Chopin Wheat Vodka

Nose - subtle grain, fresh bread, vanilla, black pepper, marshmallow, dry herbal and citrus undertones, mild to moderate alcohol sting. Palate - subtle grain, thin wheat character, orange and lemon zest, black pepper, sweet floral and dry herbal notes, mild to moderate alcohol bite, concluding medium-short with subtle grain, thin wheat character, black pepper flavors. The nose is very subdued, but I'm detecting some pleasant marshmallow and bread notes that add a touch of interest. Otherwise, it displays the typical characteristics of a quality wheat-based vodka. The palate offers floral, citrus, and peppery notes, but a slight hint of thin wheat character can also be perceived. Overall, this is a very well-crafted neutral vodka. I consider it a notch below Absolut Elyx, and likely closer to the Stoli and Ketel One range for me. Unfortunately, it costs $12 more per bottle than Stoli, so its value proposition is significantly weaker. It's also about the same as Jim Beam Original for me.

This vodka presents the most pristine flavor I've encountered. It tastes pure, like a fresh spring, with just a whisper of citrus. While I wouldn't sip it neat because it lacks distinct flavor, its absence of harsh notes makes it an ideal mixer. The balanced flavor is remarkable and the smoothness is outstanding. This is truly a well-crafted vodka. It's a clean, neutral flavor, with some clear sweetness that leans slightly towards being cloying and introduces just a touch of wheat. There's not much alcohol character here at all, though it can be somewhat bitter. It's a very good vodka, although nothing extraordinary. There's a trace of oily bitterness, but it's manageable. The more I sample this, the less I truly grasp the reason for all the significant attention. It's somewhat richer and more viscous than Belvedere maybe, but it's also less complex. I'm estimating a 14 to 15.

Rating: 17/23 Tasting the entire bottle. The neck pour isn't significantly different from the final pour for vodka (at least, I don't believe so). Nose: Not much, but there's a faint scent of bread crust. It's vodka, after all, what did I expect? Palate: Smooth, round, subtly sweet, reasonably viscous, and full-bodied. This is quite pleasant. It also has a peppery quality, but not in an aggressive way. This is one of those unusual vodkas that genuinely feels drinkable. I detect a hint of bread crust that transitions into mild white bread. Some sweet water is present. Finish: Lingering pepper with sweet water. Faint fresh wheat notes. - Conclusion - This is a very agreeable vodka. In fact, it's the finest I've experienced. It's enjoyable neat, although even then, it can't rival a good whiskey.

Score: 16/23 This spirit is drier than Ocean, yet it remains clean with a pleasant grain character. I slightly prefer this one and it surpasses Belvedere and the well-known Kirkland French vodka. While difficult to directly contrast with Esme due to Esme's floral profile, Esme is also considerably harsher and less adaptable, making this my preferred choice. It's definitely a top-tier vodka.

A sharp, grain-based vodka from Poland. Its aromatic introduction presents hints of grain, fruit, herbs, and spices. The palate is slightly sweet and smooth, with undertones of anise, citrus, and orange blossom. It concludes with a swift, balanced finish featuring a whisper of powdered sugar and minerality. July / November 2017

Very pleasantly surprised by this vodka that has a nice body, with a pleasant roundness, as well as a slight sensation of sweetness in the mouth due to the wheat. Very pure, with cocoa notes and a hint of caramel. Excellent.