flavored vodka

Despite the title above, it is not vodka distilled from salmon. By contrast, it is Salmon Flavored Vodka.

Most people don’t think there is a big distinction between, for example, Lemon Vodka and Lemon Flavored Vodka, but this is an important distinction in TTB matters. The former would imply that it’s vodka distilled from lemons. Which is entirely possible. No word on whether it’s possible to distill a fish. But they do make a fine smoothie. It could happen —  inasmuch as the very same Bassomatic purveyor also sells a vodka, already.

Not content with simply adding coffee flavor to vodka, Vincent Van Gogh went further, all the way to “Double Caffeine.” Not so long ago, it was not clear that TTB would allow caffeine to be added to alcohol beverages, let alone to double it up and proclaim it on the label. Van Gogh coffee flavored vodka is one of about 18 flavored vodkas made in Holland and imported by Luctor International of Orlando, Florida. The other caffeinated spirit above is Volta. It is Vodka Infused with Caffeine, Guarana, Taurine & Yerba Mate, made by White Rock Distilleries of Lewiston, Maine. Van Gogh Double Espressso is easy to find at retail, but Volta is less easy to find. All the extra caffeine may have gotten this retailer a bit over-excited; IWS describes it this way:

Double Intensity. Experience the finest tradition of Venice with the high art of great taste. … Delivers a wealth of flavor for those who expect more from their coffee – powerful yet sophisticated, with the stronger and richer character demanded by the espresso lover’s highly developed palate. Here is all the smooth brilliance of great caffé, in the only FDA-approved vodka on the market today with the bold touch of double caffeine.

Here we have a bit of a condiment theme. Above is horseradish flavored vodka. And here is pickle flavored vodka. Probably not what your grandfather drank, back when vodka was vodka and pickles had little to do with it. At this point, we would guess that there are well over 75 flavors of vodka, above and beyond the common citrus and pepper flavored vodkas. Michel Roux correctly forecast this trend way back in 1996. The article is entitled “The future, according to the marketer of Stolichnaya, will be filled with flavored vodka.” Roux is frequently cited as the marketing force behind the rise of Absolut, Stolichnaya, Absente and many other brands. Garant Pickle Flavored Vodka is made in Russia and imported by Interbalt of Maryland. Natsionalnaya Horseradish Flavored Vodka is also made in Russia and is imported by Devo Enterprises of Horsham, Pennsylvania. How much longer until we have ketchup, mustard and wasabi flavored vodka?