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Flavored Vodka 2011
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The flavored vodka trend has arrived! In part because of the rise in imaginative multi-ingredient cocktails, but also from the sybaritic searching for new taste sensations. Many imported and domestic brands have responded by pushing the envelope with exotic flavors and infusions in vodka, the most popular white spirit in the U.S.

 

The Tasting:
28 aficionados tasted 35 flavored vodkas in five separate categories: Citrus, Fruit, Citrus Fruit, Coffee/Candy, and Spice/Misc. The judges were informed of the categories and flavors, but the products were served "blindly", without distractions of brand names. The order of service was randomly selected through a lottery system. Each of the flavored vodkas were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at slightly above room temperature. The judges wrote down their impressions of each product on score sheets. Ice water on the side and plain crackers were available to cleanse the palate. Food was served during a break.

 

The scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the best. The totals for each of the flavor categories were added up separately. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were awarded based on the scores received. The flavored vodka with the most points per category was awarded a Double-Gold Medal.

 

The Results:

  Flavor Category: Fruit  

Pinnacle Tropical Punch
France


Sweet, light, smooth, very fruity, well balanced, stands on its own, fun, adult Hawaiian Punch.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold Medal
Pinnacle Tropical Punch

 

  Flavor Category: Fruit  

Pearl Coconut
Canada


Balanced, sweet, smooth, nice coconut flavor, piña colada, yummy.

Gold Medal
Gold Medal
Pearl Coconut

 

  Flavor Category: Fruit  

Sobieski Raspberry
Poland


Sweet, syrupy, light flavor, delicious, good for mixing, long finish.

Gold Medal
Gold Medal
Sobieski Raspberry

 

  Flavor Category: Fruit  

Pinnacle Kiwi/Strawberry
France


Nice aroma, sweet, delicate, yummy, flavorful, mixable, lingering finish.

Gold Medal
Gold Medal
Pinnacle Kiwi/Strawberry

 

  Flavor Category: Fruit  

Fris Blueberry
Denmark


Fresh, sweet, subtle, balanced, satisfying flavor, hint of blueberry, smooth, nice finish.

Gold Medal
Gold Medal
Fris Blueberry

 

  Flavor Category: Fruit  

Jewel of Russia
Wild Berry Infusion

Russia


Smooth, sweet, impressive, definite berry flavors, good for mixing.

Silver Medal
Silver Medal
Jewel of Russia Wild Berry Infusion

 

  Flavor Category: Fruit  

Boru Crazzberry
Ireland


Subtle flavor, pungent, long finish, good for mixing.

Silver Medal
Silver Medal
Boru Crazzberry

 

  Flavor Category: Fruit  

Smirnoff Raspberry
United States


Subtle flavor, sweet, long finish.

Silver Medal
Silver Medal
Smirnoff Raspberry

 

  Flavor Category: Fruit  

Effen Black Cherry
Holland


Smooth, sweet, pungent, oak, good cherry flavor.

Silver Medal
Silver Medal
Effen Black Cherry

 

  Flavor Category: Fruit  

Fris Grape
Denmark


Sweet, smooth, grape licorice.

Silver Medal
Silver Medal
Fris Grape

 

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