Blavod: The Black Vodka

The Bottom Line

Black will always be the color that defines style and sophistication and it has a place in the world of spirits as well. It is not surprising that with all of the designer vodkas on the market that someone would devise a way to add color to the famously clear liquor without drastically disturbing any of the flavor characteristics of a true vodka. Blavod is the result of that brainstorm and is the only premium black vodka on the market today.

Pros

• Perfect Halloween vodka or anytime a black cocktail is called for.
• Creates nicely defined layers when poured slowly on top of a mixer.

Cons

• The coloring ingredient is not supposed to change the flavor but it does.
• Has a long lasting herby-medicinal aftertaste.

Description

• Black catechu is used to make Blavod black. It is an extract found in Uncaria Gambier trees of Asia.
• 80 proof, neutral grain vodka
• Distilled by Blavod Drinks Ltd. of London.
• Around $30 for 750mL bottle.

Guide Review - Blavod: The Black Vodka

As vodka goes Blavod is an excellent premium brand that can be defined on its own without the branding of "The Black Vodka" and can stand against any of the non-colored vodkas on the market. Knowing that the hue is a little off the wall has the tendency to change people's perception of its actual taste. Some people that have tried Blavod in a straight taste test noted a subtle, yet distinct, flavor undertone to Blavod. However when blind folded those same people are usually not able to distinguish between Blavod and a clear vodka of equal quality.

The herbal extract catechu is responsible for the blackish-violet hue of Blavod and although touted as having no significant effect of taste, there is a notable herbal finish that is not found in clear vodkas. Blavod is an extremely smooth vodka with clean undertones of dark berries and the ever-so-slight hint of cloves and anise. This heady spirit emits an intriguing sweet citrus, woody and flowery aroma that can do no more than entice one to have a sip.

One of the best qualities of Blavod is its ability to create wonderful layers in a drink. The Black Widow and October Screwdriver are testaments to the vodka's dexterity to turn a common cocktail into a ghoulishly stylin' libation. For quick Halloween themed cocktails that never fail to be the talk of any gathering have a bottle of Blavod on hand and use it in any vodka drink to create a little extra atmosphere.

More Blavod Cocktails:

• Black & Gold
• Black Magic
• Black Martini
• Black Rose (shooter)

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