Van Gogh Espresso and Double Espresso Vodkas

In the not too distant past, Van Gogh Vodka followed a trend in flavored vodka that melds our caffeinated desires with liquor. This came about with the release of their Espresso and Double Espresso vodkas, each infused naturally with the rich flavors of lush coffee. Both are great additions to the bar and will give you that shot of caffeine you may be looking for in your drinks. The other aspect of these newer flavors that is most impressive is that they hold the Van Gogh quality that we've come to expect and that reputation has yet to be sullied no matter what flavored vodka they take on.

I prefer by far the light sweetness and coffee bean of the single over the double because it is subtle and delicious without being overbearing. The Double Espresso is still a fantastic vodka, but I've noticed that those extra shots do the same in vodka as they do in the java house: the mix gets thick, the caffeine hits like a wall and it teeters the line of syrup versus thick drink.

With the Espresso cocktails are lighter, both in color and taste. It is the ideal substitute for the vodka and Kahlua of the more common Espresso Martinis. This also makes a fantastic White (or Black) Russian, a delicious Talking Monkey and I had a bit of fun pairing it with pomegranate juice for my Pomspresso Martini and with gin for my Ginspresso Martini. While you may see a pattern with those, they also show off the versatility of Van Gogh's Espresso.

Back to the Double Espresso. It is a powerful one, but not as much as Three Olives Triple. It is a great substitute for Kahlua in most of the common coffee-flavored drinks, like the Bacchus Espresso Martini, because it is dark and rich with just a touch more caffeine. It is also fun for shots like Van Gogh's Irish Coffee Drop.

Van Gogh Espresso Tasting Notes:
The fragrance is light and airy, reminiscent of a small coffee shop with fresh, dark beans percolating. The palate is that of velvet and dark roasted beans caress the tongue and the finish has a strong, lasting note of a mocha latte made with rich chocolate and cream.

Van Gogh Double Espresso Tasting Notes:
This vodka has a significantly richer aroma marked with sweet, dark cocoa that fills the air. Not quite a light syrup, the Double Espresso is thicker, darker feeling and has a chocolate-caramel tone. The finish is rich in cocoa and has a caffeinated kick to it that is an eye opener, but a gentle one.