Ketel One Vodka

THE NOLET FAMILY HAS BEEN DISTILLING FINE SPIRITS SINCE 1691 WHEN JOANNES NOLET STARTED HIS DISTILLATION BUSINESS IN SCHIEDAM, HOLLAND. BROTHERS BOB AND CARL NOLET WORK UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THEIR FATHER CAROLUS SR, WHO REPRESENTS THE 10TH GENERATION OF ONE OF HOLLAND’S OLDEST DISTILLING DYNASTIES.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Carl, Carolus Sr and Bob Nolet. THE NOLET FAMILY WAS ONE OF the first of many distillers to establish themselves in Schiedam, attracted to the area due to its accessibility to shipping and its close proximity to fresh water and grain auctions.

At its peak, Schiedam was home to nearly 400 distilleries and was a recognised centre of spirit distillation. Today, only a handful of distilleries remain and like the families of great wineries, the Nolets have dedicated themselves to the traditional craft of distilling premium spirits. Also, like many of the great family-owned wines, the creation of Ketel One was inspired from a unique and genuine heritage.

The name Ketel One was inspired by the Dutch word for Pot Still No.1, Distilleerketel #1, the nineteenth century alembic copper pot still which is used today in the production of Ketel One vodka at the Nolet distillery. It is from this traditional copper pot still method of distillation that the legacy of the Nolet family originates. Recipes and notes found in the Nolet family’s journals dating back to when the business first opened in 1691 inspired Carolus Senior to create the recipe and production process for Ketel One vodka. These journals were passed down through the generations until today.

The Nolet family’s pride in their production process and reputation is obvious when they talk about their heritage and the combination of traditional and modern methods today. They insist upon using the best raw materials, always ensuring that the focus is on quality rather than quantity. Crisp, ultra wheat spirit is partially re-distilled in small batches in ten copper pot stills, one of which is Pot Still No.1. Each requires the painstaking attention of a master distiller to oversee distillation.

The personality of Ketel One comes from the traditional copper pot stills, which provide a rounded, full-bodied rich mouthfeel, full of craft, authenticity and sophistication. Each final production run of Ketel One vodka is tasted by an expert panel and approved by a member of the Nolet family to ensure quality and flavour throughout.

Inspired by the success of Ketel One vodka, Ketel One Citroen vodka was developed and launched in 2000. Ketel One Citroen vodka is the original Ketel One vodka, infused with natural citrus flavours. The flavours consist of lemons from Sicily, Spain and Guinea, and limes from the Caribbean. With the exception of the infusion of citrus flavours, the production process for Ketel One Citroen flavoured vodka is the same as that for Ketel One vodka. ❧

Tasting notes

KETEL ONE VODKA

Appearance: Crystal clear

Aroma: Subtle with hints of fennel (fresh aniseed), citrus, honey and mint

Flavour: Crisp, exquisite balance with white pepper and sweet liquorice. A generous silky mouth coating and lively, pleasing finish

KETEL ONE CITROEN VODKA

Appearance: Cloudy white

Aroma: A refreshing hint of sweet lemon zest with a subtle hint of lime

Flavour: A balanced flavour of mixed citrus fruit, with hints of sweet, freshly cut lemons offering a pleasant softness on the palate with a crisp citric tang and rich lemon custard aftertaste