WITH National Vodka Day on the horizon next week on October 4, it’s becoming crystal clear that distillers are meeting the demand for something new and unique, and creating distinctive flavour profiles to sip, stir or shake.

No one seems to be doing that better than west Dorset vodka producer Black Cow with the world’s first Pure Milk Vodka.

Based in Beaminster, farmer Jason Barber invented the creamy vodka after wanting to diversify the produce from his herd of cows.

With a passion for vodka, he began experimenting, and today Black Cow is enjoying national success.

Last week, the company made headlines across the country after recreating one of the best loved adverts of all time.

The famous ‘Accrington Stanley, Who Are They?’ advert for the 80s was recreated with Carl Rice, the boy in the original advert – who this time was sipping a glass of Black Cow milk vodka instead of milk.

The Dorset company vodka is made entirely from the milk of grass grazed cows and nothing else.

Paul Archard, co-founder of Black Cow, said the company champions the great taste of milk and the work of British dairy farmers.

He said: “Often when we explain that Black Cow is vodka made from milk the reaction we get is ‘milk?! Eugh!’”

Distilled from whey and treated to a secret blending process, Black Cow are continuing to buck the trend and prove people’s initial reactions wrong. Fans impressed with the distinct vodka include restaurateur Mark Hix. Jason invented the unusual blend after wanting to diversify produce from his dairy herd.

With an array of craft vodkas being produced to lift our spirits these days and used as the foundation for many classic cocktails, vodka can be made from grain, molasses, potatoes and even grapes. Niche producers have noticed drinker’s tastes are growing more adventurous.

Anthony Peart, development bar manager at The Hand & Flowers - the only UK pub to be awarded two Michelin stars, said: “Inherently, vodka is a spirit that has been stripped back to remove the flavour. But now we’re seeing a trend the other way. Big-name (brands) have a place, but then you’ve got craft brands which take more care in giving these flavour characteristics and profiles, which is great and really needed.”

Tempted to try a different taste? Here’s three vodkas with a twist to try on National Vodka Day:

Black Cow: It really is a dairy delight with vanilla bean on the nose, a sweet vanilla palate with a flick of grassiness, and twist of pepper on the finish. Super smooth, enjoy neat over ice or in cocktails.

Potato Heads: Rubyblue Potato Vodka is smooth with subtle notes of vanilla and creamy, mash potato undertones, a slight earthiness and clean finish.

Sauvelle: French for ‘wild and beautiful’. A wheat vodka made in Cognac, Sauvelle Crafted French Vodka is smoothed with wood which imparts flavours of vanilla, caramel and cherry blossom.