Skid Row Midnight Vodka

Skid Row Midnight comes from the Brands for Fans stable, which builds spirits around musicians, in this case the hard rock band Skid Row. The styling is all rebellion and deep black glass, but the liquid is a conventional grain vodka, distilled several times to clean up the spirit. Repeated distillation narrows the cut toward ethanol and removes the heavier congeners, giving a clear, silky base, while the 40% strength keeps it versatile for both sipping and mixing. There is no flavouring or gimmick in the glass: the character is mild and honest, with the theatrics reserved for the bottle.

The nose is neutral and clear with a hint of cereal and fresh minerality. The palate is mild and clean with gentle grain and a silky body, finishing smooth, dry and slightly peppery. Given its clean, neutral build and the band connection, it makes a fitting Screwdriver: one part vodka to two parts cold fresh orange juice over plenty of ice, an unfussy, high-energy drink that suits the spirit's straightforward style.