Devil’s Botany creates UK’s ‘first’ wormwood vodka
London absinthe distillery Devil’s Botany has created a small batch vodka distilled with British-grown grand wormwood (artemisia absinthium).
The release is intended to ‘reimagine wormwood beyond its storied role in absinthe’.
“Wormwood has an extraordinary aromatic character, yet it’s rarely explored outside absinthe or vermouth,” said Allison Crawbuck, co-founder of Devil’s Botany. “With Wormwood Vodka, we wanted to showcase the botanical found at the heart of every absinthe and give artemisia absinthium the stage it deserves, revealing its complexity in a spirit that’s both intriguing and approachable.”
The spirit is copper pot distilled to preserve the ‘delicate nuances’ of the plant, and offers ‘floral and herbaceous’ tones, a ‘whisper of verdant grassiness’ and a ‘clean, sophisticated’ finish.
“Capturing the flavours of wormwood outside absinthe allows bartenders and drinkers to explore its herbaceous depth in a fresh context,” added co-founder Rhys Everett. “Its natural botanical complexity adds lift and character to classic serves like the Martini without overwhelming the drink.”
The brand recommends the spirit for both sipping neat and for mixology.
Devil’s Botany Wormwood Vodka is bottled at 40% ABV and retails for £29.95 (US$40) for a 700ml bottle.
Crawbuck continued: “Wormwood was once scapegoated for madness in the Belle Époque, yet its real roots run straight through London’s history.
“Long before absinthe’s notoriety, wormwood was used here in London to bitter and flavour ale, and it grew so abundantly across the city that we still have Wormwood Street to prove it, tracing where it once grew along the old Roman city walls.
“It is a plant woven into London’s past, and we’re bringing it back into the spotlight.”
Devil’s Botany’s range includes London Absinthe, which uses London Dry Gin regulations to create an absinthe that doesn’t cloud when diluted with water.
The distillery opened a tasting room in January this year.
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