Notes: This vodka is one of the few raspberry vodkas that does not use a load of artificial raspberry flavouring, corn syrup and food coloring. It is made in Schiedam, Holland and is part of a large portfolio of flavored vodkas including, Citroen, Coconut, Double Espresso (Colored), Dutch Chocolate , Expresso, Mango, Melon, Orange, Pineapple, Pomegranate, 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: Raspberries and fruit esters, sweet grain smell, no off-notes, mild alcohol presence.

Taste: Thick, almost oily body to it – a signature of Van Gogh vodka- veryraspberry, right down to the telltale bitterness from the seed. If this was a fake/chemical raspberry you would not have the taste and the touch of spice/bitterness that comes from the seeds. Sweetish finish with alcohol notes.

Drinks: Great in some of their signature martinis. Also works well in mojitos or with bourbon and mint.

Final Thoughts: A vodka made with real raspberries not some chemical hellbroth from a plastic barrel. Careful maceration and distillations yield a excellent vodka without the raspberry seeds taking over the flavor (a hard trick). As a clear raspberry vodka it also allows for a cocktail that doesn’t look like a girlie drink but has all the fruit. Attractive pricing and more available year round than some other brands.

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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