Subscribe to RSSAs if already distilling Skyy vodka wasn’t enough and then infusing it with Moscato Grape, Wild Strawberry, Coconut, Dragon Fruit, Blood Orange, Ginger Cherry, Grape, Citrus, Raspberry and Passion Fruit, they felt they needed to add two new flavors just to round out their offering: Georgia Peach and Vanilla Bean. Could all of this be more aptly called confusion rather than infusion? Just how many flavored vodkas does anyone really need? Someone else produces over 23 flavored vodkas! Just how much might be considered enough?
Well, as it turns out, you just can’t have too much of a good thing – if indeed it’s a good thing. Some flavored vodkas are really worthwhile, while some others should never, ever have seen the light of day. Imagine, if you can, Vodka flavored with Cucumber, Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Rosemary, Watermelon, Bacon (actually quite yummy), Root Beer, Smores, Bubblegum and Salmon and that ever popular PB&J (peanut butter and jelly flavored). Who are they going after with this stuff, that ever elusive starter demographic of 4-12 year-olds?
Okay, let’s dive into today’s flavors of Skyy Vodka: Georgia Peach and Vanilla Bean. Let me start off by saying that straight up unflavored Skyy Vodka is very good vodka and at a price point in the low $20’s per 1.75 Liter bottle is a very competitively priced super premium vodka. You really don’t need to pay more to get better vodka. The Vanilla Bean nose is true to its name and smells just like real vanilla beans that have been freshly sliced open. There is no alcohol in the nose and the bean flavor is front and center. On the palate, a certain amount of sweetness comes forward followed by the distinct taste of vanilla followed by a hint of the vodka, which is still laid back and smooth. It is thick and oily in the mouth and coats quite evenly and tastefully. The finish is of course smooth and oily and short but sweet. This vodka conveys the essence of the vanilla bean without complicating it with other distractions – nicely done. On the rocks, the vanilla taste acquires a bit of sharpness where I would have anticipated a more mellow profile. The sweetness abates somewhat and the vodka taste takes a step forward. Overall, the vanilla flavor still dominates and it is still pleasant, but what an odd turn of events or should I say flavors? A splash of Ginger Ale brings everything back into true focus and perspective and once again works just right.
The Skyy Georgia Peach nose has a very subtle peach aroma that is more distinct in the bottle rather than in the snifter. Once it has aired out a bit, it loses a some of the peachiness and acquires a sugary back note. The presence of alcohol is minimal in the nose. On the palate, the peach flavor seems to slide a bit further back while the sweetness rounds up and everything becomes more indistinct. It is of medium thickness on the tongue and the finish produces a sort of smooth peachy sweet aftertaste that is only vaguely reminiscent of peaches. How very interesting, the nose gives off the highest level of peach flavor while the palate and finish is less than half that of the nose. On the rocks, everything seems to coalesce a bit better and all the flavors seem to integrate; however, interestingly enough, at the tail end of the taste profile there has appeared a deeper peach flavor reminiscent of slightly over ripe peaches that is quite tasty. Boy, did they ever put a bunch of voodoo in this vodka and that too would be a good thing.
At this price point you won’t go wrong because you’ll be getting a great vodka with some interesting flavors.
By George Brozowski
