In 1806 a Georgian prince sat in the Caucasus refining a recipe for grain spirit. The Eristoff family had land, titles and a wolf's head on the coat of arms, and the name travelled onwards with the recipe across two centuries. The wolf still stands on the bottle today, but the spirit is made in France.
Expert description
Eristoff is a French Vodka made from 100% grain, triple distilled and charcoal filtered, bottled at 37.5%.
The story begins in Georgia, where Prince Nikolai Eristoff put the recipe in place. Production itself now sits in France, from where the vodka is distributed across the European market, and the brand belongs to Bacardi. It is one of those vodkas that grew large without ever making a fuss about itself.
Production runs strictly by the book. The grain has to carry the right moisture content before fermentation, distillation happens in three stages with demineralised water for dilution, and the spirit finally passes through charcoal. That filtration removes the last traces of harshness and heavier alcohols, and it is what gives Eristoff the smooth feel it is known for.
The result is neutral in the literal sense. There is no prominent grain character, no sweetness and no sharp edge, which is exactly the intention. A vodka like this is not meant to take up room in a drink but to make room. Alongside the original sits a range of flavoured versions, all built on the same clean base.
Tasting notes
Nose
Nearly silent. A distant grain note and something close to wet stone, but no perfume and no sweetness.
Palate
Light and smooth with a hint of sweetness on the attack. The grain sits well back, and the alcohol feels milder than 37.5% usually does.
Finish
Short and clean with a small streak of pepper at the end. Nothing lingers, and that is the whole point.
Specifications
Name: Eristoff
Producer: Eristoff
Region/Country: France
Type: French Vodka
ABV: 37.5%
Size: 70 CL
Distillation method: Triple distilled from 100% grain, charcoal filtered
Serving suggestion: On the rocks with a wedge of lime, in a Vodka Tonic or as the base of a Moscow Mule.
Flavour profile
Neutral · Smooth · Light · Dry
Did you know?
Charcoal filtration of spirits became widespread in Russia in the 1700s, long before anyone could explain the chemistry behind it. All that was known was that charcoal made the spirit milder. The principle is the same as pouring water through a filter jug in your kitchen today.
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