Veil Double Espresso Vodka

The aroma is strongly of coffee, with a hint of cigarette smoke. There's also some artificial caramel and vanilla, and something else I can't quite identify. Perhaps a hint of fudge-like chocolate in the nose. The palate is much sweeter, with coffee and chocolate immediately apparent, along with intense sweetness and some off-notes. It has ashy characteristics, but also a youthful sweetness like light caramel and sugar syrup, possibly with some brownie notes. This is peculiar and definitely misses the mark, but it's not terrible. It has several flavors, but they combine strangely, mixing ash with light sugary notes. I believe it's better than a 5 because it's intriguing, but it's certainly not great due to its rough edges. Eventually, there's a notable soapiness. Still, not awful. The long dark roast finish is actually quite pleasant. Given the mixture of flavors, it bears some resemblance to tequila. Strange. I'll start it at a 5 and adjust my rating later, as it's just very odd in ways that are often undesirable. It highlights the icing sugar and artificial caramel sweetness of Kahlua, along with its chocolate rather than coffee flavor. Kahlua tastes significantly better, though it's less complex and still not great.

Rating: 8/23 Nose: I detect coffee and wood, not alcohol. There's a subtle spiciness and lightness. The aroma isn't outstanding, but there's a decent amount of character. Palate: Coffee, sweet, spicy, with a slight off-note and a bit watery. Not remarkable, but not poor. It's certainly among the better options in the Veil flavored range. The sweetness is marginally artificial, and the watery quality of the vodka doesn't help. Otherwise, it's adequate. Finish: Lingering bitterness from the coffee and artificial sweetener remains. Not terrible, but not exciting. This is definitely superior to the caramel Veil. While not tasting great, it's not awful either. I'm considering an 8 or 9, but I'll stick with an 8. There's little actively objectionable, and the coffee provides some complexity, but there's not much to recommend it.

A coffee-flavored vodka from Minnesota. It has an aromatic start with notes of freshly roasted coffee beans, but its thin body leads to a vegetal finish of medium length with a hint of green peas.