Heritage & Distillery
Stone Gaze has built its identity around striking packaging — the Medusa-head bottle is one of the most visually arresting designs in the spirits market — and the black raspberry expression, presented in a black version of the signature bottle, is perhaps the most dramatic in the range. The important question, of course, is whether the liquid matches the presentation, and in this case the answer is cautiously positive: this is a flavoured vodka with genuine complexity and a bitter-sweet character that elevates it above the sweetness-dominated majority.
Production
British grain vodka is combined with black raspberry and bitter elements — the precise formulation is proprietary, but the result suggests a maceration process that extracts not just the fruit's sweetness but its seeds' tannic, slightly bitter character. This bitterness is the spirit's most distinctive feature, providing a counterpoint to the berry sweetness that prevents the vodka from becoming cloying or one-dimensional. Charcoal filtration smooths the spirit, and bottling at 38% ABV keeps it light and approachable.
Tasting Notes
The nose is rich and inviting — black raspberry dominates, accompanied by dark cherry, a bitter almond note, and subtle vanilla. On the palate, the vodka is fruity and bittersweet, with intense black raspberry, bramble, dark chocolate, and a pleasant tannic dryness that distinguishes it from sweeter competitors. The grain base provides clean structure without interfering with the fruit character. The finish is medium-long, with lingering berry fruit, a touch of cocoa, and a dry, sophisticated close.
The Serve
The bittersweet profile makes this an excellent cocktail ingredient — it works beautifully in a Bramble or a berry-based Martini, where the tannic dryness adds sophistication. Over ice with lemonade and a garnish of fresh raspberries, it becomes a striking long drink.
Verdict
Stone Gaze Black Raspberry is a flavoured vodka that takes itself seriously — the bittersweet character and tannic complexity suggest a producer that understands flavour beyond mere sweetness. The price is premium, driven partly by the spectacular bottle, but the liquid inside justifies a degree of indulgence.
