There’s a new kid in town. The 86 Co., who apparently are not named after the slang phrase “to eighty-six it”. Instead, they craft spirits for bartenders, designed by bartenders. The first of these to cross the GSN review desk is a vodka with an unusual name. One doesn’t usually think of ducks and vodka together, but the words trip off the tongue pleasantly. The Aylesbury duck itself was a popular breed of domesticated duck in England until about 50 years ago. Now, there is only one flock of pure Aylesbury ducks left in the world. Perhaps that is why the 86 Co. chose this name. Rare, pure and unusual with a sense of history.
The vodka is distilled from Canadian winter wheat, brought down to 80 proof with Californian water, and finally filled in ergonomically designed bottles.
Aylesbury Duck Vodka (80 proof)
Visual: Clear.
Nose: Fresh, clean and vibrant.
Taste: Extraordinarily smooth, slightly sweet and with a vanilla/mineral quality that reminds me of salted caramel. The flavor of the grain comes through clearly and adds an almost fresh-baked bread-like character.
Finish: The finish is quite refreshing and with a dry tang that leaves you wanting more. As it fades, you get distinctive notes of pepper, salt and surprisingly, celery.
Overall: One of the tastiest vodkas I’ve had in months. I find myself being drawn back to it over and over. If I were a fan of the Kangaroo cocktail (vodka Martini), this is the vodka I would choose.
GSN Rating: A
For more information go to: Aylesbury Duck Vodka
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