Overview
Do you consider yourself a die-hard Scapegrace fan, and never go without a bottle in the liquor cabinet? You're going to want to be one of the small number of vodka-sipping souls getting your hands on the newest release from the cult Kiwi-made spirits brand.
Scapegrace's new Uncommon Vodka range sees limited-edition craft vodka varietals released every six months. Each bottle has its own unique number and allocation — and they are super exclusive, with only 2500 of each bottle available. These are premium blends, so hide them from that party guest prone to making vodka tonics at 3am.
This season's Uncommon offerings sound like some of the tastiest yet: a Yuzu lemon varietal and Umeshu plum varietal, both crafted from the fruit grown by local producers Neville and Junko Chun. Based about 100 kilometres from Wellington in Horowhenua, the husband-and-wife duo grow some of the best Yuzu lemons and Umeshu plums in the country. The fruit is then compressed, cold extracted and turned into a bright, lively addition to the vodka's blank canvas.
If you're one of the lucky 2500 who gets their paws on a bottle, you'll want to do something special with it. Ballin Drinks cocktail fiend Mikey Ball (ex-Paris Butter) has muddled together a couple of cocktail options for your next soiree — he says "less is more" when it comes to mixing.
HANAMI BLOOM MARTINI
Light, fresh and acidic with almond warmth and cake spice, the Uncommon Umeshu Vodka is rounded off with a luxurious white chocolate mouthfeel.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Scapegrace Uncommon Umeshu Vodka
- 10ml Mancino Sakura Vermouth
Serve in a coupette, with balled pawpaw or papaya.
SHOGAYU FIX
Savoury and green with bright aromatic citrus, the final result is savoury and reminiscent of a salted citrus meringue.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Scapegrace Uncommon Yuzu Vodka
- 150ml East Imperial Tonic Water or East Imperial Soda Water
Mix in a highball glass with cubed ice or a collins block. Garnish with a sliver of fresh ginger and mint. Less is more.
If you'd rather leave the mixing to the experts, head into Josh Emett's CBD eatery Onslow to enjoy the offerings of their Scapegrace martini trolley, with the drinks shaken or stirred for you right at your table.
Scapegrace's new Uncommon Vodka range will be available at all good liquor stores nationwide and online from March 18, retailing for $69 a bottle.