More From the Three Olives Peeps.
I figure I’m a gottdamned prince. Or, maybe a test pilot of sorts. After all, I’m the one who puts U.S. currency and possibly my liver at risk by buying all kinds of vodka and tasting them so that you can make an informed purchase. It’s rough, but it’s a mission I have voluntarily undertaken, and a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.
A week or so ago I was in the liquor store, and I saw that Three Olives (the folks who brought the world Three Olives Chocolate Vodka – the magic elixir) have some new offerings. Seeing as how my mission, on that occasion, was to stock up on Three Olives Chocolate Vodka (one should never run out), I made a mental note to get busy tasting the new stuff. I got around to buying and tasting two of the new ones: Three Olives Triple Shot Espresso Vodka and Three Olives Root Beer Vodka (You see both here.)
Triple Shot Espresso Vodka.
Unlike the other Three Olives flavored varities, which are crystal clear, Triple Shot Espresso vodka is the color of – you guessed it – espresso. And it tastes just like – you guessed it – espresso. I love it. I drank it straight from the freezer and also over ice, and it’s excellent both ways. Much like the chocolate vodka is just chocolaty enough, the Triple Shot Espresso has just enough espresso coffee flavor so as not to taste like sweet coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlua), but it still packs the vodka whallop.
Bonus: If you like coffee, but you are one of those No-Coffee-After-Five peeps because it will keep you awake (I’ve never had that problem), have a couple three shots of Three Olives Triple Shot Espresso in the evening. I guarantee you’ll have no problem sleeping.
Root Beer Vodka.
Root Beer Vodka? Yeah, I admit that I was a little sketchy about how this would work out. I started drinking root beer when I was a mere squirt. My mother worked nights, and my dad would go out to the store and pick himself up a quart (or two) of Schaefer Beer (“The one beer to have, when you’re having more than one”), and he’d buy me a big bottle of Dad’s Root Beer. We’d hang out together drinking our respective beverages out of our favorite mugs and listen to records (one of his, then one of mine) or watch television together. Maybe play some guitar. Wonderful times they were.
Perhaps that’s why the idea of root beer vodka seemed particularly strange to me. But, being a vodka swashbuckler, I threw myself on the grenade and tried the stuff. Turns out, it’s damned good. Like other Three Olives vodkas, this one can easily fool someone into thinking, “Hmmmm …. delicious. I think I shall drink lots of it,†resulting in the person speaking in tongues.
I don’t think I’d want to drink it all night (although I easily could), but it is an interesting taste treat, and is to be recommended to those who really are not booze lovers (provided they are suitably warned).
Next, I’ll pick up a bottle of Three Olives Tomato Vodka and let youse guys know how it is. I’m thinking BREAKFAST DRINK!
A true American hero, Jim. You serve your country well.
Comment by Ken Adams — September 6, 2008 @ 7:23 pm
We owe you so much.
The J.R.’s sisteris now hooked, too, on Three Olives. Plus, the vanilla flavor is awesome.
Comment by Joan of Argghh! — September 6, 2008 @ 8:15 pm
Thank you for your service, sir. Don’t know that you’re making much of a sacrifice except in terms of $$ and, of course, your liver, but thank you any way.
A number of years ago I was on a Schnapps kick and came upon some root beer Schanpps that was decadent. Like you, I couldn’t drink it all night but a juice glass full after a day outside in frigid weather…excellent.
I’ll have to see about that vodka stuff.
Comment by joated — September 6, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
What a wonderful memory with your Dad to be shared. Once again, you you bring a smile to my face!
You are definitely on to something with the vodka thing.
Comment by Jacki — September 6, 2008 @ 9:17 pm
I’m wondering how that root beer vodka would taste over… vanilla ice cream!
Comment by Bou — September 6, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
When you gonna let us know the real deal on bacon vodka?
Inquiring minds want to know…
Comment by DMerriman — September 6, 2008 @ 11:16 pm
Shot of Three Olives root beer, shot of Stoli Vanil — there’s your float!
Comment by Cousin Jack — September 7, 2008 @ 12:07 am
Tomato vodka? Just add a sprig of celery (if you so desire), and you have yourself a see-through “bloody Mary.” Be damned pesky vitamin C and antioxidants!
Comment by David — September 7, 2008 @ 1:15 am
Got a text from darling daughter this evening… she was heading out for a night on the town. This was supposed to include grape vodka with Sprite. She insists it is excellent. I insist I will never try it. (unlike the chocolate vodka which I did try and has lovely chocolately flavor, but is still too strong on the vodka part for me…)
I didn’t know there was a grape vodka… ah me – I’m so out of the loop on these things.
Comment by Teresa — September 7, 2008 @ 1:36 am
Thanks for your sacrifice, and most of all for sharing that memory. I did finally try the chocolate vodka last night, and Holy Cow was that freakin good! Thanks for the checks and recommendations. Will send your liver a medal and the thanks of a grateful group of drinkers.
Comment by Laughing Wolf — September 7, 2008 @ 7:07 am
I was lucky enough to get to test those when they pitched ’em to Fritz. I can think of all SORTS of things to make with those flavors……yummy yummy yummy
Comment by Tammi — September 7, 2008 @ 10:02 am
1. I know I promised to whip up some bacon vodka. Haven’t gotten around to it yet.
2. I have bought and tasted Three Olives Grape Vodka, but I seem to have forgotten to blog about it. I think of all the Three Olives flavors I’ve tried, this one moved me the least. I still managed to choke it all down, though. Grape soda (that’s “soda” not “pop”) lovers will like it.
3. Three Olives also makes its very own vanilla vodka. The first link in the post will take you to the link for the Three Olives Vanilla Vodka review.
4. I checked the Three Olives main page, and there are a couple more there I’ve tried and not blogged. I may just have to buy them again for a re-taste. In addition, there are a few flavors I still haven’t tried, but I will. I’m busting my ass for youse guys.
Comment by Jim — September 7, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
Ummm, that would be grape ‘coke’. heh.
Comment by Bou — September 7, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
Schaefer Beer? I knew you were all right, despite what they say about you! Cappy avoids flavored vodkas. Preferred brand is Bellevedere. Expensive. Mixed drinks, much like the comments on CaptainSQL and humor posted elsewhere shall remain tasteless.
Comment by Cappy — September 7, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
Sobieski is a great tasting value. $15 for a 1.5 liter here in the ATL. Winner of many taste tests. From our friends in Poland:
http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?c_id=31&doc_id=15989
Check it out. As a lover of the good ole’ Vodka Martini, it’s my enthusiastic recommendation. Enjoy.
Comment by mike — September 7, 2008 @ 10:47 pm
I’m wondering…is bacon vodka actually infused with real bacon or is it artificial flavoring? TTYTT, I have not eaten bacon in about seven years but I do love the smell of it, and if it’s artificial flavoring used in the vodka, and not real, I’d be happy to give it a taste test [/Jooish Infidel].
Comment by Erica — September 8, 2008 @ 6:50 pm