Edelweiss The Alpine Vodka Lech/arlberg in Tinbox

Edelweiss is produced by Freihof Destillerie high in the Austrian Alps, and the Lech/Arlberg release is a regional edition built around that mountain setting. The base is an unusual pairing of rye and spelt: rye brings the dry, peppery cereal spice that gives the spirit its structure, while spelt, an older relative of wheat, adds a soft, nutty roundness. Crystal-clear alpine spring water cuts the spirit to 40%, and it is made in small batches. The two-grain base is the point of difference, giving it more cereal detail than a single-grain neutral vodka.

The nose is pure and fresh with fine rye and spelt notes and a subtle minerality. The palate is soft and elegant with a clear structure, rye spice, delicate spelt and a light sweetness over a hint of herbs, finishing long and mild. That alpine, cereal character suits a mountain-flavoured serve: build an Alpine Mule with the vodka, ginger beer, fresh lemon and a sprig of rosemary lightly clapped to release its oils, which echoes the herbal, spiced side of the grain.