Desi Daru Original Vodka - Gold Award Winning - 70cl (ABV 41%)

Product Information

The four Masters were bolstered by 11 Gold medals and 16 Silvers. Absolut Mandrin was among the Gold winners, with its “almost chocolate orange‐like” aromas and “a touch of grapefruit bitterness” on the palate. The Silver award‐winners included Desi Daru Mango Flavoured Vodka, akin to “mango purée and overripe mango”. Also taking home the top award was 8 Mile Vodka, which Perez Terrado said offered: “Clean, grapefruit aroma, great body and mouthfeel around the tongue, followed by delightful peppery heat balance with light bitter astringency.” Nine Golds were also discovered, including one for Pravda, which offered “floral grain notes, an absolutely superb texture, bit of pepperiness, but nice and full with crisp grain notes”.

All judges were in agreement of its tremendous quality, with high praise given in particular for its “lovely natural mango aromas” and ”very complex flavour profile’’. It was also described as ”juicy’, delicious and smooth”, bolstered by a “delicate peppery” undertone. In fact, it was enjoyed so much but the panel that it was awarded the prestigious title of Taste Master.

Panel three comprised: chair Bernadette Pamplin, freelance drinks writer and founder of the Under the Ginfluence blog; Sara Jane Eichler, founder of the Negroni Club UK; and Alan Uresti, head of agave spirits and drinks development at Annabel’s. It wowed the panel with its “clean nose, lemon and ripe stone fruit’’, while it was also said to have a “pleasant feel, balance and texture” on the palate. Smith called the flight a “step up in interest and complexity from the previous category, with a more developed character from some of these products”. Shaken, stirred or sipped neat, there are plenty of quality options to discover in this year’s results First, Tayport Distillery Malt Barley Vodka; the expression was “very aromatic, creamy and smooth with superbly integrated alcohol”, noted Gorn. “It lingers nicely on the palate with very well composed flavours next to each other,” he added. Barn Vodka. Tasting notes included “sweetness, pepper, and nice creaminess and fruity quality”. Vodka makers are creating flavourful expressions

Meanwhile, a trio of Master medals were found in the Organic flight. The first went to Pluto Vodka, described by Rodriguez-Curtis as being “smooth, very well done, rounded, creamy and enjoyable. It would work in a killer Martini”. Prousaefs was particularly enamoured of Summum Single Estate Vodka: “Very smooth, crisp and light on the nose and palate. Super easy going and easy to drink, with an almost excellent mouthfeel and lasting finish.”It is made with 100% organic wheat and spring water both sourced from the Charente region, and sits at 40% ABV. Despite ups and downs, vodka is still one of the world’s most popular spirits. As our judges discovered in The Vodka Masters 2023, the reason for this is quality liquid made with care and passion. This year’s medal winners demonstrated care and passion for crafting top-quality vodka Another favourite in the Organic flight, this French vodka from A de Fussigny joined Pluto in the Masters-winning ranks for its “smooth, crisp and light” notes. However, they all produce superlative vodkas and are well worth seeking out. Once again, ADI has done a superb job identifying the craft distillery industry’s up-and-coming vodka producers.