Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
Last time I stepped out of my usual areas of expertise and reviewed a drink, it was a tequila. I informed you at that time that scotch was my drink of choice, but that I had been sent the tequila in question to review and was more than happy to pass along my thoughts. Well, it's happened again, but not with tequila — this time, I was sent three bottles of vodka (perhaps my discussion of James Bond in the tequila piece hit a nerve).
Whatever the cause, Three Olives Vodka (or, more accurately, a publicist working on a promotion for them) sent me three of their newest flavors to sample and discuss with you. The flavors in question are Tomato, Root Beer, and Triple Shot Espresso. That's right, Tomato, Root Beer, and Triple Shot Espresso.
Now, I'll tell you right off, the Triple Shot Espresso is utterly fantastic. It's a dark, rich color, and terribly drinkable both by itself and put into the most delicious mudslide you could ever imagine. Some may say it's overkill to put triple shot espresso vodka into a drink that already contains Kahlua coffee liqueur. They're wrong. It's delicious. One could drink a pitcher full of those and, while there would be regrets in the morning, it would be a truly swell night.
Three Olives Triple Shot Espresso has a definite coffee flavor to it, without ever being overpowering. It seems slightly more viscous than a normal vodka (perhaps that is an illusion due to its dark, rich color). Drunk as a shot, it goes down very easily and very smoothly. There is no hint of burn and one drink can quickly lead to another.
The Root Beer vodka issues moderately more of burn when drinking it, but contains a fantastic root beer smell and a decent amount of actual root beer flavoring. It is clear and seems to be more of a standard viscosity than the Triple Shot Espresso. It is also not as truly wonderful as the Triple Shot Espresso, but it is certainly satisfying in its own way.
One of the recipes recommended with the Root Beer vodka is a "British Car Bomb," which contains a shot and a half pint of ale. It's a good way to go. I don't particularly approve of having a drink entitled a "car bomb," but Three Olives didn't come up with that, so I can't really blame them.
The last of the varieties, the Tomato, is the least enjoyable of the three. This is perhaps the case because it is far less tomato flavored than Bloody Mary flavored. It is spicy and strong and has a different oomph to it; it's a clear Bloody Mary in a shot glass. It's not something I recommend doing straight up, it's a definite mixer alcohol. Frankly, I think that it would work quite well in a Bloody Mary.
As for James Bond, and whether he would drink any of these… I think the odds are definitely against it. One of the recipes that came with the vodka was for a "Bloody Martini," but that doesn't feel like 007's style. Yes, he mixes blood and alcohol, but not in the same glass. But, as much as I love him, his not drinking it is no reason for you not to go out and buy some, particularly the Triple Shot Espresso. I can't say enough about its goodness.
