Vodka + Caviar pairing with Hilda Tan & Elex Ng
by Qian Leung
@ 29 Mar 2018
Vodka is an important part of cocktails such as Vodka martini, Cosmopolitan, Greyhound, Moscow Mule, and Bloody Mary. Traditionally, though, it is taken straight. Let’s learn more about the tipple originating from Poland, Ukraine, Austria, England, and Scotland.
#1 Druide Mystical vodka with Hybrid caviar
“Mellow and gentle on the nose, it is soft and light on the tongue, with a finish of anise, and a pleasant burn at the back of the throat. The mild flavours of the vodka goes well with the richer taste of the caviar.” Elex Ng
#2 U’Luvka vodka with Amur caviar
“Sharp, with a tinge of bitterness. The caviar has a savoury and salty nose, and I can taste seaweed in it. Since the caviar is oily, I feel that I can trust this vodka to prepare my palate, as it tastes rather strong.” Hilda Tan
Hilda Tan, Lucky Bar & Full of Luck Club
#3 Belvedere Pure vodka with Amur caviar
“Subtle, with a syrupy palate that stayed on long, and a finish of spice, cloves, and cinnamon. Its mildness would be good for the caviar, which is rich, oily, and flavourful, with the seafood freshness of fresh clams or oysters.” Elex Ng
#4 G52 Urban Craft vodka
“It stands out among the first four vodkas, I can smell the wheat on the nose, and one the palate, I can taste a bit of apple. Very delicious.” Hilda Tan
#5 Tyrol vodka
“Very light, fresh, it feels like I am drinking spring water; it is that clean. It has the bright taste of minerals. If I were to drink it straight, cold, this would be my favourite of the lot.” Elex Ng
“My favourite is also #5. I think it’s just classic and clean, and the way vodka should taste.” Hilda Tan
#6 Pervak (Первак) vodka
“On the nose, it is like extra virgin olive oil, and fruit, like peaches. On the palate, it is vegetal, spicy, like green peppers, and chilli peppers. The finish is lingering, with a mild peppery burn. If I had to pick one vodka to use in a drink, #6 would be it.” Elex Ng
Elex Ng, Nanyang Bar
#7 V Gallery vodka Cucumber
“I smell caviar. The palate is sweet. The finish is long. It tastes better if you have the caviar before drinking it.” Hilda Tan
#8 Belvedere Pink Grapefruit with Amur caviar
“On the nose, fresh citrus fruits, like orange, grapefruits, and lemons. On the palate, light, bitter, and citrusy. For the finish, I get a bit of lemon peel. The lighter tasting caviar complements it.” Elex Ng
#9 Black Cow vodka with both caviars
“It is pretty straight-forward like the first three vodkas.” Hilda Tan
“I think both caviars will go with vodka #9, because it’s mild tasting, and easy to drink.” Elex Ng
Distributors:
Belvedere Pure & Belvedere Pink Grapefruit: Moët Hennessy Diageo. Tel: (65) 6838 9800
Black Cow vodka: East Wind Imports. Tel: (65) 6345 9637
Druide Mystical vodka & V Gallery vodka Cucumber:
Wine.Delivery
Pervak (Первак)
Tyrol vodka &
Amur & Hybrid caviar: 28 Wilkie. Tel: (65) 9776 2828
U’Luvka & G52 Urban Craft:
Gain Brands. Tel: (65) 6925 7005
Cuisine & Wine Asia would like to thank
28 Wilkie for hosting the tasting. 28 Wilkie is located at 28 Wilkie Road #01-01, Singapore 228051.
Adapted from the
Mar Apr 18 issue of Cuisine & Wine.
