Clean V takes a different angle to most AF vodka alternatives. Rather than targeting the near-neutral profile of the spirit it mimics, it leans into natural flavourings of star anise, cinnamon, Sarawak black pepper, ginger, bitter orange and pimento. Vegetable glycerine provides body. The result is a clear spirit with a warm, spiced nose: soft anise and bitter orange peel with a ginger undercurrent. On the palate, pepper and ginger give some heat, while star anise and cinnamon add depth. It is clean and relatively dry, no added sugar. Whether that added complexity is a feature or a bug depends on what you are making. In a spiced cocktail or a highball with a strongly flavoured mixer, it reads well. In something where you need neutral spirit to step back, it may push forward more than you want.