Brewdog Abstrakt Raspberry X Lime Vodka

BrewDog produces this Abstrakt in Scotland, working from the same smooth, five-times-distilled base as its plain vodka. Repeated distillation in the brewery's custom copper stills strips out the heavier fusel oils and congeners, leaving a clean, neutral spirit that takes flavouring well. Onto that base it builds a clear flavour of ripe raspberry against the fresh tang of lime, a fruit-and-citrus pairing that keeps the sweetness in check rather than letting it cloy. A soft vanilla note runs underneath to round the edges, and the spirit is held at 38% so the fruit reads as juicy rather than sharp.

The nose is ripe raspberry with the fresh fruitiness of lime and a subtle sweetness. The palate is full and fruity, intense raspberry lifted by the tang of lime with that gentle vanilla in the background, finishing long and refreshing as the berry and citrus fade. To play the fruit, build a long Raspberry Spritz: pour the vodka over ice in a wine glass, top with chilled sparkling wine and a splash of soda, and drop in a few fresh raspberries and a lime wheel. The bubbles stretch the raspberry and lime out into a bright, easy drink, and the fresh fruit echoes what is already in the bottle.