CÎROC Vodka

Nose - Sweet grain, grape skin, lemon-lime soda, grapefruit zest, floral tea, black pepper, with mild to moderate ethanol burn. Taste - Lemon-lime soda, sweet grain, grape, mint, black pepper, ginger, powdered sugar, orange blossom, with a mild to moderate alcohol bite. The finish is medium-short with flavors of sugary grape, sweet grain, and citrus zest. This possesses the most intriguing nose of any vodka I've sampled. It resembles a subdued modern gin more than a vodka, which is a positive in my opinion. It has a distinct Sprite-like quality mingled with some sweet graininess and underlying minty, peppery notes. The palate mirrors these characteristics, presenting a strong gin-like impression upon entry. Grape is also present, reminding me somewhat of a previous eau-de-vie, but far less full-bodied. Overall, this is a delicious vodka, more akin to a decent gin. Based on my initial assessment, it surpasses my current favorite in terms of drinkability. One important note is that this is not a neutral vodka; I question its suitability for standard vodka cocktails as it will undoubtedly contribute its own flavors. Considering all factors, it's a new top contender in this category. For me, it's comparable to a well-known bourbon, and I would select this one if forced to choose between the two.

This is the fourth in the vodka series. Limited aroma, but a clear grape origin is detectable. The unusual scent is almost gin-like, with a peppery juniper quality. One taste confirms it: this vodka tastes like gin. It's sweet, lemony-lime, practically a citrus beverage, with subtle herbal botanicals and a hint of licorice. It's ideal for a high-end martini, especially for those who don't see vodka and gin as mutually exclusive. However, its distinct fruity profile significantly limits its versatility, which is unfortunate for a spirit that should primarily be neutral. Additionally, its $30 price tag is exorbitant for any vodka. Character: Gin Smoothness: 3.25, Overall: 3.25

This French vodka is made from grapes. It used to be quite pricey, but the cost has decreased somewhat. While it might not be my preferred vodka, it is a quality product. As with most vodkas, the aroma is minimal, with just a hint of lemongrass. The palate is hit by ethanol, but the grape base is present. The finish has a slight warmth, is very smooth, and includes a touch of pepper. Overall, it's among the better vodkas I've tried, but the price, though lower than before, remains a bit high. Better value options exist (like Absolut).

The price is way too high for what you get. It's not a bad choice for vodka, but when you compare the cost to the quality, it really doesn't stand up to other vodkas at this price point. It's smooth, but there's a slight aftertaste. The detail about being distilled from grapes is a gimmick and doesn't enhance the experience. You'd be better off with a Stoli Elit or Imperia in this price bracket. Worth trying once, and that's it.

Sweet, grape-like notes are present on the palate, which is logical given its grape origin. It starts off harsh but softens after about 10 minutes of resting. However, the alcohol taste remains strong and conflicts with the sweetness. The sweet notes persist pleasantly in the finish, but it's insufficient to compensate for the palate's initial harshness. It's not the worst I've had, but I'm certainly not fond of it.

This is a quality vodka. There's a mild pepper on the initial taste, not too intense. It's light with a pleasant texture. Not overly strong. But wait... a surprise awaits. About a minute later, a delightful sweet grape sensation lingers on your tongue and the back of your throat. Very impressive. It likely has the finest finish of any vodka I've experienced. A+