Cotswolds-produced BLACKLION – Europe’s first sheep’s milk vodka – has been earning top reviews, including a Launch Design Bronze and Presentation Gold at this year’s World Vodka Awards, plus the competition’s top overall Gold for Best Presentation in 2022.  

The impressive recognition and accolades that this pure, clear 40% abv spirit has been garnering proves that impossibly smooth, full-bodied, and flavourful premium vodka can be made from sheep’s milk

“People thought we were mad at first. But a small sheep farm like ours would never survive today if we didn’t also try something new,” remarked Tim Spittle, who together with wife Tan has been creating BLACKLION rare sheep’s milk vodka from their family farm in the Cotswolds. “For us sustainability means not just a responsibly farmed and sustainable product – but sustaining the family business too. So welcome to the vodka farm!” he added.

From lamb to lion

Tim and Tan started their vodka venture by breeding a unique flock of Black Lion dairy sheep – a cross between Swiss Valais Black Nose and local dairy sheep. BLACKLION is fermented using the sugars-rich whey left over after the cheese-making process and which would otherwise go to waste.

The end-result is an incredibly rare [all the whey still comes from the farm’s single flock], triple-distilled, triple-filtered, small-batch and ecologically-responsible British dairy product. And it’s surprisingly good.

  

Outstanding flavour, impossibly smooth finish

World Vodka Awards (part of the World Drinks Awards) described BLACKLION as “Creamy on the nose, with toffee notes on the palate. Hints of burnt apples and caramel with light, spicy mouthfeel. Subtle sweetness with cacao nibs and cracked peppercorn finish.”

“BLACKLION is for anyone to enjoy who shares our adventurous spirit and love of the UK countryside!” commented Tan Spittle, Co-Founder of the innovative new vodka brand.

Tim and Tan recommend you serve BLACKLION as cold as possible – direct from the freezer – and straight over ice, or mixed ideally with Double Dutch tonic. “It’s a great outdoors drink – especially if you’ve earned it. Crisp and refreshing in the English summer. Warming after-notes in the Swiss winter.”

Curds, cocktails and whey

Tim and Tan have also had three signature BLACKLION cocktails developed: Dirty Sheep Dog, Ice Breaker and Cotswold Mule. Not surprisingly perhaps BLACKLION also pairs incredibly well with artisan cheeses.

https://blacklionvodka.co.uk