Roberto Cavalli Vodka Gold Edition

Roberto Cavalli Vodka is an Italian project as much about presentation as liquid, and the Gold Edition arrives in a shimmering gold one-litre bottle made to stand out. Inside is a grain-based vodka distilled in Italy by Distillerie Francoli, with grain giving a soft, neutral character, and infused with crystal-clear spring water from the Apennines for purity. The spirit goes through multiple distillation and filtration passes to lift clarity and smooth the texture, finishing at 40% by volume. It is a vodka that aims to be smooth and clean rather than loud, a base that suits both the bottle and the glass.

The nose is light, with citrus and cereal notes that read as elegant rather than heavy. The palate is smooth and clean, with a hint of sweetness and a subtle spice, before a long, clean, refreshing finish. With its light citrus lean, it works well in a Vodka Gimlet: shake 50ml with 20ml fresh lime juice and a small measure of sugar syrup over ice, strain into a chilled coupe, and add a lime wheel, the sharp citrus playing off the vodka's own faint lemon note.