Flavors: Fig, Toffee, And Espresso
Today, we have three vodka-based spirits, each of them offering a unique flavor. As with most flavored spirits, they can be had straight, on the rocks, or mixed in some interesting cocktails. We tried each method, and came away pretty satisfied with the trio. They also are fairly distinctive- there aren't a lot of similar products in these categories. Next time that you're looking for a little something interesting to shake up your bar, check out one of today's products.
The newest of the three, and the most surprising, was Figenza Fig Flavored Vodka. We were initially skeptical- plenty of flavored vodkas are pretty middle-of-the-road- but this one was definitely a cut above. It's not even widely available yet- new distribution areas are starting to open- but we certainly recommend giving this one a taste. The packaging is a bit overwhelming, if eye-catching. But the nose is lively and fruity- but natural, without seeming artificial. The taste is pretty delicate, figs don't exactly smash your tastebuds, but add a nice exotic note. Smooth, with a nice lingering finish, it made a great martini. Available for around $30 for a 750 mL bottle.
Next up is a great companion to coffee, Dooley's Toffee Cream liqueur. A pleasant combination of cream, vodka, and caramel, this one is definitely for those with a sweet tooth. The vodka base is a bit heavy, and meant that in comparison to a whiskey base (like Irish creams), this one was a little harder to enjoy straight or with ice. But it does make for a great alcoholic milkshake- just add ice cream and blend. A perfect summer drink- and this one has less fat than many cream liqueurs. Under $20 for 750 mL, available fairly widely.
And, finally, the companion: Dooley's Espresso Cream liqueur. Similar in packaging, this one had more flavor, and a nice strong coffee note with not much bitterness. Instead, it's warm and roasted, and impressively smooth if a little thin. This one was pretty good on the rocks, or cut with a bit of fresh milk, added to coffee, or again mixed with ice cream. Also, it's well-priced, again in the $20 range for a 750 mL bottle. Under 40 proof too.
About the Author
Greg Greg dreamed up the idea for the Truly Network while living in Hawaii, which began with a single site called TrulyObscure. In 2010, when advertisers and readers were requesting coverage beyond the scope of that site, TrulyNet was launched, reaching a broader audience over a variety of niche sites. Formerly the head technology correspondent for the Des Moines Register at age 16, he has since lived and worked in five states and two countries, helping a list of organizations and companies that includes the United States Census Bureau, TripAdvisor, Events Photo Group, Berlitz, and Computer Geeks. He also served as the Content Strategy Manager for HearPlanet, a multi-platform app that has reached over a million users and has been featured in the New York Times, Hemispheres Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, Fox Business News, PC Magazine, and even Apple’s own iPhone ads. Greg has written as a restaurant critic and feature journalist for a number of national and international publications, including City Weekend Magazine, Red Egg Magazine, the Newton Daily News, Capital Change Magazine, and an arm of China Daily, Beijing Weekend. In addition, he has served as a consulting editor for the Foreign Language Press of Beijing, as well as a writer and editor for the George Washington University Hatchet, the school newspaper of his alma mater. Originally from Iowa, Greg is currently living in the West Village of Manhattan.
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