Grey Goose Vodka: Boulangerie Francais

You may have noticed the cutest little boulangerie camionnette has appeared outside Harvey Nichols in Manchester.

If it’s not obvious what it’s all about, this clue may help.

Yes, that’s the signature Grey Goose Vodka, and it’s sitting atop the van because this little beauty hides a secret.

It’s a teeny tiny drinking den, offering members of the public appointments to create their own, personalised Martini. Myself and Katharine, ever curious about matters of the tastebuds, took ourselves for a visit after work on a Wednesday. Just, well, because.

Grey Goose is one of those vodkas that’s ever present on a back bar, but often mixed into a heavily flavoured cocktail, which is a bit of a shame. The vodka has lots of flavour of it’s own to offer, and the habit of drowning vodka with fruit juice can often overpower any delicate taste.

It’s made in France, with water that’s filtered through limestone in the Champagne region, and winter wheat from Northern France, and creating something that the men behind it, Francois Thibault (Maitre de Chai) and Sidney Frank could be proud of.

Things got off to an excellent start with a Grey Goose Le Fizz cocktail upstairs in the Harvey Nichols bar, a light, refreshing, citrussy start before we were whisked downstairs again to take our seats in the gorgeous camionette.

I have to say, being a gin lover, I’m not averse to a vodka Martini, there are one or two favourites on my list, vodka isn’t completely flavourless – creaminess, pepper, even hints of herbal flavours can be gained through sipping a vodka neat. Our host, Roberto, had plenty of ingredients at his disposal and we eagerly settled in to talk palates.

Everyone likes different things, personally I don’t like overly sweet flavours and, when it comes to a Martini, both myself and Katharine are agreed – dry and dirty is the way to go.

After this, however, we differ. I like a good hint of smoky flavour when I can get it, whereas Katharine finds that overpowering. She’d much prefer something creamy, honeyed, textured, rather than strength in flavour.

Roberto got to work. Mine was simple. Vodka, vermouth, smoked salt.

And an olive to garnish.

Katharine, however, had thyme, and dry sherry added to hers, providing a completely different flavour profile.

Then a challenge.

Could our host make something to suit both of us?

Why yes, yes he could. Very clever chap.

But Martinis aren’t all on offer. This weekend, Harvey Nichols will be serving Grey Goose Le Fizz Brunch, using the same water and the Picardie wheat used in the vodka. All served with a Fizz cocktail and Grey Goose preserves. Take note please Mr GFB.

To join in and have your own bespoke Martini, further information can be found here, or simply tweet the Grey Goose RSVP account to make your own appointment.

After all, who doesn’t like something made just for them?

The cocktails consumed at with Grey Goose and Harvey Nichols were provided free of charge. This doesn’t guarantee a positive experience, but in this case we were very happy to report a good time was had by all.