Kartoff Triple Distilled Hazelnut Vodka

Kartoff is made in Austria by Horvath's Spezereyen from Hermes potatoes, a variety chosen for its high starch content. Potato is the reason for the texture: it distils to a fuller, more velvety body than grain vodka, which gives a flavoured spirit something rich to hang on. The base is triple distilled for a clean, clearly structured spirit, then flavoured with natural hazelnut that is pitched to add depth rather than dominate. At 38%, the strength sits low enough to let the nutty character read clearly. The liquid stays crystal clear.

The nose is full of hazelnut with a touch of sweetness, the palate is soft and mild with that natural nut note and a gentle sweetness, and the finish is long and pleasantly nutty. The creamy potato body and roasted hazelnut were made for a richer drink, so put it in a Nutty Espresso Martini: shake the vodka with a fresh shot of espresso and a little coffee liqueur, strain into a chilled coupe and finish with a light grating of toasted hazelnut. The vodka's own nut note deepens the coffee, turning a familiar drink into something closer to dessert.