Vestal unveils its first flavoured vodkas

Halewood-owned vodka maker Vestal has dipped its first toes in the flavoured spirits market with two new expressions.

The brand's Black Cherry and Raspberry & Blackcurrant vodkas are based on traditional Polish fruit-based vodkas known as 'nalewka'. 

Macerated in Vestal's 2015 vintage, the expressions are free from additives and are described by the brand as not overly sweet and easy to drink, offering up a fruity alternative for vodka drinkers.

The new releases follow growth in vodka sales in the UK and, while unflavoured vodka continues to dominate the category, the flavoured sector is growing significantly faster - according to Nielsen data, it is predicted to double in size in multiple major supermarkets within the next 12 months.

Halewood says that while Vestal has gained popularity in prestige on-trade venues in London, the flavoured releases mark the brand's move towards being a more serious mainstream player. With Vestal, the conglomerate hopes it can replicate its success in flavoured gins through brands such as Whitley Neill and JJ Whitley.

Vestal Black Cherry and Vestal Raspberry & Blackcurrant, both 40% ABV, have a recommended sale price of £22 for a 70cl bottle.

5 August 2020 - Bethany Whymark