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And Celebrates Third Best Vodka Rank and “Best Buy” Award from Beverage Testing Institute

MORIN-HEIGHTS, QC, Sept. 17, 2024 /CNW/ – Dirty Devil Vodka®, the audacious and fast-growing Canadian premium brand known for its “Smooth as Hell” character and innovative production techniques, continues to make waves in the spirits industry with a series of remarkable achievements.

Dirty Devil Vodka is proud to announce the signing of legendary hockey goaltender Martin Brodeur as their Brand Ambassador. Martin Brodeur holds the record as the NHL’s all-time winningest goalie, with 3 Stanley Cups to his name and a well-earned spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

“We are thrilled to be associated with the greatest goaltender of all time, Martin Brodeur,” said François Tremblay, President and Founder of Dirty Devil Vodka. “His achievements on the ice may never be surpassed, and we look forward to partnering with Martin to further build consumer awareness of Dirty Devil Vodka in major hockey markets.”

In 2024, Dirty Devil Vodka was awarded the third-highest ranking and a prestigious “Best Buy” Award from the US-based Beverage Testing Institute, excelling past numerous rivals. These honors emphasize Dirty Devil Vodka’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and value.

Additionally, 2024 marked another remarkable year for Dirty Devil Vodka as it served as the Official Vodka for both the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the ATP National Bank Open hosted by Rogers in Toronto and Montreal. The event experienced a surge in demand, with visitors frequently requesting the brand’s signature Dirty Devil Dragon Fruit Lemonade.

The brand’s presence continues to grow throughout North America, now reaching markets in Quebec, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, the northeastern United States, North Carolina, Florida, and more than 75 hotels and resorts in Mexico.

Recently, one of Dirty Devil Vodka’s most exciting introductions occurred in Nevada, beginning in Las Vegas, the world’s entertainment hub, where it swiftly became popular among selective patrons.

“We’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Tremblay. “From our partnerships with leading sports organizations and luminaries to our growing international footprint, Dirty Devil Vodka is poised for even greater success as we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what a vodka brand can achieve.”

About Dirty Devil Vodka
Dirty Devil Vodka is a Canadian premium vodka brand renowned for its Smooth as Hell taste, innovative oxygen-rich production process, and edgy branding. Distilled five times and filtered three times, Dirty Devil Vodka (42% ABV) is crafted from non-GMO corn, is gluten-free and additive-free, contains zero carbs, and boasts only 66.6 calories per serving (1 fl. oz.). Dirty Devil Vodka is available in leading retail and on-premise locations across North America and Mexico. Enjoy responsibly.

SOURCE Dirty Devil Vodka

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2024/17/c6585.html

ANOKA, Minn. (FOX 9) – A man who fled from Anoka police during a traffic stop on Monday had to be saved from the Rum River, according to the sheriff’s department.

The chase started around 3:49 p.m. when an officer tried to pull over a vehicle on Saint Francis Blvd close to the Anoka County Fairgrounds. The driver subsequently crashed his car and fled on foot.

Eventually, the individual found himself in the Rum River, located not far from the fairgrounds.

Rescue teams located him in the river’s water and extracted him. They performed revival techniques before he was transported to the hospital.

Details remain uncertain regarding why police tried to intercept a man and the reasons for his flight from law enforcement. The investigation is active, and deputies are withholding additional information at this time.

The current health status of the man is also undisclosed.

Wolves Whiskey

Wolves Whiskey is debuting its first flagship American single malt, marking a significant transition for the brand from producing limited editions to offering a year-round product. This new release represents a key moment for the California whiskey maker as it aims to establish itself as a major contender within the emerging American single malt category.

American single malt sales have been on a tear for the last few years, prompting even the biggest of the big American whiskey giants like Jack Daniel’s, Bulleit and High West to release their own single malts. The American single malt whiskey market is currently estimated to be around $300 million, which compared to the overall American whiskey market valued at more than $9.2 billion might seem fractional, but it’s nothing to ignore.

Wolves Whiskey president Jennifer Marks, whose resume includes experience at Moët Hennessy, Pernod Ricard and AMASS Brands, describes this launch as a natural progression for the brand, which was founded in Los Angeles in 2017.

“The creation of the American single malt category opened a window of opportunity for new, distinct expressions of American whiskey,” Marks tells Forbes. “For us, that meant creating a liquid representative of the American West which, as a region, is a perfect mix of our traditions and innovation. We see our whiskey as appealing to anyone with that same sense of adventure, whether they are a new enthusiast or a traditional whiskey lover.”

American single malt is a whiskey made entirely from malted barley, distilled at a single distillery in the United States, and aged in new or used oak barrels. It must adhere to specific guidelines, including being distilled to no more than 160 proof and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.

Wolves’s take on American single malt whiskey was aged for five years in California wine barrels in the Arizona heat before being finished in aged Cognac casks.

“The concept of secondary maturation has always fascinated us,” Marks says. “The whiskey industry’s growing embrace of this technique presented an opportunity and a path to create something special in the space. Our paramount concern was to maintain the integrity of the base whiskey, using secondary maturation as a tool to enhance, not mask, its original character.”

The whiskey described possesses a complex and rich flavor profile, featuring nuances of ripe red fruit, honey, and spiced oats.

“We opted for a Cognac finish to achieve a blend that is both gentle and bold,” Marks explains. “Cognac is known for its aromas of dried fruit, caramel, honey, and toffee—elements that we felt would perfectly enhance our blend.”

The design of the whiskey packaging drew inspiration from the rugged allure of the American West, crafted to convey a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic.

“Our goal was to narrate the brand’s story via our packaging choices, which are both bold and unconventional, from the deep Pacific hue of the label to the prominent, vertically oriented wordmark,” Marks comments. “In tribute to a wolf’s notable spatial memory, we incorporated topographical linework that was blind embossed on the label. It’s a subtle, yet pivotal, element of design that narrates a broader story about the diverse landscapes of the Western coast, and natural age symbols like tree trunk rings.”

Marks emphasized the importance of valuing their loyal customers by informing them first about the new launch through their allocation list, consistent with the brand’s commitment to its roots in local craft distilling.

“Our focus on consumer preferences extends beyond our products. We are genuinely interested in their other likes such as drinks, dining places, and travel destinations,” she stated.

As Wolves Whiskey begins to offer products year-round, Marks mentioned that the brand will continue adapting based on consumer trends and will retain its high-quality collaborations and limited edition releases. The new Wolves Whiskey American Single Malt will retail at $90 per bottle, a significant shift from their previous limited editions priced between $220 and $305.

“Consistency is crucial in our approach to establishing a luxury brand,” Marks commented. “This involves a deep commitment to our product, investing in our brand for the long term, maintaining creative freedom, and dedicating time. It’s a disciplined investment we are enthusiastic about.”

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Welcome to “Small Bites,” a feature from the South Florida Sun Sentinel focused on brief news snippets from the food and beverage industry. Perfect for those moments when a lengthy article is too much, but a tasty morsel of information will do. Enjoy your nibble of news!

WHAT: It’s an event that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The third annual Rum Cake and Caribbean Black Cake Fest is set to take place again at the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum located in the Broward Mall in Plantation. This gathering will feature a range of rum cakes reflecting the diverse Spanish, French, and Dutch Caribbean traditions, in addition to the much-loved dark fruit and plum puddings, commonly known as black cakes.

Attendees are welcome to sample these delights and then buy slices or entire cakes. Orders can also be placed for upcoming festive occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. While there, guests have the opportunity to explore the museum which showcases exhibitions and artifacts highlighting Caribbean culture and history.

“Rum cake and black cake are quintessentially Caribbean foods. They are a genuine cultural connector of all our nations,” says Island SPACE board president Calibe Thompson. “This was one of our best-attended annual events in 2023, and we expect it to grow more each year. People have an amazing time enjoying the entertainment and togetherness vibes.”

WHEN: 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20

WHERE: Island SPACE Caribbean Museum in Broward Mall, 8000 W. Broward Blvd., No. 1202, Plantation

COST: $15 in advance; $20 at the door

INFORMATION: 954-999-0989; islandspacefl.org

EXTRA TIDBITS:

Vodka, naturally nearly tasteless, serves as an ideal base for infusing flavors such as garlic. Historically, this practice has been quite common in Russia and Poland, where vodka has been flavored with a variety of herbs, vegetables, and botanicals for centuries. Among the popular variants, Russian bison grass vodka is particularly noted for its distinctive vegetal taste and potential health benefits. Despite the availability of Flavored vodkas in stores, creating your custom infusion at home is simple. For garlic lovers, preparing garlic-infused vodka can offer a delightful new twist to be enjoyed neat or in a flavorful cocktail. A good guideline is to add a whole head of garlic per liter of vodka. You have two main methods to choose from, both yielding delicious results.

Firstly, select a high-quality, smooth premium vodka. For the initial method, start by peeling and slightly crushing each clove of garlic. Insert these cloves into your vodka bottle, secure the cap, and shake well. Store this in a cool, dark environment for a minimum of two days, shaking the bottle daily. After two days, taste the infusion and decide if the garlic flavor meets your preference. For a more intense flavor, continue the infusion process for a couple more days, tasting daily until satisfied. Once perfect, strain the vodka using cheese cloth into a jar, discard the garlic cloves, and return the vodka to its original bottle.

Explore more at 13 Liquors Your Home Bar Should Have

The second method involves pouring vodka into a Mason jar and adding sliced garlic. Allow the garlic to infuse for 24 hours before straining the mixture with a coffee filter to remove the solids and returning the vodka to its bottle. If the flavor is too mild, allow it to infuse longer until it achieves the desired intensity. For those who find raw garlic too overpowering, roasting the garlic before infusing can yield a milder, sweeter result. After perfecting garlic vodka, consider experimenting with other flavors like basil, ginger, rosemary, or even habanero for a spicy kick.

Once you’ve crafted your “vampire defense” vodka, consider the best cocktails to pair it with. A savory direction seems fitting. This garlic-infused vodka will certainly spice up a classic Bloody Mary and its Canadian relative, the Bloody Caesar. Swapping in garlic vodka in place of regular vodka could also turn the James Bond-inspired Vesper Martini into something extraordinary. Given that garlic is a typical ingredient in dill pickles, it’s an intriguing idea to create a Pickle Martini using garlic vodka. A Dirty Martini, which can be made with either gin or vodka, would taste great with the addition of garlic-infused vodka, enhancing its blend with olive juice.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

Ketel One is putting accessible QR codes on the packaging of its products.

It turns out, food labels can be accessible too.

Vodka maker Ketel One on Monday announced it’s “the world’s first spirits brand” to incorporate accessible QR codes onto its packaging. The company said this endeavor is rooted in inclusivity, noting it makes its vodka more accessible to people who are Blind and low vision. The products are scheduled to be on store shelves later this month.

Notably, the New York-based Ketel One said in its press release the accessible QR codes are detectable by so-called “class-leading accessibility apps” such as Microsoft’s Seeing AI and Be My Eyes. The codes were created by mixed reality company Zappar in collaboration with Britain’s Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

In an exclusive interview prior to the recent announcement, Zappar’s marketing chief, Dave Mather, shared that his company is focused on enhancing the way people interact with food packaging. He expressed the belief that everyone should have equal access to such information, deeming it a fundamental right. According to Mather, the project started approximately three years ago when Unilever and RNIB began exploring ways to make QR codes more accessible for individuals with disabilities, as Unilever was incorporating them into food labels by the billions. He noted the challenges due to limited space on labels and highlighted Zappar’s role in using their expertise in color schemes and scalable scanning technologies. Mather mentioned in reference to a press release by Ketel One that Zappar’s technology allows QR codes to be scanned from a distance, enabling accessibility tools on smartphones to vocalize the content encoded within the QR code. He credited RNIB for playing a crucial role by offering specialized advice and conducting research to understand not just the technological challenges but also how to present information in a way that is easily understood.

Mather emphasized the growing trend of QR codes and the importance of making them accessible. He discussed the collaborative efforts between Ketel One, Zappar, RNIB, and others as a realization of this need.

Mather added, “There’s a movement towards QR codes on products. By aligning with purpose-driven brands and legislative changes, and working with innovators like Ketel One and Diageo, we have the chance to drive significant impact. Opportunities like this don’t come often… it’s an exhilarating time. This is just the beginning. There’s much more to do, but the prospects are promising.”

Sam Salameh, the Vice President of vodka at Diageo North America, shared Mather’s sentiments.

“At Diageo, we’ve always been driven by innovation and a desire to elevate every consumer’s experience,” he said in a statement provided to me. “When the Nolet family came across this incredible technology over two years ago, we knew it could be a game-changer. By adding AQR technology, we’re not just enhancing the convenience and premium quality of our cocktails, but we’re also working to make them more accessible to everyone. It’s a natural next step in our commitment to delivering exceptional products that cater to all consumers of legal drinking age.”

Salameh continued: “We believe that our products have the power to bring people together, whether it’s for special moments or everyday enjoyment. Implementing AQR technology into Ketel One was an easy decision for us—it allows us to offer a more inclusive shopping experience for consumers who are blind or have low vision. It’s about creating a world where everyone can interact with and enjoy our premium brands.”

When asked about feedback, Mather told me the response to these accessible QR codes because “we’re moving the needle at all.” He acknowledged that viewpoint is a low bar, as it represents a sad state of affairs for inclusivity—but it’s notable nonetheless. People in the blind and low vision community, he said, are ecstatic because the technology enables them to shop with agency and autonomy and live independently.

“I think that sense of empowerment and access that information is incredibly compelling,” Mather said. “We know that to be true. I think that’s a really interesting thing as well.”

Looking towards the future, Mather said the retail environment is ripe for disruption in terms of how to make them more accessible to the disability community. Common tasks like moving about different aisles, he said, can be augmented with the kind of technology used to build the QR codes. Mather was cagey about an in-progress partnership around this idea, but was enthused about what he and team are working on. As to accessibility generally, Mather said it’s an area that Zappar is “extremely passionate about” and that the company is fortunate to work with partners like Unilever and Diageo who are similarly impassioned. The plan long-term. Is to keep engaging with the disability community with the mission of serving them to the best of their abilities, because Mather reiterated the notion that access to technology is a fundamental human right. QR codes may seem like small details to the masses, but making them accessible turns the profundity meter up significantly.

“If enough people do enough meaningful things in the world, then change can happen,” Mather said.

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Two glasses of bourbon clink together in celebration. At the recent IWSC American whisky Judging, four American whiskeys captured Gold Outstanding medals.

The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) bestowed Gold Outstanding medals on four American whiskeys, while 23 others received Gold medals during the North American whiskey judging. This event, taking place in Kentucky during the week of September 9th, was the first of its kind to be held in North America by the IWSC. Over 300 whiskey expressions earned medals, with the four top medalists each scoring notable 98/100 points.

The standout bourbon, and sole recipient of a Gold Outstanding medal, was Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company, Toasted Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, No-Age Statement, 55.5% ABV, 750 ml.

According to the official IWSC Judging Panel, this whisky was rated as “outstanding,” highlighting its exceptional qualities.

… opens with captivating aromas of rich oak integrated with vibrant orchard fruit and warm cinnamon. The palate reveals layers of caramel, delicate nuttiness, and a hint of pepper, all enveloped in a creamy embrace. A wonderfully extended finish with complex notes of both grain and barrel.

These results supplement an earlier judging of American whiskies in June in the United Kingdom.

The top American rye whisky was Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Bulleit Rye 10 YO American Straight Rye Whiskey, 45.6% ABV, 750 ml.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as featuring aromas of:

rich caramel and warm leather with whispers of green tea and lively cinnamon spice. A velvety mouthfeel reveals layers of dark cherry and blackcurrant, leading to a bright, chocolate-orange finish and delightful rye spice.

The top-ranked blended whisky was Coors Spirits Co., Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 Blended American Whiskey, 58.1% ABV, 750 ml. Coors Spirits, a subsidiary of the Colorado-based beer titan, has been steadily winning awards in international spirits competitions.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as featuring:

Big enticing aromas of malted cereal, sweet creamy milk chocolate and crisp red berries. The deliciously silky palate drips with the flavors of candied spiced nuts. A gorgeous mouthfeel that boasts a satisfyingly velvety finish.

The top American Single Malt was Virginia Distilling Company, Cabernet Cask Select American Single Malt Whiskey, 46.5% ABV, 750 ml.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as:

Solid, well-crafted, and well balanced. The nose reveals a captivating medley of savoury herbs and subtle vegetal notes, inviting exploration. On the palate, vibrant red grape and raisin harmonize beautifully, culminating in a smooth, well-integrated finish that lingers delightfully.

Fourteen bourbon expressions won Gold medals. The list of winners included familiar names and newer craft distillers, with several unexpected victors among the Gold medal recipients.

Ammunition Wine & Whiskey, Ammunition Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Garrard County Distilling Company, All Nations Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company, One Cask Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Nelson’s Green Briar Distillery, Reserve Bourbon; 15 Stars, Triple Cask II Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; and Luxco – Ross & Squibb Distillery, Remus Gatsby Reserve 15 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey;

Elgin Distillery, Arizona Straight Bourbon [Rye 24%], was one of the few non-Kentucky or Tennessee-based distillers to win a Gold medal, as was TX Whiskey, TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Also winning a Gold medal was Peg Lake Porker Spirits, Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey White Label; Blue Run Spirits, Blue Run Reflection II Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Blanton Distilling Company; Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; O. H. Ingram River Aged Whiskey, 2024 Flagship Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; World Whisky Society, Doc Holiday; and Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., High Rye Bourbon Kentucky Straight Whiskey.

See the IWSC website for a complete listing of all of the medalists.

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11 barrels of ‘Refuge Manx Rum’ have been securely stored at the iconic monument for nearly a year

Recently, a team from The Fynoderee Distillery welcomed Lieutenant Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer, Lady Lorimer, and their guests at Conister Rock to examine the 11 barrels of Fynoderee’s maturing Refuge Manx Rum, placed within the Tower of Refuge last September.

The Refuge Manx Rum represents the peak of a fundraising collaboration Fynoderee launched with the RNLI to honor the Isle of Man’s significant contribution to establishing the lifesaving organization by Sir William Hillary 200 years ago.

The visitors at the Tower sampled the new rum directly from the barrels, (which at 45% ABV certainly warmed the bones), and were briefed on the intricate process involved in crafting this unique rum at Fynoderee’s distillery in Ramsey.

They were also briefed on the impressive logistical feat of manoeuvring the heavy barrels into position and safely securing them for what has been nearly a year under lock and key inside the iconic monument.

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Fynoderee Distillery’s head mixologist, Ryan Corlett, was present to craft ‘Refuge Rum Old Fashioned’ cocktails, which were savored on the shingle beach facing the tower.

As the tide climbed, Ramsey harpist Arabella Ayen played Manx music for the gathered guests, marking possibly the first time music was performed on Conister Rock.

Fynoderee co-founder Tiffany Kerruish expressed: ‘We are very grateful to His Excellency and Lady Lorimer for their enthusiasm and backing of this venture, thus we were thrilled to host them on this outing, enabled by Jason Flemming and Phil Adams of Sea Eagle Rib Charters.’

“What began as Paul’s quirky concept has, thanks to the cooperation of numerous contributors, advanced to the point where we now relish the outcomes of our hard work.”

“As anticipated, spending a year in the Tower’s moist, saline-rich stonework has endowed the dormant spirit with a rich, historic nautical essence, creating an exceptional and savory golden Manx rum characterized by notes of toasted oak, vanilla, salted caramel, and bourbon.”

“We are nearing the announcement of the pre-sale for our historic, limited edition ‘Refuge Manx Rum’. We encourage everyone interested to subscribe to our newsletter to receive early notifications.”

Paul Kerruish further noted, “The forthcoming tasks remain daunting – what was stored in the Tower must now be removed, and we have plans to extract the barrels in the next few weeks.”

‘They will be brought back to the distillery in Ramsey for disgorging, cutting to a bottling strength of 45% abv, bottling, and then labelling.

‘We are going to be presenting Refuge Manx Rum in bespoke individual wooden crates with a commemorative booklet.

‘20% of all sales will be donated by Fynoderee to the RNLI so we really hope that the public will get behind us and make Refuge Manx Rum the Christmas present of choice for 2024.’

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Hailing from Schiedam, Holland, Ketel One vodka stands as a prominent figure in the spirits industry. Particularly favored by bartenders for its mixability, Ketel One was established in 1983 by the Nolet family’s 10th generation, well-known for their historical Nolet Distillery. The creation of Ketel One was driven by the ambition to craft the ideal vodka for cocktails. Even after several decades, the brand stays at the forefront of innovation within the alcohol and bar industry through its introduction of different flavored vodkas such as Citroen, Oranje, and the Botanical series.

These Ketel One flavors complement a diverse array of other popular vodka brands, stretching from names like Smirnoff and Svedka to Absolut. Flavored vodkas are primarily utilized to enhance the tastes in mixed drinks, extending from fruity to citrus profiles, and experimenting with unique combinations such as orange blossom or cucumber with mint.

For enthusiasts keen on discovering the ideal Ketel One vodka tailored for their tastes, I will evaluate the brand’s current offerings. I’ll analyze these options based on their intricate flavor combinations, ultimately selecting the top recommendation. Even if vodka is not usually your favorite spirit, the top contender on this list might just sway your preference.

Some recommendations are based on firsthand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer.

Read more: 13 Liquors Your Home Bar Should Have

Ketel One Citroen vodka is crafted with four types of lemon and two types of lime, aiming to achieve a spirit that’s fresh and rich in citrus flavors. However, it disappointingly doesn’t hit the mark of being fresh or tasteful. The citrus nuances are subdued by the 40% alcohol content, resulting in an 80-proof vodka that is dominantly alcoholic in taste.

The appearance of the Citroen bottle is visually pleasing, featuring a frosted glass look with splashes of yellow adding vibrancy. Yet, upon opening, it releases a strong smell resembling citrus-scented nail polish remover. This aroma confirms the dominance of alcohol in this vodka, echoed by its flavor. The taste of citrus is faint, lacking distinct notes of lime or lemon.

This vodka could potentially be suitable for a martini with a twist if that’s your preferred cocktail, as it won’t overpower the drink with lemony flavors. The addition of vermouth and a lemon garnish might help soften the vodka’s harshness. Nonetheless, drinking this vodka straight is less than ideal; it’s far from the smooth experience advertised by the brand, feeling more burning on the tongue and unpleasant on the nose when consumed on its own.

Ketel One’s orange vodka skillfully blends Valencia and mandarin oranges, enhancing the brand’s range with a more vibrant and distinct orange freshness. Oranje possesses a potent orange scent that introduces a tropical nuance to its flavor profile, while maintaining a 40% alcohol by volume. This flavor profile makes it an ideal choice for summer drinks, presenting a welcoming mild sweetness upon opening.

Compared to the Citroen variety, Oranje is noticeably smoother, making it potentially more suitable for drinking neat or over ice. The subtle sweetness is likely attributed to the Valencia oranges, known for their balanced sweet and tart characteristics. These oranges retain their sweetness after being exposed to air, unlike others that might turn bitter. This characteristic makes them a popular choice for orange juice, and in Oranje, they ensure a lasting sweetness throughout the consumption of the bottle.

While the mandarin element is subtler, it enhances the tropical scents of this vodka, as mandarins are often noted for their citrusy, floral aroma. Although the two orange varietals are blended smoothly, they distinctly contribute to creating a singular, enjoyable flavor in Ketel One Oranje.

In line with Ketel One’s Botanical series, the peach and orange blossom variant also boasts natural flavoring without the use of artificial additives. Like other spirits in this series, which all possess a 30% alcohol by volume, these flavored vodkas contain no additional sugar. Despite the absence of extra sugar, the pronounced peach flavor remains pleasant and satisfying to drink.

Scents play a crucial role in setting the first impression of various foods and beverages, and Ketel One has successfully captured this essence with their bottle. The aroma of this flavored vodka is akin to a warm, tropical, fruity candle, enticing like a carefully mixed beverage tempting you to indulge. Although the scent is more pronounced than the flavor, this peach and orange blossom variant stands out as the smoothest and most palatable in their flavored range to date.

The distillation process includes botanicals to embed the peach and orange blossom flavors directly into the vodka. While the orange blossom is subtle, its absence isn’t felt due to the dominant and delightful peach flavor. This makes it enjoyable straight, without the need for mixing. Nevertheless, it would also complement a sweet cocktail, such as a cosmopolitan, enhancing the versatility of the Ketel One Botanical for various drinking preferences.

Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose vodka is also a top contender, equally celebrated for its aroma and flavor. The fragrance features a floral note from the rose paired with a prominent grapefruit presence. Yet, in taste, it is the rose that dominantly flavors the vodka, bordering on overwhelming but maintaining a delightful balance. This rose flavor addition enriches the beverage.

You will notice a subtle sweetness in this vodka that contributes to its overall smoothness, making it suitable for neat consumption or served on the rocks. For those who prefer mixed beverages, it blends superbly into a cosmopolitan due to its floral and sweet notes that align well with the cocktail’s character. Like the other Ketel One variants, the pleasant and strong aroma enhances the drinking experience, with the grapefruit and rose vodka tasting as enchanting as a high-quality candle smells.

If you’re a fan of unflavored spirits, you’re in luck. At 40% ABV, the original Ketel One Family Made Vodka bottle stands strong among its flavored counterparts — proving that simplicity often prevails. This traditional vodka is characterized by a smooth texture and a crisp taste. It’s comparable to the brand’s Botanical Cucumber & Mint, albeit less intensely vegetal.

Vodka is generally known for its neutral flavor profile, and this Ketel One bottle is no exception. It offers a smooth, almost creamy texture, with the taste of alcohol being distinct yet not overpowering. Hence, it serves as an excellent base for any cocktail, ranging from espresso martinis to bloody marys. Ultimately, the quality of vodka is enhanced by the flavors with which it mixes, and Ketel One has nearly perfected its original formula, making it an ideal choice for vodka-based drinks.

The Ketel One Botanical Cucumber & Mint vodka stands out due to its versatility and broad appeal. Its aroma is predominantly vegetal, so much so, it’s reminiscent of tequila. This makes it an attractive option for tequila lovers who are exploring vodkas, whether it be for an evening or a more permanent switch.

Initially, I anticipated a robust mint flavor, but it turned out to be quite the opposite. The cucumber leads the flavor profile, rendering this vodka exceptionally refreshing and suitable for neat consumption. The mint adds a subtle zest, enhancing the balance and roundedness of the flavors. This flavored vodka is perfect for a vodka-based mojito recipe or to innovate a spritz cocktail. Its refreshing nature was a pleasant surprise, striking a perfect balance between maintaining vodka’s simplicity and infusing excitement into each sip. Among all the Ketel One varieties, this one is my top preference.

Each variety of Ketel One vodka was sampled neat after being chilled. The most appreciated flavors were those with a balanced taste profile, smooth on the palate, emphasizing the neutral character typical of vodka over the alcoholic bite. Flavors that seemed most adaptable—suitable for mixing in various cocktails or enjoyable on their own—received the highest ratings. Preference was also given to those flavors I would revisit and recommend as staples for vodka enthusiasts or those new to vodka.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

For whiskey lovers, perusing the kaleidoscope of light amber to darker mahogany spirits in the liquor store is an experience to relish. Seemingly endless choices fill the shelves, but only one will end up filling your glass. Understanding this, a touch of FOMO commonly creeps in. With so many options, how can you determine which one you’ll enjoy the most? Which browns are best, and can you know if a whiskey is good just by looking at it?

To get answers, Foodie contacted Chris Blatner, an executive bourbon steward, founder of Urban Bourbonist, LLC, and the executive director of Bourbon Charity. One of the first two things Blatner searches for when picking out a whiskey is where it came from. He says, “I am always looking to see where the bourbon was made, the state of origin, as well as the distillery that made it. This will give you some clues as to the quality of the product.”

Contrary to what some believe, bourbon does not have to be made in Kentucky. It can only be made in the United States, but different states distill it under varying conditions. Cold winters and hot summers in the Bluegrass State create an optimal environment for aging the liquor that accents its sweeter notes. States with more arid conditions experience different environments during distillation, which affects the interaction between spirit and barrel and therefore the final flavor profile. After you’ve learned where a whiskey comes from, Blatner also recommends taking a look at the age listed on the label.

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Most folks understand that the longer a spirit ages, the more flavor aging barrels impart to the liquid. “I’m also looking for an age statement,” says Blatner. “Typically I want my bourbon to be at least 4 years old which is a minimum amount of time in a barrel to start taking on some nice flavors and transform into a quality product to drink.”

While some whiskeys come with a no-age-statement printed on the label, many others proudly display how long the liquor has matured before it was released for distribution. Older varieties are not necessarily better whiskeys, but the aging process does help to soothe some of the harsher flavors detected in younger spirits. The precise amount of time it takes for bourbon and other similar liquors to reach peak drinkability varies, but many believe that bourbons are just right after maturing for between four and eight years.

The type of barrel the spirit ages in also affects the flavor profile, but no matter the kind of barrel used to mature the liquor, it takes time to develop the delicate sweet notes expert connoisseurs long for when they take that first sip. While we’re often urged to not judge a book by its cover, when it comes to whiskey, it would serve you well to take a gander at the label before making your final decision on what to take home.

Read the original article on Foodie.