To recap, we went from six versions of our vodka to three, and then tested those three against premium vodkas already on the market. For our most recent tasting, we compared our three variations to each other. Our goal was to select one sample for refinement and final testing before going to market.
Here are the results of the tasting (from Tom's report):
1. Sample #1 was felt by all to be sweet, and for two samplers too much so in either fragrance or flavor. Typical terms: fruity, candy, strawberry (twice), cherry, bubblegum, unidentified flower.
2. Sample #3’s fragrance did not provoke a consensus. Analogs ranged from marzipan to grapefruit to paint thinner, with one saying it was familiar but elusive, another that its subtlety still managed to conceal the alcohol smell.
3. Sample #6’s fragrance ranged most widely of the three, from none to orange, chocolate, something musty, a macaroon, and lilac or floral but not definitive. Its flavor, likewise, drew a varied response: vanilla with a vodka aftertaste; a hint of violet, then alcoholy; clean, mint; a mix of nutty and (a second) minty, said to be like a pleasant mouthwash; and a subtle sweet cinnamon termed “lovely.”
4. It’s useful to look at preferential comments, when a sampler felt moved to offer an unsolicited positive or negative assessment. In aggregate, #1 had a pos/neg ratio of 4:5, #3 was 3:3, and #6 was 7:0. The comments for #6 in their entirety were: pleasant, clean smell, interesting, liked it, lovely, refreshing, flavorful.
And our conclusion:
Sample #6 was the favorite, with all positive preferences. Its fragrance intrigued testers but they couldn’t define it; a taste elicited descriptive responses, but they found no agreement. “Tangy marzipan” might be a commons for violet, mint, cinnamon, and vanilla.
So, Sample #6 it is!
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