New Amsterdam creates vodka for Hot Ones

Spirit of Gallo-owned New Amsterdam has collaborated with YouTube series Hot Ones to create a hot pepper-flavoured vodka.

Named Heat Check, the expression uses New Amsterdam vodka as its base. Its spicy notes are said to offer ‘a blend of hot pepper flavours from deep, earthy serrano and fresno, to the fruity, bright notes of habanero”.

Hot Ones host Sean Evans, dubbed ‘an expert in all things spice’, gave his “stamp of approval” to the expression, said Brandon Lieb, vice president of Spirit of Gallo.

“At Spirit of Gallo, we believe in crafting innovative spirits that not only taste great, but also spark cultural conversations.

“Heat Check invites drinkers to embrace the thrill of bold flavour, all with the stamp of approval from the discerning masters of spice in Sean Evans and the Hot Ones brand.”

Heat Check retails for US$10.99 for a 750ml bottle and has an ABV of 35%.

It is recommended to ‘spice up’ cocktails such as a Bloody Mary or Martini, or to be drunk on its own or as a shot.

To support the launch, the vodka will sponsor a Hot Ones episode this summer.

Hot Ones is a show on the First We Feast YouTube platform where Evans interviews celebrities while they eat increasingly spicy chicken wings.

Evans added: “Hot Ones is bringing the heat to fans yet again with the launch of Heat Check, a not-too-spicy, not-too-mild, but just right pepper-infused spirit in partnership with New Amsterdam Vodka.

“I’m thrilled to invite spice lovers to see if they can handle the heat, from celebrating with a spicy shot to poolside sipping on the official cocktail of summer: the Heat Check Spicy Scorched Lemonade.”

Spirit of Gallo, which owns New Amsterdam, recently debuted a range of vodka iced teas for its High Noon ready-to-drink brand.