The Darker Side of Vodka: Blavod Vodka Review

…..It’s that time of year again. That’s right Halloween is just around the corner and for many of us, it’s an excuse to look and act insane without the usual stares. Then there are those like myself that see it as just another reason to get creative with my drinking habit. Is it any wonder that Halloween is the nations 3rd largest drinking holiday? In honor of “All-Hallows-Even” I felt it only necessary to review the worlds first and ONLY “Black Vodka”.

Sexy, sleek, sophisticated, stylish. Dark, secretive, exclusive. These are all words that are often associated with the color black so it’s no wonder that in the age of invention that someone was smart enough to add color to the #1 selling spirit in the world. Blavod vodka is the worlds first and only black vodka and comes to us from the United Kingdom. You won’t find any American produced black vodkas because government regulations in the U.S. say domestic distillers can’t call a spirit vodka unless it is “without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color.” Lucky for us the “Brits” use less strict regulations. Over the past few years, several colored vodkas have crept into the market such as Three Olives Purple, Ciroc Coconut, and the UV flavored vodka series, but unlike those brands, Blavod offers a non flavored black hue without taking away from it’s authentic and natural taste of premium vodka. Right about now you’re probably asking yourself, what do they use to give Blavod it’s unique color without affecting it’s taste. Blavod’s hue derives from Black Catechu which are extracts from the heartwood of Burmese catechu acacia trees which give it its black color without interfering with the vodkas natural, taste or smell.

Tasting Notes: It’s natural black color tends to try and influence you into smelling and tasting things that are not there. Spooky right?  This one starts out smooth but hits you with a bit of a spicy finish. It’s comparable to several medium grade vodkas on the market such as Smirnoff or Russian Standard.

Final Thoughts: As far as vodka goes Blavod is a satisfactory compliment to any cocktail but more importantly can easily survive without the “Black Vodka” gimmick on taste alone. It’s unique color only adds a wow factor for those of us looking for something different the next time we’re at the counter at our favorite convenience store. The ability to make cool looking cocktails alone is worth the $17.99. One of Blavod’s best features is it’s ability to create wonderful layers. That combined with it’s color make it obvious first choices for excellent Halloween themed cocktails such as the “Black Widow” and Ghosts in the Graveyard” which you can find along with several other recipes below.

Black Widow
2 oz Blavod Vodka
3 oz Cranberry Juice

The Black Widow is Blavod’s answer to the cape codder. Pour cranberry juice in a highball glass filled with ice. Float Blavod vodka on top to create the desired effect.

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October Screwdriver
3 oz Blavod Vodka
3 oz Orange Juice
Another classic redone thanks to Blavod Black Vodka. Pour orange juice in a collins glass filled with ice. Float Blavod vodka on top to create the desired effect. Garnish with a candy corn speared straw.

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Ghosts in the Graveyard
2 oz black vodka
2 oz coffee-flavored liqueur
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
Pinch of nutmeg

In a glass, combine vodka and creme de cacao, and set aside. Place a scoop of ice cream in a highball glass, and slowly pour vodka mixture over ice cream. Garnish with nutmeg.

Berry Scary Martini:
2 oz Blavod Vodka
2 oz Cherry Juice

Fill shaker with ice and both ingredients. Shake well and strain into a chilled Martini glass.

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