Discover Devon and Explore Fossil Coasts Handpicked Craft Spirits Guide to the County's Finest Vodka
- Wayne Munday
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
Sip back and discover Devon and explore Fossil Coast's handpicked craft spirits guide to Devon's finest vodka. When it comes to artisan spirits the discerning Fossil Coast customer knows that handcrafted premium vodka stands confidently alongside gin, rum, and whiskey. Often underestimated for its subtlety, vodka is far more than just a neutral base for cocktails it's a refined spirit with centuries of heritage, craftsmanship, and versatility. For those who appreciate authenticity, purity, and craftsmanship of a premium artisan vodka you know it is an essential addition to any spirits collection. Whether sipped neat, served chilled in traditional style, or mixed into a masterfully crafted cocktail, vodka’s legacy and modern reinvention make it a standout among fine spirits.
What Is Vodka? It’s a refined spirit rooted in tradition as a clear distilled spirit made from starch or sugar-based ingredients such as corn, wheat, rye, barley, oats, potatoes or sugar beet. Though it’s often labelled as “tasteless” or “odourless,” true connoisseurs recognise that quality vodkas offer nuanced character, soft aromas and clean finishes.
Historically, both Russia and Poland lay claim to vodka’s origins. Poland introduced early versions known as gorzalka in the 11th century initially used for medicinal purposes. In Russia, the first documented distillery appeared in 1174 in Khylnovsk where a monk named Isidore from the Chudov Monastery is credited with creating the first Russian vodka recipe.
The process behind vodka’s signature smoothness lies in its meticulous distillation and filtration. Vodka is a neutral grain rectified spirit typically distilled three or more times. This repeated distillation removes impurities specifically the “heads” and “tails” leaving only the smoothest, cleanest “heart” of the distillate.
The Heads contain esters and alcohol-soluble compounds responsible for fruity and floral aromas. The Hearts represent the desired portion: clean, smooth, and ready for blending or bottling and the Tails include heavier alcohols, water, and unwanted compounds, removed to ensure purity. After distillation, vodka is filtered often using charcoal to further refine its taste. It is then diluted with ultra-clean water such as spring water to reach bottling strength, typically around 37.5% ABV (EU minimum) or 40% ABV (US standard).
Though vodka is often described as neutral, premium handcrafted vodkas reveal subtle aromas and flavour profiles. The quality of the base ingredient be it grain or potato influences the final mouthfeel and character. Today, craft distillers elevate vodka with infusion techniques, steeping fresh fruits, herbs, and botanicals into the finished spirit. This traditional method results in flavoured vodkas with depth and natural complexity, unlike many mass-market vodkas that rely on artificial additives.
The word “vodka” stems from the Slavic term “voda” meaning water a fitting nod to its clarity and cultural pervasiveness. Vodka’s heritage is most deeply rooted in what’s known as the “Vodka Belt” of Eastern Europe, encompassing countries like Russia, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, and Sweden. In Russian culture, vodka is more than a drink it’s an emblem of national identity. As the founder of the Russian Vodka Museum in St. Petersburg put it: “The whole history of Russian culture is tied to vodka.” In Russia, Vodka is served ice cold in small glasses and consumed in a single gulp, often accompanied by a toast: “Na Zdorovie!” (meaning - To your health!). In Poland, Vodka is enjoyed from a mikadka a 50 ml glass, in similar celebratory fashion.
Thanks to its clean, adaptable profile, vodka is one of the most versatile spirits in the world. It plays a central role in many classic cocktails including the Cosmopolitan, Moscow Mule, Vodka Martini, Espresso Martini, Bloody Mary and Screwdriver. Despite its differences from gin namely, vodka’s lack of botanicals the two are often used interchangeably in mixology due to their shared versatility.
Vodka Producers and Distilleries in Devon
Devon Cove Vodka | Website | Shop | Experience
Cove Vodka is a premium, small-batch potato vodka crafted by a family-run farm in South Hams, Devon, where King Edward potatoes have been grown since the 1960s. Lovingly cultivated in rich coastal soil overlooking Hope Cove, these potatoes are transformed into an exceptionally smooth, single-distilled vodka using traditional copper pot distillation and pure Devon spring water. Free from added sugar and exceptionally low in carbohydrates, Cove Vodka is a clean, wholesome spirit with a luxurious mouthfeel that reflects the purity of its ingredients and the heritage of Devon farming. First distilled in 2018, this artisan vodka is ideal served neat, over ice, or with soda and lime, offering a smooth and creamy taste that vodka connoisseurs appreciate. Proudly low-calorie and naturally refined, Cove Vodka captures the essence of sea air, sustainability, and craftsmanship in every bottle.
Born from a friendship rooted in Devon, TORS Vodka is a premium British vodka handcrafted in micro-batches using soft winter wheat and pure Dartmoor spring water. Crafted over three years by two childhood friends, TORS Vodka is charcoal filtered for up to three months to achieve an exceptionally smooth, clean finish designed to be enjoyed neat or in your favorite cocktail. Distilled near the granite hilltops of Dartmoor National Park, this artisanal vodka reflects the rugged purity of its origins. Recognised for excellence, TORS Vodka proudly earned Taste of the West Gold Awards in 2018, 2019, and 2020. With a commitment to quality and innovation, TORS continues to push boundaries with new, exciting products anchored by its signature award-winning vodka. Experience the unmatched taste of a truly distinctive British vodka that stands alone in its field.
