Colwith Farm Distillery’s new Aval Dor Cornish Rosemary & Bay Vodka joins the award-winning collection of spirits created by the fifth generation farming family – using locally sourced rosemary grown at The Eden Project and fresh Bay from the Colwith family kitchen garden.
Hand crafted sustainably in small batch production, this complex botanical spirit marries fresh rosemary with the gorgeous perfume of bay, and a subtle warmth from black pepper, all brought together in a luxurious, buttery potato vodka.
Whereas most distilleries buy-in mass produced ethanol, Colwith Farm Distillery makes everything from scratch, using potatoes grown on their family farm to create their award-winning Aval Dor (which is Cornish for potato) spirits, sustainably.
Always innovating, and with a passion for provenance, the inspiration for the new vodka came from sales manager Hugh Jones, who works closely with Colwith Farm Distillery’s founder Steve Dustow.
The new Aval Dor Cornish Rosemary & Bay Vodka immediately gained the attention of the highly respected Cocktail Trading Company in Shoreditch, who are set to introduce an exciting, and typically original, new cocktail celebrating the savoury spirit to their menu from May.
Hugh says: “From the moment I joined Colwith Farm Distillery, a playful take on roast potatoes in the form of a rosemary forward botanical vodka lodged itself in my mind. I’m over the moon that Steve agreed to make my vision a reality, and am sure this unique, savoury spirit will capture the imagination of drinks enthusiasts everywhere!”
Colwith Farm Distillery has also just launched the UK’s first plough to bottle vodka school, where a welcome cocktail including the new Rosemary & Bay vodka greets guests on arrival – and learning about the history and origins of vodka and the rectification process, before picking botanicals to create their own bespoke flavoured vodka, under the expert guidance of the Colwith team.
The versatile new spirit is best served over ice with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a splash of tonic – or as the base of a cocktail to upgrade the classics, such as the iconic Dirty Martini or a Bloody Mary.
It also pairs beautifully with roast lamb, Mediterranean vegetables and fruits from the English countryside hedgerows and orchards – such as raspberries, blackberries, and apples.
Steve Dustow, founder of Colwith Farm Distillery, adds: “We are proud to do things differently and have invested significantly in innovative, sustainable practises to make all our award-winning Aval Dor spirits from scratch, on-site, and distilled from the Cornish potatoes we’ve been growing on our farm for five generations. But this is first time we’ve taken our love of roast potatoes, particularly, to the next level! We’re really excited to bring an innovative new savoury spirit to our collection for customers to enjoy.”
Interestingly, Juniper and Rosemary share flavour molecules – meaning that this new vodka offers a reassuring familiar but innovative alternative to gin. Hugh recommends a fresh Summer Spritz perfect for this time of year, mixing Knightor Rosso Vermouth with the Rosemary and Bay Vodka and a quality light tonic, built over ice, and garnished with a wedge of orange!
For further information about Colwith Farm Distillery and to purchase the new Aval Dor Rosemary & Bay Vodka online (RRP £42/70cl), please visit www.colwithfarmdistillery.co.uk.
