Sonnema VodkaHERB

Inspired by the heritage of the Dutch, the origins of Genever Gin and an herbal concoction once saught after by seafarers to fight disease, Sonnema VodkaHERB is truly one of a kind. This premium, herb-infused vodka from Holland is sure to make a mark in the spirits market and define yet another dimension in the vodka world. It is so close to that line of vodka versus gin that the selection and strength of herbs and botanicals and the juniper, which plays a supporting role (as opposed to the lead), allows this spirit to be labeled as vodka. Gin lovers: there is a vodka out there for you and this is it.

A great tasting spirit with a fascinating story behind it always makes for an exceptional combination and the glimpses of history inside Sonnema VodkaHERB play wonderfully off the intriguing results. Behind the vodka lies the heritage of another distilled spirit that originated in the same area in which Sonnema is distilled: Holland and Genever Gin. In the 18th century an Amsterdam herb trader named Hendrik Berenburg created a proprietary blend of herbs that he sold to sailors who mixed the herbs with Genever and brandy and used it as a medicinal tonic. Some years later Freddie Sonnema, a Dutch innkeeper, bought the Berenburg recipe, tweaked it a bit and branded the concoction into what became one of the most popular spirits of the day in Holland. It is that blend of herbs that has carried over into Sonnema VodkaHERB.

Sonnema VodkaHERB’s production is slightly more complex than most others and the final spirit is obtained more in the manner of blended whiskies. It begins with a clear, traditional Dutch vodka distilled from corn, rye and wheat that was ground in the distillery’s 1785 windmill. This grain vodka is slow filtered through charcoal, which creates a soft distillate. A strong herbal tincture is also created by combining some of the grain vodka with the hand-selected herbal mixture comprised in part by wormwood, rosemary, gentian root and juniper from Holland, the Alps, Asia and the Mediterranean. The herbs are strained from the extract after it has reached the desired strength. The third element in the final blend involves distilling a portion of the grain vodka twice and a third, and final, distillation during which more herbs are added, leaving a lightly herbal-flavored distillate. Once each of these three elements are complete the grain vodka, herbal vodka and herbal extract are married together to for a single, herbal composition that is both smooth and complex with an enjoyable, subtle flavor.

Sonnema VodkaHERB has a distinct nose filled with citrus, lavender, rosemary, cedar and juniper. The palate is silky with an herbal spark and tones of rose, coriander and juniper that are beautifully balanced. On its own, this vodka takes a little getting used to and may be an acquired taste, although a dash of lemon and bitters can make a great difference. However it is a fantastic, versatile cocktail ingredient.

The Fabulous Shaker Boys created some fantastic cocktails specifically for Sonnema. More of those recipes can be found at sonnema.com. Here are a few that stood out…

• The Dutch Duchess
• Negroni served up and garnished with a cherry
• VodkaHerbitan
• VodkaHerb Martini
• Vodka Collins

More Sonnema Cocktails:

• Dutch Green Tea
• Dutch Tulip

Sonnema Facts:

• Released in 2006
• Imported by Dutch company, UTO
• Retails for around $24 per 750mL bottle