NEVER SAY NEVER VODKA
In collaboration with James Grant, No 2 Pound Street, Wendover
Vodka distilled with Old Winchester gouda style cheese from Lyburn Farm, Wiltshire
Never ones to shy away from experimentation, we’ve used some very unique botanicals and processes in the past. Gin infused with flowers from a non-native invasive plant species, hand-picked rare local juniper in an exceptional London Dry and not forgetting, we were the first distillery to use ultrasound to break down botanicals for a bigger, bolder flavour profile.
Back in 2018 when James Grant of No 2 Pound Street and a leading authority in the world of cheese asked if we’d make a gin using cheese, we said ‘never’. When he asked if we would make a cheese vodka, we said ‘never’.
But as we discovered the fantastic world of British independent cheese producers, never became maybe and maybe became let’s do it.
So here we have it and we’re now wondering why it took us so long!
We’ve modified the set-up of our much loved still, Isabella, allowing us to redistill an exceptionally clean wheat-based spirit in the presence of a whopping great big piece of 18 month aged Old Winchester gouda style cheese from Lyburn Farm, Wiltshire.
The result – not what you might think
Never Say Never Vodka is smooth, it is savoury with subtle deep buttery notes and hints of sweet and salty. As much as we hate to say it (being gin lovers of course), it makes a great vodka martini.
Never Say Never Vodka cocktails
In all honesty it makes a great base in most classic vodka cocktails, especially an Espresso Martini, Moscow Mule or Bloody Mary. If you’re feeling bold, sip it neat over ice with some crackers and erm… cheese!
Vodka Martini
Serves 1
60ml Never Say Never Vodka (room temperature)
20ml Dolin Dry Vermouth
Olives for garnish
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Stir over ice for 30 seconds. Never shake! Strain into a pre-chilled martini glass or coupe and garnish with olives. For a sweeter more citric version use Martini Blanco Vermouth. For extra body and a vanilla profile use Regal Rogue Lively White Vermouth.
Espresso Martini
Serves 1
35ml Never Say Never Vodka (room temperature)
30ml Espresso coffee (freshly brewed, allow to cool)
20ml Mr Black coffee liqueur (or Kahluha)
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker one third filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds then fine strain into a pre-chilled martini glass or coupe. Express lemon or orange peel over the top of the drink to release oils then garnish with three coffee beans.
Never Say Never Vodka Tonic
Serves 1
50ml Never Say Never Vodka
100ml Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water
Add a few cubes of ice to a glass, measure in 50ml Never Say Never Vodka Tonic and top with 100ml Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.