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Flavored Vodka 2012
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The Great Flavored Vodka Tasting of 2012

 

The Tasting:
19 spirits journalists, bartenders, chefs, and vodka aficionados tasted 32 flavored vodkas in seven separate categories: Citrus, Fruits, Tea, Espresso, Soda Pop/Candy, Misc. and Spice. The judges were informed of the categories and flavors, but the products were served "blindly". Strict tasting rules applied. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. Each were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at slightly above room temperature. Only ice water and neutral unflavored bar snacks were available to cleanse the palate. The judges tasted through 4 flights of 7 flavored vodkas, plus 1 flight of 4; with food served during a rest period after the third flight.

Impressions of each of the flavored vodkas were written down by the judges on score sheets. Scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the best. The tasting notes are summaries of the judges’ opinions. Double-Gold, Gold and Silver medals are awarded based on a set range of final point scores received from the judges.

 

The Results:

  Flavor Category: Soda Pop-Candy  

Hard Luck Root Beer Barrel
U.S.A.


Sassafras/sarsaparilla nose, authentic root beer flavor, aromatic, medium sweetness, rich body, smooth, lingering finish, rustic, fun, enjoyable.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal

Hard Luck Root Beer Barrel

 

  Flavor Category: Soda Pop-Candy  

Stoli Sticki
(Honey)
Russia


Subtle honey flavor, flowery, herbal, layers of sweetness, not too sweet, smooth, light pepper finish, nice aftertaste, unique.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Stoli Sticki

 

  Flavor Category: Soda Pop-Candy  

Hard Luck Orange Dream
U.S.A.


Good orange flavor, very sweet, candy-like, creamy, alluring.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Hard Luck Orange Dream

 

  Flavor Category: Soda Pop-Candy  

Hard Luck Lemon Drop
U.S.A.


Lemon lollipop, lemon zest, honey, soft, smooth, mixable, clean finish.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Hard Luck Lemon Drop

 

  Flavor Category: Soda Pop-Candy  

Hard Luck Red Fish
(Berry)
U.S.A.


Nice flavor, very sweet, syrupy, mild, exceptionally clean finish, lingers.

Silver Medal
Silver medal

Hard Luck Red Fish

 

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