ADF customer makes the world’s first pure milk vodka
Vodka made entirely from the milk of grass grazed cows
3 December 2024
2 minute read
By: Did you know that the world’s first pure milk vodka is made from milk harvested using an ADF System?
In 2023, our customer and West Dorset dairy farmer Jason Barber created Black Cow Vodka – vodka made entirely from the milk of grass grazed cows and nothing else! It seems fresh whole milk makes an exceptionally smooth vodka with a unique creamy character.
Jason’s inspiration for the vodka came from a desire to diversify the produce from his 250 strong dairy herd and his personal interest in vodka. The vodka is made using what is left over after making their award winning cheddar cheese.
The Vodka
Jason and the other creators behind Black Cow know that milk is precious, so they don’t waste a drop. The process begins with separating the milk into curds and whey. The curds make the cheese and the whey is fermented and treated to a secret distilling process to produce the vodka, which is then bottled by hand.
The Cheese
Black Cow Cheddar is also made from the milk of Jason’s 250 strong dairy herd. They graze the fields surrounding The Black Cow Distillery in West Dorset. Aged for a minimum of 12 months in thick black wax, the cheese has an incredibly intense and rich flavour with a satisfyingly crumbly texture.
The ADF System
Speaking about the role the ADF system plays on his dairy farm, Jason says, “With the ADF System I can rely on the cows being dipped as soon as milking finishes. I’ve seen a reduction in antibiotics use and my cell counts have halved since installation. I’ve had the ADF System for over 10 years now and I am still very pleased with it. Put it this way – I wouldn’t milk cows without it! The ADF system has enabled me to cut my culling rate and vets bills which has given me time to perfect the smoothness of Black Cow Vodka. It’s a brilliant bit of kit.”
