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Archive for the ‘Vodka’ Category

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Review: Citadelle 6C Vodka

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 8, 2012

Citadelle 6C Vodka is a handcrafted spirit produced by Cognac Ferrand. This vodka is initially distilled in a five column still. However the final distillation is carried out on a small copper Charentias pot still. It is during this sixth distillation that very small quantities of a few secret ingredients are incorporated into the distillation. The Citadelle Vodka website gives vague references to special barks and spices but otherwise remains mum on exactly what these secret ingredients are.

It is this sixth distillation which gives the vodka its name, 6C, representing the sixth distillation on the Charentias still which is where the master distiller uses his art to create the delicate flavours which add special character (and delicate flavour) to the Vodka.

This product is not available in my home market. I was sent a bottle by the producer, Cognac Ferrand to review on my website as they welcome the world-wide exposure which my reviews receive. Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… When it was time to sample the Citadelle Vodka, I poured out 5 shot-glasses , one for each of us, and we began to take notes. Everyone agreed the vodka was very clean with only whispers of aroma in the glass. A light touch of grain was all anyone could smell (although at warmer temperature a hint of lemon-lime citrus is also evident)… “

You may read the full review here:

Review: Citadelle 6C Vodka

As well I have included some nice recipes for your enjoyment.

Please enjoy the recipes and my review!

Cheers!

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Review: Zirkova Vodka

Posted by Arctic Wolf on March 25, 2012

Zirkova Vodka is a relatively new Vodka brought to the market here in Canada by Multiculture Bevco owners of the Slava Ultra Premium Vodka and Zirkova Vodka brands. Although this company is based in Oakville, Ontario, the Zirkova is an authentic Ukrainian Vodka produced in the Cherkassy region of Ukraine at the Zlatogor Distillery from rye and wheat grain. This Premium Vodka is four times distilled with only the ‘center cut’ of each distillation brought forward to the final spirit.

I spent a little time with John Vellinga at the Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival this past fall. He is the founder of both the Zirkova and Slava Vodka brands and the CEO of Multiculture Bevco. I found that Mr Vellinga is passionate about his Vodka, and this passion was evident in our discussions as he went to great lengths not only in educating me about his Vodka production, but he also poured me several shots and cocktails to demonstrate the character of both of his Vodka brands in the glass.

I was given a bottle of Zirkova Vodka by the local distributor, River Valley Beverage Group for the purpose of a review here on my website. Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… The Zirkova is not as creamy as some of the more recent vodkas my tasting group have tried. It is, however, very clean upon the palate, and as I swallowed this first sip, it was very clean in the throat as well. A mellow rye-spice ‘heat’ is present in my throat after I swallow. I detect no bitterness, only a very light aftertaste of rye and a delicate impression of lemon-lime flavour of citrus zest… “

Here is a link to the full review:

Review: Zirkova Vodka

As well I have included a recipe for the Rustic Breeze, a cosmopolitan style cocktail with a nice raspberry twist.

Please enjoy the review and the cocktail recipe!

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Review: Regalia Vodka

Posted by Arctic Wolf on March 11, 2012

Regalia Vodka is produced in the Russian City of Yaroslavl. It is a wheat based Vodka produced upon from a 5 time distillation process. After distillation the vodka is processed through a series of quartz-sand and birch-charcoal filters to remove any leftover impurities. Regalia then utilizes an additional silver filtration system to bring the Vodka up to the standard which is known in Russia as ‘luxe’ grade.

My friend, Lukasz ,was gifted a bottle complete with an accompanying gift stand and 6 shot glass (see picture below) for Christmas. He could not resist the impulse bring this new spirit to my latest Vodka Tasting event to see how it would compare when sampled blind next to four other Vodkas (Proof, Tito’s, Zirkova, and Citadelle 6C) that we were sampling. We chilled all of the spirits in my freezer before the tasting, and when we sampled them, they were all approximately at a serving temperature of 1 degree Celsius.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… Lukasz and I both noticed a sort of yeasty bread dough like aroma arising from our glasses with light hints of citrus. The initial flavour of the Vodka tasted nice with light citrus impressions of lime and a bit of rye-like bite in the mouth… “

Here is a link to the full review:

Review: Regalia Vodka

I included three nice recipes for your enjoyment, the Pink Pussy Cat, the Screwdriver, and the Kamikaze Soda. I hope you enjoy the review and the recipes I provided!

Cheers!


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Review: Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Posted by Arctic Wolf on February 23, 2012

According to their website, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is produced at the oldest legal distillery in Texas in the City of Austin. It is a small batch Vodka produced in a pot still by Bert Butler ‘Tito’ Beveridge (yes, that is apparently his real name). According to the information on the back label of the bottle the spirit is distilled six times from grain, where only the heart of the distillation run is captured to be bottled. The product has enjoyed a remarkable growth in popularity after winning the Double Gold Medal for Vodka at the San Fransisco World Spirits Competition in 2001.

I was given a bottle of Tito’s Handmade vodka by the local distributor, Diamond Estate Wines & Spirits for the purpose of a review here on my website.

Here is an excerpt:

“… When I swallowed my first shot of the Tito’s Vodka, I was impressed that the spirit was extremely smooth and imparted no burn to my throat. There is a certain amount of spicy warmth which is imparted to the palate and to the back of the throat. A sort of lemon aftertaste persists, but it is pleasant and you could almost say that it was refreshing…”

Here is a link to the full review:

Review: Tito’s Handmade Vodka

I have included some nice cocktails with this review, The Vodka Daiquiri, The Vodka Tonic, and The Rustic Breeze.

Please enjoy the review and the accompanying cocktails!

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Review: Proof Vodka

Posted by Arctic Wolf on February 9, 2012

Proof Vodka is a relatively new brand of Vodka produced by Proof Brands. The company currently produces whisky, rum and vodka all of which are bottled at 42 % ABV in unique stubby 500 ml bottles. The brand and the spirits are the creation of Michael Riley, a ten-year veteran of the alcohol beverage industry. Michael spent 5 years as the Director of Spirits for the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario). He has also has worked with such brands as Crown Royal, Absolut, Captain Morgan, Chivas Regal and Molson Canadian.

As part of the review process, I emailed Michael Riley to learn a little about his vodka. What I learned is that Proof Vodka is triple distilled from wheat which, according to Michael, creates a European style, smooth, clean spirit.  The product is bottled at 42% to highlight the sweetness of the wheat and to bring out the clean citrus notes.

I was recently given a bottle of this Proof Rum by the local distributor of Proof Brands, Diamond Estate Wines & Spirits for the purpose of a review here on my website.

Here is an except:

“… As I poured the Proof Vodka into each shot glass during my recent Vodka tasting I noticed the spirit had a creamy texture. At this cold serving temperature (1 degree Celsius) the Proof displays a clean nose with perhaps a hint of anise and mint in the air above the glass. I also sense some very light citrus, and a touch of grain …”

You may read the full review here:

Review: Proof Vodka

Please enjoy the review and the delicious recipe I have provided for the Vodka Cooler.

Cheers!

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