Karlsson’s Gold Vodka

Detailed Description

Karlsson’s Gold is made from seven varieties of new potato, grown in the Cape Bjäre region of Sweden by independent growers. These are harvested from June to September, before they start to develop a skin so are described as ‘Virgin’ new potatoes. Around eight kilos of these potatoes are needed to make each bottle. They are distilled in one single column distillation at a purpose built Gripsholm distillery in Åkers, Sweden. Karlsson’s Gold is the result of collaboration by three men who originally met and worked together on the development and launch of Absolut vodka. Peter Ekelund, who in 1979 became assistant to the then new CEO of Sedish Vin & Sprit and worked on the marketing of Absolut. Hans Brindfors, one of the original designers behind the iconic Absolut bottle. And Olof Tranvik, who worked on marketing Absolut in New York and claims credit for persuading his friend Andy Warhol to draw a bottle of Absolut.

The ex-Absolut trio needed a blender to help create their new vodka so turned to Börje Karlsson, predictably once a master blender of Absolut vodka. Karlsson started his experiments with making vodka from potatoes in 2002. The result, Karlsson’s Gold vodka, was launched in 2006.

Karlsson’s Gold Vodka Tasting Notes

Nose: Fresh acorns, wet forest floor and vanilla.

Palate: Slightly sweet, wonderfully silky, almost creamy mouth feel with vegetal notes (new potato skins) and vanilla cream soda.

Finish: While the palate is smooth and creamy the finish is quite spirity with cracked black pepper.

Distillery Information

The distillery is certified according to EU and the US National Organic Program (USDA NOP). Sweden’s only certified organic distillery also uses electricity generated by water and wind power. Water is drawn from the distillery’s own well and a natural strain of yeast is used in fermentation.