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 .

Mixology Monday: The Peppertini

Oh, Mixology Monday!  How I’ve missed thee!  I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed Mixology Monday until July came and went without it, due to the busy schedules of those attending Tales of the Cocktail 2009.  No mind, however, everyone had other projects going on and worked out fine.  I am glad, though, to be once again caught up in the last minute scramble for cocktail creations with this month’s theme, Vodka Is Your Friend, hosted over at Felicia’s Speakeasy.

The theme of August 10th’s Mixology Monday is “Vodka is Your Friend.” The recent high profile bashings of vodka interspersed with a few weak “yeah, buts…” left me wondering, is vodka the axis of evil, our most dangerous enemy? While it may not be the life of the party, expertsagree: Vodka’s obituary does not have to be written just yet.

So, into our foray of Vodka.  I have often thought of Vodka as one of the most useless spirits…right along with Everclear or Diesel Fuel.  It is supposed to have no taste, no color.  In the past 20 years or so, it seems to have taken over the market.  My favorite and only liquor store nearby has almost one half of it’s display wall, along with several smaller shelves, dedicated to vodka.  Sometimes I am a little miffed if I can’t find my favorite tequila or gin (the other white spirit).  Nevertheless, until recently, I didn’t pay much notice to vodka until a trip to the beach where vodka became a well-welcomed friend during the morning morning afters via the delicious, always welcomed Bloody Mary.

Arriving home from vacation I find no other than a bottle of Karlsson’s Gold Vodka sitting on my doorstep.  Score!  So while tasting this spirit for review, I decided to make up a drink which has become a new classic–the vodka martini–with an interesting twist .  Meet the Peppertini.

Peppertini

3 oz Karlsson’s Gold Vodka

1 oz  Martini and Rossi Dry Vermouth

Stir with ice until very, very cold

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass

Garnish with three onion-stuffed olives & three twists of fresh black pepper

The drink is very delicious.  The complexity of the Karlsson’s Vodka with it’s earthy, full flavor lends itself well to this drink.  More on Karlsson’s Gold in an upcoming product review.  Cheers!