If Mikkeller's Citra Dry Hopped Vodka is the tropical, crowd-pleasing sibling, then this Simcoe expression is the darker, more contemplative twin. Simcoe hops are prized in the beer world for their piney, earthy character — think American IPA rather than New England haze — and that personality translates powerfully into this spirit.
The nose is immediately distinct from the Citra version. Where that was all tropical fruit, this is pine needles, earthy resin, and a subtle citrus undertone. It is more savoury, more herbaceous, and arguably more challenging. On the palate, the resinous pine character dominates, with hop bitterness and an herbal quality that recalls walking through a conifer forest.
The five-times-distilled wheat base does its job — clean, smooth, and neutral enough to let the Simcoe hops take centre stage. At 44% ABV, there is genuine potency here, and the higher strength amplifies the hop character effectively.
At £34.95, this is significantly cheaper than its Citra counterpart, which makes it the better value proposition of the two. It is also arguably the more interesting spirit, demanding more from the drinker but rewarding attention handsomely. If you enjoy piney, resinous IPAs, this vodka will speak directly to you. Serve it neat or in a very dry Martini.
