Stolichnaya Halapeño Pepper Vodka / 700mL

Stolichnaya Halapeño Pepper Vodka is a chilli-infused flavoured vodka from Latvia, sold here in 700mL, and it is the rare pepper vodka that delivers genuine mouth-heat rather than a token tickle. Green jalapeño is the whole idea, carried on a clean grain spirit that stays bright underneath the spice.

The nose leads with fresh green chilli and capsicum skin, with a faint wisp of smoke behind it and a lick of something almost herbal. On the palate the pepper arrives quickly, more vegetal and savoury than sweet, and the spirit itself reads soft and neutral, letting the jalapeño do the talking.

Texture is smooth and slightly oily, which helps the heat build in a steady wave rather than a sharp hit. The finish is warm and lingering, drying out with a peppery tingle across the back of the tongue that fades slowly and leaves you reaching for the next sip.

Serve Stolichnaya Halapeño Pepper Vodka straight from the freezer in a small chilled glass, or use it as the base of a Bloody Mary, a spicy margarita-style sour or a chilli martini with a green olive.