Firestarter Vodka — Moldovan Fire in an Extinguisher

Firestarter arrives in fire extinguisher-style packaging that screams novelty gift — but behind the gimmick lies a genuinely impressive vodka. Produced in Moldova to a 19th-century recipe, this is five-times distilled from Eastern European winter wheat, and the quality of the liquid belies its playful presentation.

The nose is clean and crisp, with a gentle wheat sweetness and a faint mineral quality that suggests careful production. Five distillations have removed any harshness, leaving a spirit that is smooth and refined without being stripped of all character.

On the palate, Firestarter delivers a well-balanced wheat vodka with soft grain notes and a clean, neutral profile. There is enough flavour to make sipping neat a possibility, while the smoothness makes it an excellent mixer. The finish is clean and warming — comforting rather than fiery, despite the name.

At £29.25, Firestarter sits in competitive territory, and it holds its own against more serious-looking bottles at the same price. The packaging makes it an ideal gift, but the liquid inside ensures it won't gather dust on a shelf. A pleasant surprise all round.