Smoke Lab Aniseed Vodka

Product Description

Smoke Lab Aniseed: A Playful Exploration of a Beloved Indian Herb

Smoke Lab Aniseed is a genuine first for the category: India's first homegrown, luxury vodka, now infused with aniseed, or "saunf" as it's known across India. Founded by Varun Jain and produced by NV Group, one of the largest distilling companies in India with roots dating back to 1994, Smoke Lab set out to bring Indian spirits craftsmanship onto the global stage, following the successful debut of Smoke Lab Classic Vodka with this bold, herb-forward expression. "We are very proud of SMOKE LAB Aniseed Vodka, our latest new age entry in the vodka category, and thrilled to bring it to consumers in the U.S.," said Jain at launch.

Every bottle begins with Smoke Lab's signature base: a five-times-distilled vodka crafted from locally sourced Basmati rice, a crop indigenous to India known for its nutty, floral aroma, and pure Himalayan spring water. All-natural aniseed, originally discovered in the Mediterranean, is then gently infused into the spirit, delivering warm licorice and fennel character that sits somewhere between vodka and ouzo. Independent reviewer Spirit Animal, no stranger to being unimpressed by flavored vodkas, singled it out as a genuine standout, noting real butterscotch sweetness and buttery long-grain rice character on the nose, balanced by surprisingly herbaceous fennel that keeps the whole thing cohesive rather than one-dimensional.

That quality earned real recognition too: Ultimate Beverage Challenge honored it with a Great Value distinction, praising its "lively character highlighted by pronounced aromas of licorice, chai, and cardamom," and noting its "remarkably clean" profile with "a backbone of nice minerality for balance." Gluten-free, vegan, and filtered through both charcoal and silver, Smoke Lab Aniseed is a genuinely different flavored vodka for drinkers who want something beyond the usual fruit and candy flavors on the shelf.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Delicate aniseed and licorice, with buttery rice character, a hint of citrus zest, and subtle butterscotch sweetness.

Palate: Creamy and semi-sweet, opening with baking chocolate notes before herbaceous fennel and licorice take over.

Finish: A lingering burst of anise, fennel, and a touch of tarragon, subtle rather than overpowering.

Food Pairings

Smoke Lab Aniseed's licorice and fennel character pairs beautifully with Indian and Mediterranean fare. Try it alongside grilled lamb kebabs, fennel salad, or spiced flatbread, or lean into its sweetness with pistachio baklava or cardamom-spiced desserts.

Serving Suggestions

Smoke Lab Aniseed is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to appreciate its full herbal complexity, or used as a creative substitute for ouzo or pastis in classic cocktails. It also shines mixed with citrus, ginger, or fresh herbs for a genuinely different vodka cocktail experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does aniseed vodka taste like? Expect licorice and fennel flavor layered over a smooth, creamy vodka base, with notes of butterscotch, chai, and cardamom, sitting somewhere between a flavored vodka and ouzo.

What is the alcohol content? 37.5% ABV (75 proof).

Is this vodka gluten-free? Yes. It's gluten-free and vegan, made from Basmati rice rather than wheat.

Has this vodka won any awards? Yes. It received a Great Value distinction from the Ultimate Beverage Challenge, praised for its clean profile and balanced minerality.

Is this a good vodka for cocktails? Yes. Its licorice and fennel character makes it a creative substitute for ouzo or pastis in cocktails, or a genuinely different base for citrus and herb-forward mixed drinks.

How should I enjoy it? Neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail calling for anise-forward flavor.

Explore More

Looking for more premium vodka? Shop our full Vodka collection for classic, flavored, and premium bottles from around the world.

The Quality Liquor Store Guarantee

At Quality Liquor Store, we guarantee the authenticity and quality of every bottle we sell. All of our products are sourced directly from authorized distributors, and every order is carefully packaged to arrive safely at your door. Shop with confidence knowing your vodkas are in good hands.