samedi 11 mai 2013

Vodka is still the tonic of choice in Mayfair!

By Jane Sturgess


Cossacks in furry ushankas blowing icy breath as they rub their hands together for warmth: such are the connotations of the word 'vodka'. It came as a huge surprise to learn that England has its very own, home grown vodka: yet another reason to be proudly British. In the quiet farming area of Herefordshire you will find far more than somnolent cattle. You will find a potato farm which does far more than just sprout spuds!

William Chase is the genius behind this much acclaimed drink and has proudly lent it his name: CHASE vodka is rapidly becoming renowned as one of the world's most foremost vodkas. As homely as mash with lashings of butter, it is a fine spirit that includes inspired hints of smoky almonds and freshly cracked black pepper. This is the first distillery to produce potato vodka on our shores but is not the only brainchild of Mr Chase: he is also the wizz kid behind Tyrrells crisps...methinks a drum roll is in order; it is no secret how delectable these country-chips are!

Chase has really done his research: using potatoes grown on the farm, he is able to control the starch content to make the perfect potato mash. Furthermore, his distillery ensures that the alcohol is not completely stripped from the fermented potatoes: after travelling the globe for knowledge, Chase has reverted to the age old traditional method of adding a hand-made batch pot to his copper still. After the slow, careful but impeccable distillation process, the vodka is lovingly hand-bottled (look out for the exquisite, unique design), the result is pure nectar. I cannot pay sufficient homage to this ingenious man so visit the Chase website or buy a bottle of this delicious vodka and decide for yourself.

And, now you have the vodka bug, how about a cocktail? The Cocktail of the Month at the Chase Distillery blends Vermouth with smoked vodka and a swirl of lemon. Et voila, you have made the aptly christened Smoke on the Water Martini. A hot summer's day calls for a cooling Cucumber Passion: cubes of cucumber splashed with passion fruit syrup, lemonade and lime. For the more fiery amongst us, add tabasco sauce, salt and tinned lychees to mojito syrup and vodka to create a Chilli Lychee. Or try the amazing combination of vodka, pomegranate syrup, Red vermouth, basil and cherries to make a Crimson Twilight creation.

If you prefer your cocktails to be mixed and poured for you then you really should consider heading on down to Home House of Portman Square. On Sundays The Bison Bar is the place to be for cocktails with a wide selection of the tropical delights. Pop down for a classic Mai Tai or simply choose a tasty treat from the extensive menu and relax.




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