Heritage & Distillery
The second Aval Dor expression in this batch uses sea buckthorn berries from Cornwall's first sea buckthorn plantation in Lostwithiel, located within two miles of the Colwith Farm Distillery. Sea buckthorn — known locally as seaberry — is a hardy coastal shrub whose bright orange berries are prized for their high vitamin C content and their unusual flavour profile, combining tartness, citrus, and tropical fruit notes in a single berry.
Tasting Notes
The nose is vibrant and unusual — tart sea buckthorn berries, citrus, tropical mango, and a hint of earthy potato warmth from the base spirit. On the palate, the vodka is fruity and tart with vivid sea buckthorn character, orange zest, tropical notes, and the creamy potato base providing a smooth, rounded counterpoint to the bright acidity of the berries. The combination is refreshingly unusual — unlike any other flavoured vodka this reviewer has encountered. The finish is medium with lingering tartness, citrus brightness, and a clean, invigorating close.
Verdict
At seven out of ten, Aval Dor Seaberry Vodka is a genuinely original spirit that showcases a Cornish ingredient of considerable character. The sea buckthorn's tartness and tropical quality work surprisingly well with the potato vodka base, and the hyper-local provenance is impressive. At forty pounds, it is not inexpensive, but the uniqueness of the product and the quality of the ingredients justify the price for the adventurous drinker.
