42 Below takes its name from New Zealand's latitude — 42 degrees south — and its vodka is as clean and pure as the country's reputation suggests. Made from GM-free New Zealand wheat and volcanic spring water, quadruple-distilled and put through a 35-step filtration process, it is a spirit engineered for purity with an almost obsessive attention to detail.
The volcanic spring water is the distinctive element. Filtered naturally through volcanic rock formations, it has a mineral profile that contributes a subtle freshness to the finished spirit. The wheat is sourced from New Zealand's South Island, and the entire production happens on the country's North Island. At 42% ABV — matching the latitude — it sits slightly above the standard 40%.
The nose is fine and clean: vanilla, a lovely grainy scent, and hints of aniseed emerging from a pristine background. The palate is full and weighty — initial sweetness, cracked black pepper, aniseed, and liquorice notes throughout, with a touch of sweet wheat. The extra two percent ABV gives the spirit noticeable additional body.
The finish is long and lingering, with pepper and anise fading slowly. 42 Below is a vodka that balances purity with personality — the 35-step filtration strips away impurities, but the volcanic water and the wheat character ensure it retains enough flavour to be interesting neat. From the bottom of the world, a top-tier spirit.
