Belvedere Single Estate Rye: Lake Bartężek

Rating: 19/23 This is a quality vodka with an intriguing profile. Following some recent disappointing spirits, I'm hopeful this will be a pleasant change. Nose: Gentle alcohol allows notes of grain, a touch of lemon, and subtle earthiness to emerge. While not captivating on its own, it suggests a promising palate. Palate: Smooth and sweet, with an earthiness and spice that narrowly avoids harshness. It has a decent body. It's an easily drinkable vodka with some subtle complexity. It certainly works as a sipper. However, I do wish the spice was slightly less prominent, as it becomes a bit sharp with prolonged sipping. Finish: The finish is quite understated. It's pleasant but quickly fades from memory. It's somewhat sweet and watery with hints of earth and grain. Nice, but very subtle. - Conclusion - Frankly, I would have guessed wheat, potato, or a grain blend (the latter being most probable). Rye was not what I expected. This is quite fascinating. I didn't anticipate this profile from a rye vodka, but I'm impressed. Wheatley (14/23) is more aggressive, with a bitter, unusual, and less appealing flavor. There's clearly at least a two-point difference between them. This isn't mind-blowing, but it's a very good vodka. Chopin Wheat (17/23) displays more grain character but also more bitterness. It retains a pleasant, clean, watery sweetness. The two are quite close, but this one tastes more balanced and lacks that slightly off-putting bitterness. I consider this the winner by one or two points, possibly even three. If I had to decide right now, I'd give it a 19. Yes, I'm settling on that. A delightful vodka!

Good flavor with a kick from the rye. It's not as mellow as the original Belvedere, but that's to be expected; just a heads-up if you're anticipating the typical neutral Belvedere profile.

Flavor is well above average. Aroma is a bit heavy for 80 proof. Super easy to sip neat and enjoy, but my preference is 1:1 with topo chico with a shaved lemon rind and ice.

Exceptionally smooth and crisp, with a refined aroma.

Remarkably smooth.