After reviewing The Spirit of Kashmyr plain vodka, today we’re diving into its saffron-infused variant. And just to be clear – this isn’t saffron flavoured vodka, it’s saffron infused, crafted to capture the delicate aroma of the spice.
Before you continue reading this I’d recommend checking out my review of the plain vodka, since both share several similarities, except for one key difference in distillation.
Price & Availability
This saffron vodka is produced by Radico Khaitan – India’s largest vodka maker and a 750 ml bottle is priced at ₹3,000 in Uttar Pradesh, with an ABV of 37.5%, slightly lower than the plain vodka’s 42.8%. It’s now also available in Maharashtra at Rs. 4,000 and Rs. 3,300 and Goa, with more states to follow soon.
What Makes It Special
Like the original, the saffron variant is made from premium Basmati rice and pure Himalayan Spring water. The saffron infusion elevates it into a more premium offering, and given the ₹3,000 tag in UP, one can expect even higher pricing across other states.
The bottle proudly features the Crocus sativus flower – the saffron crocus – sourced from Pampore in Jammu & Kashmir, a region famed for producing some of the world’s finest saffron.
The Name & Tribute
As I mentioned in my earlier review, The Spirit of Kashmyr Vodka’s are Radico’s homage to the Kashmir region – and celebrating its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Packaging
The saffron edition mirrors the vibrant design language of the plain variant, this time in deep maroon-red hues. The bottle highlights the saffron flower, with “Indian Saffron Vodka” boldly printed across. The design draws inspiration from Kashmir’s landscapes – snow-capped peaks, saffron blooms, and a crystal-clear cork shaped to reflect mountain springs. The two-tone aesthetic adds a premium feel.
Also it mentions clearly on the bottle as well that there are no added flavours to this.
How it’s Made
Produced at Radico’s flagship Rampur Distillery, the saffron vodka follows the same meticulous process as the plain variant. It begins with multiple column distillations for a high-purity spirit. The saffron is then infused post the first distillation – adding subtle warmth without overpowering the base.
The spirit is further distilled slowly in copper pot stills for depth and smoothness, before being polished through silver, platinum and diamond-coated filters. The result is a crystal-clear vodka with remarkable finesse.
The creation is also overseen by Anup Barik, Radico’s renowned Master Blender, who has shaped number of products for them.
Nosing
- Warm, floral notes
- Light saffron spice
- Refined and smooth
Tasting
- Silky/creamy on the palate
- Mild Spicy bite
- mild honey-like sweetness
- Long finish
Conclusion
This vodka is a bold step in Radico’s push into the premium space, following the success of Jaisalmer Gin and their luxury whiskies. The spirit itself is well-crafted and unique, but the challenge lies in pricing.
At ₹3,000 in UP (and likely higher elsewhere), it enters the territory of popular products like Grey Goose, Ketel One and Absolut. Whether it can carve its niche in that crowd will be interesting to watch. But as a product it is pretty good and surely something that you should try once.