“Ardbeg Olive” Vodka Martini

Name: “Ardbeg Olive” Vodka Martini

Color: Clear and green

Nose: Vodka, olives, smokey peat

Taste: Vodka, olives, smokey peat

As we all know the statement above is correct, but this vodka martini receipt caught my eye and was worth a try at home.

You take quality olives (regular or stuffed blue cheese) and marinate them in a mason jar with Ardbeg Whisky for a few days in the refrigerator. I was told it creates a nice flavor profile and I was pleasantly surprised at the with the results. I am not a vodka guy, but the touch of smokiness and whisky flavor in the olives translates nicely to the vodka. 

It is worth a try if you like vodka martinis or want to mix it up a little for home cocktails. I do not think a lot of bars are going to have them at the ready for your drink. In a pinch, you could ask the bartender to place a couple of drops of Ardbeg in you finished martini.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Chris“Ardbeg Olive” Vodka Martini
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Kozuba Starkus Rye (Vodka)

 

Name: Kozuba & Son’s Starkus

Color: Lemon citrus, flowers, almond

Nose: Rye, spice, light lemon

Taste: Rye, spice, light lemon

Review:

Kozuba is a not a whisky, it is a vodka made from 100% rye, aged in oak barrels for six months, and is bottled at 40% abv. It is made by a scientist from St. Petersburg, Florida and was established in 2005. The name “Starkus” means “stork” in Lithuanian.

You might be wondering why I am reviewing vodka. There is simple answer: I made a mistake. I thought I was drinking a rye whiskey. I am not a fan of vodka or clear spirits. I agree with Ron below.

I grabbed it off a friend’s shelf who suggest I try it. Before I realized what I was drinking I had a glass in hand and vodka in mouth. I figured it would write up a review just on how different this stuff is and how much it confused me for a few minutes.

  • The taste is strange and almost not even present.
  • There is no real taste or complexity.
  • It tastes like moonshine with a little flavoring.
  • In short, this stuff is weird.

Price around $60 and worth trying it to experience the flavor but not a great drink. I have not seen it on the shelf in the NYC area.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisKozuba Starkus Rye (Vodka)
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