Heritage & Distillery
The Doghouse Distillery in Battersea represents the kind of urban craft operation that has done much to invigorate the English spirits scene in recent years. Baller Vodka, their flagship expression, is a 100% wheat vodka that makes the bold decision to forgo filtration entirely — a choice that preserves the spirit's natural oils and congeners and results in a vodka of genuinely distinctive character.
The decision to remain unfiltered is one that divides opinion in the vodka world. Purists of the Polish and Russian traditions — where filtration is considered an essential refinement — may regard it with scepticism, but the craft movement has increasingly demonstrated that careful distillation can produce spirits clean enough to stand without the additional intervention of charcoal or other filtering media. Baller makes a persuasive case for this approach.
Production & Tasting
On the nose, Baller presents with soft vanilla, a surprisingly fresh mint quality, and gentle wheaten sweetness underscored by a savoury note that adds complexity. The palate is silky and full-bodied — the absence of filtration is immediately apparent in the textural richness, with vanilla cream, that distinctive fresh minty character, and a solid wheaten backbone providing structure and interest.
The finish is medium in length and genuinely distinctive — the fresh, savoury minty quality persists in a manner that is wholly its own, accompanied by clean warmth that fades without harshness. This is a vodka that announces its individuality without apology.
Verdict
Baller is a characterful and well-made craft vodka that benefits from its unfiltered approach. The vanilla and mint notes are genuinely distinctive, the wheat base provides a solid foundation, and the overall quality justifies the modest price point. It lacks the refinement of the very best premium vodkas, but what it sacrifices in polish it gains in personality. A worthy addition to any home bar with craft leanings.
