What's
not to like? I'm Polish; this vodka is Polish. I
happen to really like Polish vodka (and Russian vodka and
French vodka and American vodka), and besides, 15% of the
profits from the sale of this vodka go to helping the endangered
snow leopards. Sounds like a win-win to me, that is if it
tastes as good as they say it does.
In
the first place Snow Leopard Vodka is made
from spelt, an ancient grain that is hardier and more nutritious
and tastes better than its cousin, modern day wheat. By the
1970's, there was no spelt being grown in North America because
modern hybridized versions of wheat could be harvested and
processed cheaper and faster. Thanks to a growing interest
in more healthy and more tasty food, it was re-introduced
in 1987 and is making a comeback.
Using
that special spelt grain, they distill it six times, in small
batches, using natural spring water drawn from an artesian
well and finally filter it twice through charcoal. Sounds
like it ought to be mighty tasty - let's find out.
Snow
Leopard Vodka comes in a tall clear bottle bearing a picture
of a snow leopard crouching upon a mountain top. The vodka
inside is as clear as water. And just like pure water, this
vodka has virtually no nose. By that, I mean no ethanol vapors,
no aromas, really just nothing, which by the traditional definition
of a vodka makes this a really wonderful smelling vodka. The
palate follows suit with a very clear and clean tasting vodka,
again sporting no off-color flavors or even great flavors
of any kind. If I really concentrate on it, I might find a
bare hint of a grainy flavor but even that's a stretch. The
finish is smooth with just a slight taste of pepper, but again,
it is really quite transparent and leaves a finish that lasts
a short time. This is definitely a superior super-premium
vodka, well worth the price. Needless to say, it makes one
hell of a martini.
The
good folks at Snow Leopard sent along with this vodka a small
kit that would allow me to make their Conservation Martini.
To be perfectly honest, I made the martini using their vodka
and a sprig of rosemary, but I deferred on the Vermouth as
I really hate all Vermouth, especially in martinis, gin or
vodka, makes no difference. I have always stated that if you're
crazy enough to buy a bottle of vermouth, it should last you
the rest of your life. That's because "using vermouth"
to me consists of passing the unopened bottle over the martini
glass while mumbling a prayer petitioning the good Lord to
not let a single drop fall into the drink below. As I just
said previously, this vodka makes one hell of a martini.
Snow
Leopard Vodka is 40% ABV and is available for around $35.00
to $40.00 per 750 ML bottle. Now, I have to admit that $40.00
is a bit pricey, but remember, 15% of the proceeds go to saving
the Snow Leopard, so you can have a good time having a drink
while doing something worthwhile for the animal kingdom
By George Brozowski
For
more Rants & Raves click
here.
www.snowleopardvodka.co.uk/