Effen Vodka (175cl, 40%)

Effen Vodka is a Dutch wheat vodka distilled by Hooghoudt Distillers in northern Holland and bottled at 40% ABV in a 1.75 litre format. It is distilled from wheat using a continuous rectification column, then chill-distilled for additional refinement. Filtration uses peat rather than charcoal, packed at higher density with a more open molecular structure, and the liquid is forced upward through the peat before blending with spring water from the local Groningen reservoir. It earned a Gold medal at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the White Spirits Vodka category. The nose is restrained and mineral-driven, with soft creamed wheat, light toasted vanilla and subtle dulce de leche. The palate is smooth and silky, with vanilla marshmallow, cream, soft wheat grain and a measured crack of black pepper. The finish is medium in length, velvety and slightly peppery, with lingering wheat-grain sweetness and faint mineral dryness.