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Archive for the ‘Vodka Reviews’ Category

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Review: Luksusowa Wisniowa (Cherry Vodka)

Posted by Arctic Wolf on February 12, 2013

SAM_0546 Luksusowa CherryI was surprised when I received the press materials for Luksusowa Wisniowa (the cherry flavoured version). I discovered that the Vodka Liqueur which carries the Luksusowa name may not in fact use the potato based Luksusowa Vodka as its base spirit. Instead, Luksusowa Wisniowa (according to the press materials given to me anyway) is a cherry flavoured vodka made from real cherry fruit and the finest grain spirit.

Irregardless, of how the spirit was produced, the deep reddish tones of the spirit and its lovely cherry flavour make it a perfect flavoured Vodka for Valentines Day Cocktails, which is why I have chosen today to publish my review:

Your may click on the following excerpt to read the full review:

Secret Admirer

Secret Admirer

Review: Luksusowa Wisniowa (Cherry Vodka)

“… In the breezes above the glass I notice quite a bit of spice in the air and the scent of a lightly sweet hard cherry candy. The spice reminds me of cardamom or ginger and seems to give the aroma a light effervescence which was rather unexpected. Hints of menthol arise, and although I am not really sure, I seem to receive an impression of Ruby Port wine in those breezes …”

Of course I have a few of those Valentines cocktails as well:

Oh My Valentine!

The Secret Admirer

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Flavoured Vodka, Liqueur, Liqueur Review, Vodka, Vodka Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Luksusowa Wisniowa (Cherry Vodka)

Review: Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka

Posted by Arctic Wolf on January 27, 2013

Smirnoff VodkaSmirnoff Vodka has become more and more popular such that now (according to brand owner Diageo) it is the number 1 selling Vodka in the entire world being sold and distributed in over 130 countries. It is not only sold in many countries, it is also produced in many countries. My understanding is that Smirnoff 21 is a triple distilled spirit, produced on a large multi-column still from North American prairie grain. The particular sample of Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka which I am reviewing was produced here in Canada for the North American Market and bottled at 40 % alcohol by volume.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… I always serve Vodka in a shot glass, and in that shot glass the spirit demonstrated a very obvious scent of balsam, grain, and a sweep of lemon zest. When I took a sip, I found the flavour matched the scent. I tasted the spiciness of grain with that very light, somewhat earthy lemon/balsam flavour … “

Here is a link to the full review which includes two cocktail, the Vodka Cooler, and the Vodka Darby:

Review: Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka

Please enjoy the Review!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Vodka, Vodka Reviews | Tagged: , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka

Review: Beluga Noble Russian Vodka

Posted by Arctic Wolf on November 22, 2012

According to the website information, Beluga Noble Russian Vodka is manufactured in a remote area of Siberia, reported to be 300 km from the nearest large settlement. The vodka is produced from grain alcohol (some of the alcohol may be produced from malted grain), and purified Siberian spring water. Even though artesian spring water is naturally pure, for this Vodka, it must also undergo a double filtration, through quartz sand and a special silver filter. After distillation, a third stage of purification involves a 10.5 meter coal column filter which is composed of birch charcoal. Prior to bottling, the vodka is rested 30 days. This rest period apparently allows the molecular components within to stabilize allowing for a smoother more velvet-like mouth-feel and taste.

Interestingly enough, Beluga vodka also contains other special ingredients (in extremely small quantities) such as honey, oat extract, and Silybum Marianum (milk thistle) extract. The addition of minute quantities of special ingredients is consistent with what I know of traditional European production methods where each distilled vodka has its own recipe and its own special ingredients. It is these special ingredients used in very small proportions which contribute to the individual character of each Vodka. (By small quantities I really do mean small; typically these extra ingredients are measured in parts per million.)

Beluga Noble Russian Vodka has recently been introduced into my home Province of Alberta. It is a Premium Vodka which is priced to occupy the same market niche as Grey Goose and Belvedere. A bottle was delivered to me by Thirsty Cellar Imports, who are importing this spirit and I was asked to provide a review on my website.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… The nose is clean with faint wisps of lemon and spice. There is something else in the air as well, a very soft aroma which seems very vaguely sweet and herbal, and at the same time very vaguely like fresh cereal porridge (made with milk). As I sip the Vodka, I am very impressed.  I taste very lightly sweet flavours of lemon and citrus zest as well as a very gentle spiciness. The aftertaste is vaguely sweet reminding my of honey or cane syrup, and I taste a very light maltiness which is very appealing… “

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Beluga Noble Russian Vodka

Please enjoy my review of this new Premium Russian Vodka which includes recipe for a standard Vodka Martini, and my own Estate Cocktail.

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Vodka, Vodka Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Beluga Noble Russian Vodka

The Year in Vodka

Posted by Arctic Wolf on November 2, 2012

There are subtle aromas and flavours which can be appreciated when Vodka is sipped or when it is consumed as a shot. As well, when served with good food, vodka has the ability to enhance the gastronomic experience by cleansing the palate between bites allowing you to taste each morsel more completely. When I review Vodka on my website, I try very hard to convey my appreciation of these subtle nuances of pleasure which Vodka can provoke. I think I am doing something right, because my Vodka reviews are amongst the most popular on my website.

This Year I have separated the Vodka Awards from the Tequila and Gin Awards to give them more prominence. All spirit samples which I receive to review on my website are automatically considered for my awards. I do my review, and then I set aside the remainder of the spirit for the end of the year judging. This year, for the first time ever, I also received additional industry samples specifically for these awards.

Here are the recipients of my 2012 Rum Howler Awards for Excellence in the Production of Vodka. These Awards are for the best Vodka Spirits I encountered in the year 2012:

The 2012 Rum Howler Awards – The Year in Vodka

Budmo!

Posted in Awards, Flavoured Vodka, Vodka, Vodka Reviews | Tagged: , , , | Comments Off on The Year in Vodka

Review: Magic Moment Remix Chocolate Flavoured Vodka

Posted by Arctic Wolf on October 25, 2012

The Magic Moments Remix Flavoured Vodkas are triple distilled grain spirits from Radico Khaitan Ltd. (Radio Cask) who is one of India’s oldest and largest liquor manufacturers. (Radico Khaitan was formerly known as the Rampur Distillery which was established in 1943.) The flagship product, M2 Magic Moments Vodka was launched in November of 2005, and it quickly became India’s fastest growing deluxe vodka. Since then, the company has also introduced 6 new vodka flavors or ‘remixes’,  Green Apple, Lemon, Orange, Chocolate, Raspberry, and Ginger and Lemongrass. the consistent quality of all of these remix flavours has led to winning awards at both the International Spirits Challenge and Monde Selection Award 2011.

This is the final review in my series of the Magic Moments Brand, thus far I have found the Magic Moments Vodka and the Remix flavour to be very much to my liking. Here is an excerpt from my review of the Magic Moment Remix Chocolate:

“… When I brought the glass to my nose I could smell nice chocolate notes above the glass. The smell reminded me of a dark semi-sweet chocolate bar with hints of shredded coconut embedded within. The aroma is nice… “

You may read my full review here:

Review: Magic Moment Remix Chocolate Flavoured Vodka

I have included a couple of nice recipes with the review, I hope you enjoy them.

Cheers!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Flavoured Vodka, Vodka, Vodka Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Magic Moment Remix Chocolate Flavoured Vodka

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