse silkscreen painting .Attractive graphics (as in all their series) and gold neck foil.

Web site:: http://www.vangoghvodka.com

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