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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: Spice-Misc  

Belvedere Bloody Mary
Poland


Smooth, spicy, peppery, bloody mary aroma, good flavor, perfect.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold Medal
Belvedere Bloody Mary

 

  Flavor Category: Spice-Misc  

Pearl Cucumber
Canada


Subtle, enjoyable, impressive, pleasant, great taste of cucumber, good for mixing, long finish.

Silver Medal
Silver Medal
Pearl Cucumber

 

  Flavor Category: Spice-Misc  

Zu
(bison grass)
Poland


Sweet, grassy, spicy, cinnamon, smooth, mixable, herbal, minty finish.

Silver Medal
Silver Medal
Zu

 

  Flavor Category: Spice-Misc  

Mazama
(infused pepper)
United States


Great spice, smooth, tasty, great flavor, fresh, spicy, jalapeño heaven, hot pepper, wow.

Silver Medal
Silver Medal
Mazama

 

  Flavor Category: Spice-Misc  

Hot Monkey
(hot pepper infused)
United States


Very spicy, hot, pepper, mixable.

Bronze Medal
Bronze Medal
Hot Monkey

 

  Flavor Category: Spice-Misc  

Effen Cucumber
Holland


Great cucumber aroma.

Bronze Medal
Bronze Medal
Effen Cucumber

 

  Flavor Category: Spice-Misc  

Bakon
United States


Bacon aroma and flavor, good for mixing.

Bronze Medal
Bronze Medal
Bakon

 

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