Review: Karlsson’s Gold Vodka

I mentioned in an earlier post for Mixology Monday: The Peppertini, an interesting tasteful vodka called Karlsson’s Gold.    I must say this vodka is awesome.  I have had other potato vodkas such as Luksusowa and sampled vodkas made from grains, but never have I tasted such FLAVOR in a vodka until Karlsson’s. That’s right, I said FLAVOR.

The first thing you need to know is that Karlsson’s is a 100% potato vodka, made from seven different varieties of new potatoes.  Among them is the Solist potato.   According to their website at http://www.karlssonsvodka.com/,

“The new potato Solist is originally from Germany. It has white flowers and blooms sparingly. The root is a perfect round oval, the thin skin a lovely yellow, the pulp a light yellow color. It is one of the absolute favorites of the Bjäre Cape farmers, thanks to its firm consistency and smooth, round taste.”  These new potatoes are considered a delicacy in the region, with new harvests fetching a price of upwards of 100 US Dollars.

Once harvested, the potatoes are carefully washed to remove any soils or contaminants, insuring only the best in raw ingredients.  Potatoes are then ground and mashed, cooled, and then enzymes are added to facilitate fermentation.  Once fermented, the resulting wash is then carefully distilled to produce the final, pristine product.  Make that distilled only ONCE, thus preserving the natural flavors, under the watchful eye of Master Blender Bjore Karlsson, also known as the “Father of Absolut” for his hand in creating one of the world’s most successful vodka brands.

With it’s unique, potato-like shaped bottle and distinctive closure, Karlsson’s sets itself apart from the myriad of other vodkas on the store shelves.  Karlsson’s doesn’t disappoint in aroma or in taste.

Upon opening my bottle of Karlsson’s Gold, I allowed myself to gently inhale the vapors from the wide bottle opening.  I was expecting the sharp, biting scent of alcohol.  Karlsson’s disappointed me, but in a good way.  Earthy was my first impression of the aroma.  I could almost get the scent of freshly washed potatoes in the smell, which was gentle and did not overpower my senses.

The taste reflected what I smelled–earthy and fresh…and very smooth.  At 40% ABV, I got no burn from the alcohol even as the vodka hit the back of my throat.

I highly recommend Karlsson’s Gold Vodka to anyone considering themselves a vodka aficionado.  However, don’t let that deter anyone from giving this wonderful spirit a try.  I have never considered myself a vodka anything….only using it when necessary.  However I would seriously consider going to Karlsson’s for my mixology needs when recipes call for vodka.  Another recipe worth trying, which was my inspiration for The Peppertini in the aforementioned post, is the Black Gold.

Black Gold

Pour Karlsson’s Gold over ice

Add two turns of Black Pepper

As I write this, I can still taste the lingering effects of Karlsson’s Gold.  May you find it as an affordable luxury you simply cannot live without.

Karlsson’s can be found at  Park Avenue Liquor Shop in New York, or through the store’s website, www.parkaveliquor.com .