Van Gogh; we all know it is the name of a great Dutch painter but did you know that there is a vodka that carries the same name? But why did the producers adopt the name Van Gogh? The distillers said that they picked this name because “Van Gogh was the name of a famous Dutch artist, a creator of important and colorful painting. We believe we are creators of Dutch vodkas with a broad palate of tastes and colors; it is a name that makes sense for us. ”
We now know that the product that bears the name Van Gogh, is a vodka, a flavored vodka, that may also have some color to it and lastly, that it is Dutch. Vodka is not a drink often associated with the Dutch; they are more famous for their gin, however, if their vodka is as good as their gin, we are in for a rare treat.
In the typical meticulous Dutch style, Van Gogh vodka is given a six week infusion with natural ingredients; no artificial flavors or aromas are ever used. An Infusion is a soaking of the ingredients in vodka so that the alcohol can extract the flavors and in some cases, the color. It is from these natural ingredients that the flavor and color is derived. These flavors are very bold as well as fresh and there is none of the chemical after taste that is all too often found in some of the other flavored vodkas.
Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka ($27). Being devout and unabashed chocoholics, we begin with the one that interested us most, the Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka. Let us say at the start that the thought of combining quality Dutch chocolate with vodka did not sit too well with us. How can you do that and still retain the individuality and quality of the ingredients? Frankly, we don’t know the answer but the distillers at Van Gogh Dutch not only did it, but did it in style. The alcohol in no way overpowers the chocolate nor diminishes its effect or enjoyment. To make it even more interesting, they have added an under flavor of coffee which shows up in the finish. We believe that you will in no way be disappointed with this flavored vodka and will probably imagine that you have entered a chocolate lover’s paradise.
Van Gogh Raspberry Vodka ($27). There are many raspberry flavored vodkas on the market, most made with artificial flavorings. These will taste good, there should be no doubt about that, but they will never achieve the depth of flavor derived from the fresh German raspberries that are used in the Van Gogh Raspberry Vodka. You do not need to be a fruit expert or some sort of berry gourmet to observe the differences. The Van Gogh Dutch Raspberry Vodka is fresh, bright and resplendent with a rich and full raspberry flavor that shines like a diamond. This is excellent as a mixer or as a standalone aperitif and it really comes to the fore when poured over ice cream, custard or plain cake.
Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka ($27). This dark amber vodka radiates with the flavor of caramel. The color is achieved by using the same burnt sugar that flavors this sweet and exceptionally smooth vodka. There are elements of chocolate and vanilla in the finish and just a suggestion of coffee. This is a great vodka to use in designing your own personal perfect cocktail.
Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka ($27). Vanilla beans grown in equatorial subtropical regions are used to create the intense flavor of the Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka. The alcohol from the vodka captures the aroma of the vanilla beans and intensifies them until they fill the room. If you are a lover of vanilla here is a drink that will more than satiate your wildest vanilla dreams and offers the opportunity to create cocktails of such magnitude that anyone who tries them, will never forget.