Ketel One Citroen Vodka

Ketel One comes from the Nolet distillery in Schiedam, the Netherlands, one of the oldest family-run distilleries in the world, founded in 1691 and now ten generations in. The brand takes its name from Distilleerketel No. 1, the original copper pot still still used in production, and the vodka is made in small batches. For the Citroen expression, the house infuses its base vodka with essences drawn from four different lemon and two different lime varieties, blending several citrus profiles rather than relying on a single one. That layered approach is what gives the spirit a rounded, natural citrus character instead of a flat lemon note, all held at 40%.

The nose is sweet and fresh with clear lemon peel. The palate is silky and pleasant, with sweet honey and the impression of freshly cut lemons, leading to a long, sweetish finish that reads almost like lemon pudding. To put the citrus to work, mix a Lemon Drop: shake the Citroen with fresh lemon juice and a little simple syrup, strain into a sugar-rimmed glass and add a twist. The spirit's own lemon and lime essences reinforce the fresh juice, so the drink tastes brighter and more rounded than the same recipe built on a plain vodka.