UK5 Organic Vodka

Written by: Tom Pellicane

On Tuesday, April 28 we conducted the first of our Green Palate group tastings. Our goal of the Green Palate is to bring a lay person’s point of view, sprinkled with some expert opinions to reviews of Local/Organic/Natural Grapes, Grains and Brews or as some might know them Wines, Spirits and Beers.  For the evening we tasted UK5 Organic Vodka, which is according to its makers “The world’s first certified organic & biodynamic vodka.”

UK5 is a rye vodka, produced in Germany with ingredients sourced from a single farm that has been organic for decades. The vodka is unfiltered based on the lack of impurities in the growing process and “which preserves its natural flavor.” The producers of UK5 bring sustainability beyond the libation itself; their packaging is also sustainable, utilizing recycled glass and paper.

We intended to conduct our tasting in a thoughtful and well-planned format, staying true to our mission. For the most part we did as we set out, however based on the number of interesting items that the folks at Whole Foods Market provided, like kumquats, smoked salmon and Marcona almonds from Spain, to try with the vodka we seemed to linger in the natural and chilled state a while before moving on to the mixed drinks.

Nose: Natural State
In its natural state collectively we found the nose of UK5 to have a light citrus appeal, mildly sweet although somewhat astringent, remarks noted are “clean” and “clear.” Most also found a lack of “bite” in the nose describing it as smooth.  Other comments on the nose were “musk” and an “almost piney note.” However Tara felt the astringency was “sterile” and somewhat “medicinal.”

Palate: Natural State
The palate of UK5 in its natural state we found to have a spicy kick, not harsh but spicy, one taster referred to it as “peppery.” Most found this “kick” upon the initial touch to the lips and taste.  Beyond the initial spiciness tasters described hints of vanilla and a light, sweet citrusy taste that went beyond the nose. One taster found the aftertaste to be “bitter…almost radicchio” said Diana, Karen described a “caper berry to melon” tastes lingering on the roof of her mouth, while Adele sensed a “cinnamon on the tip of the tongue and lips.” All found that UK5 is a pleasant vodka to drink in its natural state.

Nose: Chilled
When chilled the nose of UK5 lost the “astringent” sense most had detected in its natural state.  A couple of tasters found the nose “earthy,” others “crisp” and “clean.” Chilled UK5 had a more pleasant nose.  Andrew and Tom found a light sweetness in the nose, however Matt found it was “losing the nose” and John felt the nose was “unpronounced.”

Palate: Chilled
On the palate when chilled our team found UK5 to be easy to drink, remaining smooth and clean with more texture with a few noting a spicy finish that lingered. Karen enjoyed that the “bite” was still present on the palate, while John felt the vodka was “flat” when chilled.  Andrew noted hints of vanilla while others did not.

Pairing
We moved tasting UK5 with some of the accoutrements provided.  Tasters had the opportunity to taste the vodka with kumquats, pickled herring, Marcona almonds, corn nuts, mixed nuts, Garlic and Lemon Zest Olives, traditional martini olives, salmon two ways and gruyere cheese.

The kumquats overwhelmingly were felt to enhance the citrus flavors within the vodka; Karen noted that they mellowed the spiciness or for Chris “diminished the burn,” while Andrew felt they “overwhelmed” the vodka. Most enjoyed pairing the UK5 with the Gruyere Diana noted the vodka’s “sweetness really came through.”  However John felt the cheese pairing was his least favorite, suggesting the nuts “brought out the musk of the vodka,” Matt felt the Marcona almonds paired the UK5 was a “strange combo.”  My favorite, as a vodka and olive drinker were the Garlic and Lemon Zest Olives. I felt the saltiness, citrus and bite of the garlic simply heightened the flavors of the vodka.

Mixing
We moved to mixers after pairings mixing with cranberry, club, and tonic. The consensus was that UK5 was better off alone and didn’t stand up to mixes beyond the soda well. Chris found with soda and lime it had “a wonderfully smooth taste,” this combination Katie said was “so smooth” many felt it could be a dangerous combo.  Beyond the soda though comments bubbled up, no pun intended, like “no thanks,”  “too mild,” and was “overpowered.”

Sharing
We then asked our panel if they would buy for themselves and/or recommend UK5 to a friend.  All tasters said yes with the caveat that UK5 is not well vodka, meant to be poured for the masses in screw drivers, bloodymarys and vodka tonics.  It is best enjoyed on its own or with pairings that enhance and do not overpower the smooth flavor of UK5.

Where to find UK5
Below is a listing of some retailers in the New York area that carry UK5. You can also ask your local retailer to purchase UK5 directly from the distributor, Opici Wines & Spirits.

Grand Wine Cellar
40 Cold Spring Road
Syosset, NY  11791
(516) 496-9463

Columbus Circle Wines & Spirits
1780 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 247-0764

Astor Wine and Spirits
399 Lafayette St.
NewYork, NY 10013
(212) 674-7500

Community Food and Juice
2893 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
(212) 665-2800