Belvedere Vodka

It has sweetness similar to another spirit, but it's less rich, earthy, and spicy. This one is more vegetal and herbal with a lighter profile. Eventually, more spice emerges, giving it a spicy, earthy finish without the alcohol bite of that other spirit. This is a fantastic vodka. There's some fruitiness with light tropical notes, like banana. The alcohol taste is barely noticeable. It's a good vodka. It's less thick than that other spirit but also has less alcohol presence. I'm torn between these two. This certainly lacks that other spirit's wheat character, so I assume it's made from something else. The nose is practically non-existent, though perhaps a hint of grain. Back to the palate. It's just as thick as that other spirit, but with less alcohol flavor and a touch of banana sweetness. It has less richness, but between the two, I think I prefer this. Maybe a point or two better. This is definitely more herbal and vegetal than that other spirit. I'm now wondering if that's an improvement. It has a bit more of that tequila earthiness and maybe even a hint of agave nectar. There's definitely rye minerality and earthiness, but less alcohol and sharpness than anticipated. That other spirit's richness is perhaps a slight improvement. Both are really solid choices though. This has more earthy and vegetal flavor than that other spirit, making it taste more natural. This is a great vodka, though it still doesn't stand out as an excellent spirit. It's less spicy than I expected from a rye vodka (though there is some spice) and it's more grainy with terroir. It gives a slight young rye hint, but it's still fairly neutral. This is an interesting and very good vodka. A hint of cinnamon lingers on the finish. I might detect that hint of lemon zest that was mentioned, but it's subtle. This is certainly less complex than that other spirit, and I think I like it more due to its reduced, cloying sweetness. This is definitely a 16 and might even be a 17.

Nose - spicy grain, black pepper, rye spice, vanilla, dry herbal notes, moderate ethanol burn. Taste - sour grain, sweet floral notes, lemon zest, dry herbal notes, black pepper, moderate alcohol bite, finishing medium short with sour grain, black pepper, and dry herbal flavors. The rye base is quite evident here. The grain aromas are sharper and the black pepper and rye spice notes are prominent. It's a reasonably good nose. However, the palate isn't quite as impressive. While there are some pleasant floral and citrus flavors, the initial taste is rather sour and slightly off-putting. Overall, this is superior to many vodkas I've sampled, but not good enough to stand out from the crowd. And at $25, it costs more than some considerably better choices. I'd prefer Jim Beam Original any day.

Rating: 15/23. This vodka leans towards an earthy profile with light floral notes, some mild prickly spice, and a moderate amount of alcohol balanced by pleasant sweetness. There's a slight bitterness, but it's not unpleasant. Overall, it's a decent vodka, but not particularly remarkable. It doesn't quite match the profile of Kirkland's French vodka, but it's of similar quality. Either is acceptable, but I wouldn't choose them over Chopin Wheat or Ocean. I'd place it at a 14 or 15, definitely not higher.

Belvedere is now an organic product and is improved. The scent brings to mind fresh sourdough bread, along with lovely hints of citrus and vanilla. The initial taste is smooth, with flavors evoking almond milk and dark rye bread. As the experience progresses, the extended finish offers a pleasant blend of citrus and a subtle touch of white pepper.

The nose is rather nondescript, showing faint traces of toasted grains, damp charcoal, and bean sprouts. It has an oily texture in the mouth. The palate is, once again, mostly clean and neutral, but also exhibits peppery rye spice, lemon zest, and wet concrete, along with subtle almond. The finish is surprisingly long for a vodka and exceptionally smooth. Rated 3.50/5.00 – Impressive (served neat).

Appearance: clear Aroma: spicy, grainy Flavor: spicy, grainy, hint of citrus This is my first vodka tried on its own, so I don't have much to compare it to. However, I will say that having had vodka in cocktails, this was one of the more palatable, less harsh vodkas I've encountered. Quite decent: 3.5 stars!