9/2008 SELECT VODKA
This new product came over the transom a few months back. It is produced by POLMOS BIELSKO-BIALA. SELECT VODKA's big brag is that is is distilled six times. Rarely are vodkas, or any other spirits, distilled this many times.

SELECT VODKA is imported to the United States by D&B Imports LLC of Miami, Florida.
It is unclear what fermentables were used to produce this vodka. The label refers to "high quality rectified grain spirit," which might be read to exclude potatoes. If we had to guess, we would hazard that this vodka is made with rye, as it has spicy notes.

This is a vodka that, generally, fits the "clean" vodka model made most famous by KETEL ONE. Sip it chilled and you don't taste anything initially, then there's a quick plume of spice, a touch of sweetness, then all flavor disappears. This is a very different experience than that which comes with potato vodkas. They deliver flavor after the swallow; they feel almost chewy. A fine vodka. (Rating ****)

To see if our retailer carries SELECT VODKA, click HERE and check out the currently available vodkas. Alternatively, you may surf to http://www.SelectVodka.com/.

Labels: Poland, Select Vodka, Vodka

 

12/2007 KALASHNIKOV VODKA
Courtesy of Alex Kogan and Aiko Importers, Inc. of Buford, Georgia (yes, Buford), comes KALASHNIKOV VODKA. Well, we suppose there are folks who fetishize Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson here in the U.S., still, a vodka that is named for the man who invented a weapon, the AK-47, which has killed millions (including Americans) rubbed us a little wrong. But, let's set politics aside for the moment and speak of the vodka. KALASHNIKOV VODKA is 82 proof, and, is purportedly made with the "finest grains." Does that mean wheat, rye, or..? Who knows. Neither the promo materials nor the website for the hooch said. Nevertheless, it is a very smooth vodka. It's of the KETEL ONE model of vodka-- it aims to have no taste, unlike, say, CHOPIN VODKA or EMPIRE WINERY AND DISTILLERY'S all rye vodka, which are loaded with flavor. No bones about it, KALASHNIKOV VODKA is smooth and slightly sweet. (Rating ****)

To see if our retailer carries KALASHNIKOV, click SHOP and type "KALASHNIKOV" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass. Alternatively, you may surf to http://www.KalashnikovVodka.com.

Labels: Kalashnikov, Russia, Vodka

 

12/2007 VINCENT VAN GOGH DUTCH CHOCOLATE FLAVORED VODKA
If you love chocolate and you love vodka, well, here's a booze for you! This 70 proof vodka from Holland just oozes chocolate. It's rich- we enjoyed a sip but found ourselves not hankering for more. An impressive vodka, but, obviously, one that can be taken only in small doses or mixed with milk or somesuch. (Rating ****1/2)

To see if our retailer carries VAN GOGH VODKA, click SHOP and type "VAN GOGH" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass. Alternatively, you may surf to http://VanGoghVodka.com/.

Labels: Holland, Van Gogh, Vodka

 

6/2007 HERB'S AROMATICS VODKAS- DILL LEAF, CILANTRO, ROSEMARY, AND FENNEL
Fresh from ... Rigby, Idaho (?!) we bring you herb infused vodkas?! Oh Hell, why not? All four of these grain-based vodkas are very smooth. We liked the DILL LEAF and CILANTRO especially, as the herb flavors were gentle and pleasant. (Rating ****) The ROSEMARY and FENNEL expressions were a bit to herby for us- our sinuses were just flushed with the aromas. (**3/4) Idaho- huh, who knew!

To see if our retailer can get you a bottle by clicking SHOP, typing "HERB'S VODKA" in the search engine, and clicking the magnifying glass. Otherwise, for more information, surf to the very slick HERB'S websitehttp://www.herbsvodka.com/.

Labels: Herb's, Idaho, Vodka

 

3/2007 DOMAINE CHARBAY POMEGRANATE VODKA
Like Pomegranate? Then give this vodka a whirl. It's pink, very gentle (it's only 70 proof), and really does taste like a fresh Pomegranate. Chill it in your freezer or shake it with ice to cool it. (Rating ***1/4) For more information, contact the folks at http://Charbay.com. To see if our retailer can sell you a bottle, surf to SHOP and type "CHARBAY" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass.

Labels: California, Charbay, Vodka

 

1/2007 VINCENT VAN GOGH PINEAPPLE VODKA
In a word- wacky. Open the bottle and wave it under your schnozz and you'll be hit with a plume of pineapple and, oddly, vanilla. It's all very pleasant. At 70 proof, this vodka is soft enough to sip straight on the rocks. In the mouth it tastes as it smells and it's a bit sweet, almost, but not quite, saccharine. (Rating ***3/4)

To see if our retailer carries VAN GOGH VODKA, click SHOP FOR WINES and type "VAN GOGH" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass. Otherwise, surf to http://www.VanGoghVodka.com/.

Labels: Holland, Van Gogh, Vodka

 

11/2006 REGALIA VODKA
AIKO LLC, a company in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, has an interesting portfolio of imported beers, spirits, and wines, which you can peek at here. Among them is a terrific vodka from Russia. REGALIA, AIKO LLC declares, "is produced by the state-controlled (read: strict adherence to the highest standards of quality) distillery of Yaroslavl, an ancient city located in close proximity of Moscow." Well, we're not so sure that "state owned" necessitates "good," but in this case, it has. This vodka is superb. It is astonishingly smooth. It is nearly tasteless, so those who adore KETEL ONE will really dig this vodka. The packaging of this vodka is quite expressive, bordering on the baroque (See the crown/orb like bottle here.) Superb. (Rating****3/4)

To see if our retailer can send you REGALIA VODKA, click SHOP and type "REGALIA" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass. Otherwise, surf to http://www.aikollc.com.

Labels: Regalia, Russia, Vodka