Beluga Noble Russian Vodka

Rating: 14/23 It's funny, I can't recall why I purchased this vodka. I don't have a clear memory of hearing it was good, and I didn't realize the fish on the bottle was 3D and metallic. The bottle itself looks fantastic, but it's vodka, so who knows about the liquid inside. Nose: It's vodka; it smells like nothing. There's a faint grain note, with a citrus-like characteristic similar to single grain whiskey. Palate: This truly impresses me. I instantly enjoy this vodka. It's incredibly smooth and very neutral, with a light sweetness from the tender grain. There's just a hint of harshness, which is forgivable (barely noticeable), and perhaps a slight earthy and peppery note if you really try to detect it. There's a touch of alcohol, but you'd have to be actively looking for it. A slight burst of fruit and tartness do emerge. While I don't think all vodka needs to be neutral, this demonstrates how exceptional a neutral vodka can be. It's a very pleasant sipper, despite that minor harshness. No rubber or other off-flavors are present. Just pure grain alcohol. Finish: The light sweetness, tartness, and alcohol linger the longest. Unfortunately, it's harsher than Ocean Organic Vodka. While I slightly prefer this vodka's profile, it's a bit more difficult to sip. It remains a great vodka, but it doesn't quite reach the level of Ocean or Chopin Wheat. It's worth trying, and it immediately enters my top 3. Due to the harshness, I can't rate it a 16, but I think a 15 is deserved. I would be content sipping it. It's quite a letdown that the finish is harsh, given how delightfully smooth it is initially. Chopin Wheat is slightly cheaper and generally a bit better. If you require something truly neutral, this is a solid option, but Chopin Wheat is less harsh and offers good flavor. Ocean is slightly more expensive, so choosing this over it might make sense in some situations. I don't regret buying it, but when my Chopin Wheat is gone, I'll repurchase it instead of substituting this. It's a pity because, apart from the harshness, it's as good as Chopin, though different. I enjoy the flavor (or lack thereof) here so much that I want to give it a higher score than 15, but honestly, the harshness makes even a 15 feel a bit generous. Flavor-wise, it's comparable to Ocean, but the harshness here is much more significant. I believe I'll settle on a 14 for this initial tasting.

Nose: sharp grain, bitter botanicals, black pepper, lemon peel, earthy vanilla, noticeable alcohol sting. Taste: mellow grain, black pepper, lemon zest, dry herbaceous and floral notes, rich vanilla, slight to moderate alcohol presence, finishing medium-short and smooth with sweet green, creamy vanilla, and black pepper notes. After seeing very favorable reviews, I am immediately let down by the smell. The astringent grain scent was an unwelcome surprise. Among the vodkas tasted in this series, it's near the top for alcohol burn. It's not bold and chalky like I found Stoli and Russian Standard to be. It's simply average and hot. The taste is a completely different situation, however. The harsh grain from the nose is now extremely mellow. The texture is oily and velvety smooth. The main flavors are the typical black pepper and citrus, but there's a vanilla note that comes across as pleasantly richer than in other vodkas. It's certainly in the top tier of vodka tastes I've experienced. Overall I am divided, but I believe the quality of the taste surpasses the disappointment of the nose. Beluga is not quite operating on the same level as other vodkas. It is considered unflavored, but there are additives included. I cannot identify them specifically, but I am certain the extra processing is responsible for the superior taste and texture. Regardless, I do not consider this in my evaluations. I judge solely on how much I enjoy the final result. And I enjoy this. It is right up there with Stoli and Ketel One. I would need to taste them side-by-side to choose one over the others. However, it is almost double the price of Stoli where I am, so it is likely not the one I would choose first. And for all these reasons, it is about the same as Jim Beam Original for me.

A refined vodka from Siberia, Russia, suitable for special events. It's filtered through quartz sand, made from grain, and rested throughout the production process, resulting in a smooth finish. December 2015 / 2016 / July 2017.

I've generally not been a fan of vodka, usually preferring bourbon, scotch, other types of whiskey, or beer. However, this was easily the smoothest vodka I've ever encountered. Highly recommend.

Very smooth when consumed cold. No hangover and true to Russian vodka flavor. No aftertaste. Pairs well with salted meats, fish, or a charcuterie board.

I am uncertain why this has such poor ratings. I believe this is a quite nice vodka to drink on its own. Goes exceptionally well with caviar.