Karlsson's Gold Vodka

Karlsson's Gold Vodka

Situated in southwest Sweden and surrounded almost completely by the North Sea, Cape Bjre (Bjrehalvn) is a small peninsula that is home to approximately 50 farmers and their families. The cape's proximity to the sea, along with its rich, sandy soils produce extraordinary Virgin New Potatoes that are known locally as "Farmer's Gold." A delicacy in Sweden (the potatoes sell for upwards of $150 per pound), Virgin New Potatoes are an heirloom varietal that are harvested early in the season typically between June and September. "A Virgin Potato is a young potato," says Arne Nilsson, a farmer in Cape Bjre. "It hasn't fully developed a skin yet. In order to see if it's a Virgin New Potato, you should be able to peel the skin off with your thumb."In addition, Virgin Potatoes are rich in minerals and water content, allowing them to to reflect the unique terroir of Cape Bjre. Karlsson's Vodka is the only vodka in the world made from Virgin New Potatoes. "Why should such an extremely expensive raw material be used for vodka production,"asks B?rje Karlsson the vodka's creator rhetorically. "The only reason is that it has a flavor, it has a taste, which is different."Once the potatoes have been harvested, they are mashed and fermented before the wash is distilled in a single pass and bottled without filtration. "Most vodkas are distilled many, many times," says Karlsson. "They try to produce something that has no smell or taste at all. The whole idea of this project was to create something which had a taste." Karlsson's Gold has a unique, mineral aroma with notes of black pepper, ginger and vanilla on the palate. The finish is crisp and clean, and ends with a hint of cinnamon. Karlsson's Gold Vodka earned a score of 94 points from Wine Enthusiast, which rated it the top vodka in the world. Pick up a bottle today!