Portobello Road debuts ‘world’s first’ asparagus vodka
London-based producer Portobello Road Distillery has released an asparagus vodka, which claims to be the first of its kind.
Portobello Road Distillery has expanded its range with a limited edition vodka called British Asparagus Vodka. Only 600 bottles have been released to the on- and off-trade. Portobello Road Distillery co-founder Jake Burger said: “In 2015 we launched an Asparagus Gin as part of our limited edition Directors Cut series. While it was a great success and captured the public’s imagination, the fact it was a gin and therefore required to be juniper-led meant the actual asparagus flavour was quite subtle. "So when we stepped into vodka production, we wanted to revisit the ingredient, but this time in a product where the flavour could really stand out and sing in mixed drinks". Inspired by young wine, Beaujolais nouveau, the vodka is distilled and bottled in a matter of days from harvest. The asparagus is sourced from Portwood Farm in Norfolk, then steeped for 24 hours in British potato vodka. Burger added: “We’re really excited to bring this world-first to bartenders and introduce a flavour that isn’t widely used. We are seeing a real desire from customers for more savoury drinks. It is something that we have noticed in our West London venue, The Distillery, and it is perhaps in response to the overly sweet, sugary spirits that have flooded the market in recent years." Containing only asparagus and potato vodka, the liquid delivers herbal, vegetal and slightly nutty notes. “When you give our British Asparagus Vodka a good old sniff, there's no mistaking what it is – right away you're hit with the unique aroma of asparagus, joined by a slight nuttiness," explained Burger. "When you take a sip, again, the flavour of asparagus arrives early and lingers long, with a surprising amount of sweetness. "This gives way to an earthiness and a nuttiness. The vegetal note also lives long on the palate, without any real sensation of alcohol heat felt in the throat or the palate. Your lasting impression is one of freshness, softness and creaminess." The brand plan to release a limited run once a year, at the start of the annual asparagus season. Available to purchase for RRP £24 (US$30.14), the vodka rests at 42% ABV. Portobello Road recently marked its 10-year anniversary with Special Reserve 101, an oak-rested gin.
