Words by Colin Hampden-White
I judge spirits for the IWSC including vodka. Technically speaking, a vodka should get a high score if it is clean and clear meaning there is very little flavour, and it is smooth with good clarity. Every year this brings about a conversation between the judges regarding vodka which has flavour. Not that the vodka is flavoured, but that there is a positive flavour. This can reflect the materials the vodka has been made from, for example, an earthy flavour where the vodka has been made of potatoes, or a light cereal note when made from wheat. The texture also comes into play with vodka being creamy in texture being scored highly. The general consensus between judges these days is that a clear clean vodka gets a high score, but a vodka that has great texture and taste, as well as clarity, will get an even higher score.
This brings me to a vodka that has won medals recently and as it was tasted blind, I only got to drink it under its brand name relatively recently. Good friend Douglas Blyde suggested I try Dima’s Vodka. A Ukrainian vodka created by its namesake Dima Deinega. Dima, although brought up in the UK is from Ukraine and has a passion for vodka.
What Does Dima’s Vodka Taste Like?
Dima’s Vodka is made from three types of organic grain. Wheat, Rye and Barley. These three grains give the vodka flavour without the vodka tasting like it has been flavoured in any way. The flavours are subtle but include a nuttiness on the nose together with a biscuit aroma. The palate brings in rye bread and hints of vanilla, a cereal earthiness and is sweet with fabulous viscosity allowing the spirit to be held on the palate to warm and develop. The finish brings in a liquorish note alongside the nutty flavour and there is a light chilli spice. This spirit can be savoured and is very flexible.
How Should I Drink Dima’s Vodka?
It makes a great base for cocktails as it can stand up to other favours well. Chilled it makes a great martini and keeping a bottle in the freezer is an excellent idea. However, in Ukraine, they eat pickles with vodka and a small, chilled pickle alongside a neat shot of Dima’s Vodka is a great way to experience the flavours of the vodka as the sweet flavours are cut by the salty and crunchy pickle.
It’s not often I single out specific products for praise, but I will continue to do so if a product really stands out as excellent in its category, and Dima’s Vodka certainly does that.
If you would like to support the people of Ukraine during this terrible time, please have a look at the following links:
British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal – Red Cross is raising funds and supplies for those affected. By donating you will help get food, water, medical supplies, clothes and shelter to those who need it.
savelife.in.ua – This Ukrainian non-governmental organisation is urging people to donate to help.
The Ukrainian Institute London has also put together a really helpful list of different ways in which you can help Ukraine and its people.
Looking for something else to read? Why not check out The World’s Best Vodka or The Best Value Vodka for Martinis?