J.J. Whitley Vanilla Vodka 70cl / 38%

J.J. Whitley Vanilla Vodka is an English vanilla vodka at 38% ABV in a 70cl bottle, combining a rich J.J. Whitley vodka with subtle vanilla. Unlike the sweeter dessert flavours in the range, the vanilla here is restrained and balanced by hints of white pepper spice. That makes it a vanilla vodka with white pepper character that works neat over ice as well as in mixed drinks. It suits drinkers who want a touch of vanilla without the heavy sweetness of a liqueur.

J.J. Whitley Vanilla tasting notes

• Nose: Vanilla pod and cream, with a little white pepper.
• Palate: Rich and rounded, with subtle vanilla sweetness and gentle spice.
• Finish: Medium length, with soft vanilla and a peppery edge.

How to drink J.J. Whitley Vanilla

Pour 40 ml over a large ice cube in a rocks glass and let it sit for a minute so the vanilla opens up. Crème brûlée, apple tart and salted caramel brownies all suit it, and it works well after a Sunday roast or at a winter dinner party.

J.J. Whitley Vanilla cocktails

• J.J. Whitley Vanilla Ginger Highball: build 50 ml over ice in a highball with 150 ml ginger beer and a thin slice of fresh ginger.
• Vanilla Sour: shake 50 ml with 25 ml fresh lemon juice and 10 ml sugar syrup over ice, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

How it compares

J.J. Whitley Artisanal Vodka is the unflavoured version with a similar warming spice at 37.5%. Dragon Vanilla Vodka at 37.5% has a more intense, dessert-like vanilla, while J.J. Whitley's is subtler and spicier, and Cariel Vanilla Vodka from Sweden is the softest of the three.

Good to know

A bottle suits a home bar as a versatile flavoured vodka that still works neat. Wodka Company stocks J.J. Whitley Vanilla Vodka 70cl and delivers it from London across the UK.