Camitz Sparkling Vodka

 
This very handsome, tall, silver-topped bottle had been sitting on my desk for two weeks. Not that I wasn't keen to try it, but this particular bottle is full of a very interesting combination of vodka and bubbles. So you see this presents a problem. I am told that, unless sealed with a champagne stopper, the bubbles last for 8 hours at the most. I certainly can’t drink 750ml of vodka, five times distilled, sparkling or otherwise, on my own.
 
There in lies the celebratory nature of Camitz Sparkling. It demands a party, it demands to be shared. So share I did. Unfortunately sharing is not the only demand made by Camitz Sparkling. It demands to be cold and unlike any other vodka bottle it won’t tolerate being shoved in a freezer draw. I never thought I’d say this but it would be ok if the 2010 January snow flurry was still around.
 
The solution of course is: an ice bucket. Camitz Sparkling also demands respect whilst imbibing - no vodka tonics for this aristocratic Swede. Some might think a shot will do, which I did try. It’s warming, as you would expect, with a crisp sweet aftertaste, but a bottle of Camitz Sparkling Vodka really demands well-made cocktails. Lemongrass, lavender or ginger maybe? I choose a creation of blitzed fresh blue berries and a dash of apple juice in a proper glass of course. As I said, a demanding, but amusing and festive drink. And if the bubbles do disappear, all that remains is a premium vodka. What will those Swedes think of next?
 
Camitz Sparkling Vodka can be purchased from Selfridges and some online drink retailers (DrinkEmporium.com, Firebox.com and Drinkshop.com). Priced at around £13.99 (200ml) & £29.99 (700ml). For more information, visit: www.camitzvodka.com
 
Reviewed by: Anne Giacomantonio