Caramel is a tricky flavor to begin with: Basically it’s burnt sugar, and that carries with it all kinds of challenges. Godiva makes a pretty good caramel/chocolate liqueur, but Van Gogh raises the stakes with a naturally-flavored vodka that’s straight up caramel, and 70 proof to boot, leaving much less room for flavoring agents.

This flavored spirit is a winner all around, imbued with lots of authentic caramel character that instantly sends you into a Halloween flashback. That said, Van Gogh Dutch Caramel is not exactly complex. It tastes of sweet caramel, not too sugary but with plenty of sweetness, and the finish is quick and shockingly clean, with no bitter or medicinal vodka notes to interfere with the flavored portion of the drink. What a great option to use as a basis for a dessert cocktail, rather than spiking a bunch of liqueurs with neutral vodka, just start with this flavored version and you’re one step ahead on your recipe.

70 proof.

A / $29

Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka

$29

9.5

Rating

9.5/10

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