Skip to main content

Review: Vodka Made From Cow’s Milk

Black Cow Vodka, from West Dorset, England, was created by dairy farmer Jason Barber and, as the name and Barber’s profession implies, is made from pure milk.

You heard me. Milk.

Recommended Videos

As in the white stuff you add to coffee or dip cookies in.

In interviews, Barber has said he thought of the idea after learning about people in Siberia who make a fermented drink from yak milk. Naturally, with such an interesting take on a classic spirit now available in the US, we had to try it.

Related Reading

Nose: Thankfully, Black Cow isn’t overly astringent like many vodkas can be on the nose. Because it’s a neutral spirit, you’re not going to get notes of X or Y like you would in a gin or whiskey, but—thankfully—you’re not getting something that’s going to turn you off or make your eyes water, either. If anything, there are subtle notes of vanilla coming through, though they are not front and center.

Palate: Creamy. That’s the best word for it. When you think milk, obviously creamy is a word that comes almost immediately to mind, but that translates to the vodka as well. There are subtle vanilla notes on the back end of the flavor, too, that help to give the vodka some character. Black Cow Vodka is pretty smooth and it goes down easy. You won’t have to close your eyes and down it just to be done with it.

Finish: There’s very little burn here. The creaminess continues through the initial taste into the end, producing a pleasant warmth. This warmth pairs well with the creamy mouthfeel—it’s like that last glass of warm milk before bed as a kid, except this glass will get you drunk after enough of it.

Final Thoughts: It’s hard to separate the pre-conceptions related to milk from the reality of the spirit in this one, but thankfully, the flavors and sensations align pretty closely. Black Cow Vodka makes for a good sipper when it is iced, but it is equally serviceable in certain kinds of cocktails—cold brew coffee-based drinks come to mind, though certainly it would do well in others as well. Cocktails aside, this spirit is, maybe obviously, best when it’s paired with the dairy category’s greatest gift to the world, cheese.

Something else to consider? Barber and his business partner Paul Archard also claim that Black Cow Vodka will give you less of a hangover than other vodkas not made from milk.

Topics
Sam Slaughter
Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…
Organic Valley enters the oat milk creamer space
Organic oats without toxic pesticides
Organic Valley Oat Milk

Organic Valley, a brand known for its award-winning dairy creamers, has entered the world of oat milk creamers. Oat milk creamers have been on the rise as consumers seek more dairy-free alternatives to add creaminess to coffee. The brand's newest oat-based creamer product line contains only 30 calories per serving, adding a smooth, creamy texture that froths perfectly for lattes and cappuccinos.

Organic Valley sources its oats directly from family farms in cool, dry climates as an organic farmer-owned cooperative. The oats are grown without GMOs, toxic pesticides, or herbicides. The creamers are dairy-free, nut-free, and lactose-free. The oat-based creamer is now available in four different flavors: Vanilla, Caramel, Oatmeal Cookie, and Cinnamon Spice. Each flavor option gives coffee drinkers a chance to personalize their coffee at home, creating a healthier alternative than many sugar-filled coffee creamers.

Read more
Famed Islay single malt Scotch whisky distillery Ardbeg is releasing Ardbeg Eureka
Ardbeg Eureka is the newest release from the famed Islay distillery
Ardbeg

Ardbeg sure knows how to celebrate. This year is the 25th year of the Ardbeg Committee, a community for the biggest Ardbeg fans. The famed Islay distillery is releasing a whisky specifically for members to celebrate this monumental anniversary.
Ardbeg Eureka

The Ardbeg Committee is a group made up of thousands (around 200,000 to be exact) of peated whisky fans. Every year, Ardbeg releases a single malt whisky exclusively for them. This year, it’s called Ardbeg Eureka. This limited-edition whisky’s journey began with a select group of members on Ardbeg Day 2023.

Read more
The most beautiful bars in the U.S. (for those extra Instagram-worthy drink photos)
Some bars are so beautiful we can't help but talk them up
White Limozeen, Nashville

With all respect to dives, haunts, and lounges, there's something to be said for a beautiful bar. The most attractive ones are feats of bar design and places we not only want to imbibe in, but ones where we stare in awe at the many comforting details. With so many great options, deciding on the most beautiful bars in the U.S. was not easy.

As someone who loves sitting at a bar and taking in the surroundings, there's nothing like admiring the details -- the warm glow of vintage lighting, the rich textures of the wood, and the intricate decor that tells a story. It's a perfect setting for a cocktail and conversation. Deciding on the most beautiful bars in America wasn't easy, but these spots stood out for their jaw-dropping designs and unique atmospheres, making them unforgettable destinations for anyone who loves a great drink in an even greater setting.
The Campbell, New York City, New York

Read more