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Black Cow Vodka is an award-winning British vodka made in West Dorset and famously marketed as the world’s first pure milk vodka. Created by dairy farmer Jason Barber, this unique spirit is crafted using milk from grass-grazed cows at Childhay Manor Farm. Since its launch in 2012, Black Cow Vodka has become known for its exceptionally smooth texture and innovative production method.
Jason Barber is a fifth-generation dairy farmer. His family farm (that he continues to run) is a mile or so up the road from the distillery. He created Black Cow Vodka to make use of whey, the liquid byproduct left over after making Black Cow Deluxe Cheddar from his herd’s milk. Traditionally, whey was often discarded or used as animal feed, but Barber saw its potential due to its high lactose (sugar) content. It takes about 20 litres of milk to produce 1 litre of “the world’s smoothest vodka.”
The production process begins with fresh whole milk from grass-fed cows on the Dorset coast.
Milk is used to make cheese, leaving whey as a by-product.
The whey is fermented using a special yeast that converts lactose into alcohol.
The liquid is distilled and triple-filtered, including through coconut husk carbon.
The spirit is reduced from around 48% ABV to 40% ABV and bottled by hand.
This process produces an exceptionally clean, smooth and creamy vodka.
Although Black Cow Vodka is made from milk, the final spirit contains no lactose, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance. It is also naturally gluten-free, as the distillation process removes proteins from the base ingredient. Perfect as a sipping vodka or for anyone looking for a premium, innovative British vodka that’s smooth, clean, and responsibly made.
If you like this vodka, check out the Irish Minke Vodka, another milk-based vodka, also available from Fareham Wine Cellar.
As well as this sustainable, pure milk vodka, the distillery also produces a strawberry-infused vodka, a Christmas Spirit (“Christmas pudding in a glass”) and a ready-to-serve Negroni cocktail.
Black Cow Vodka is exceptionally smooth and creamy with a subtle sweetness from its milk base. On the nose, you’ll notice delicate hints of vanilla and fresh cream, while the palate is soft, velvety, and slightly sweet, with a clean finish that’s surprisingly crisp for a milk vodka.
Serve chilled in a rocks glass for a smooth sipping experience
Mix in cocktails like a milk-based White Russian or a classic vodka martini
Pair with cheeseboards or light desserts to highlight the vodka’s creamy profile
This makes a great Espresso Martini.
5cl Black Cow vodka, 50ml
4cl Fresh, cooled espresso
1.5cl Maple syrup
Combine: Pour the three ingredients into a shaker with plenty of ice.
The Big Shake: Shake vigorously to create the signature frothy foam.
Pour & Settle: Strain into a martini glass and wait a moment for the cocktail to settle.
Garnish: Top with two or three coffee beans for the perfect finish.
