Arbikie's single-estate approach — growing the potatoes and bottling the spirit on the same Scottish Highland farm — gives their range an authenticity that few can match. The Chilli expression takes their acclaimed creamy potato vodka and infuses it with hot chilli spice, and the combination is inspired.
The nose immediately signals that this is no timid affair. Warm chilli pepper dominates, but the creamy potato base remains clearly present underneath, providing a foundation of richness that tempers the heat. There are sweet pepper notes too, suggesting that the chilli has been carefully selected for flavour as well as fire.
On the palate, the heat builds gradually — warm rather than scorching at first, then intensifying to a satisfying burn that the potato's natural creaminess keeps in check. At 43% ABV, this has genuine authority, and the spirit base contributes its own warmth to the overall effect. The balance between cream and fire is expertly managed.
This makes an exceptional Bloody Mary base, where the chilli heat complements the tomato and spice. It also works brilliantly in a savoury Martini with a pickled chilli garnish. A seriously accomplished flavoured vodka from one of Scotland's most exciting distilleries.
