Russian Standard Vodka

Russian Standard truly lives up to its name as a benchmark for reasonably priced vodkas. While it doesn't offer anything particularly exciting, there's also nothing to dislike about it. This bottle can be seen as an excellent representation of what vodka should be – a standard for vodkas. The aroma is very subtle and restrained, presenting the typical scent of a wheat vodka with a gentle drift of sweetness and alcohol. The alcohol is present but minimal, not causing any nasal irritation, just a mild ethanol scent that complements the wheat's sweetness. With a little time, a hint of spicy citrus zest also emerges, subtly in the background. The sweetness persists upon tasting. It's not the immediate sweetness of corn vodka, nor the distinct baked-sweetness of other wheat-based vodkas, but rather a pleasant middle ground, a compromise between the two that's agreeable due to its unassuming nature. Only when swirled in the mouth do more defined flavors of vanilla and bread appear; otherwise, it's an undefined, almost neutral sweetness. The finish offers some of the citrus zest from the aroma and a slight peppery 'kick.' For a vodka, it's quite subdued but noticeable after the initial sweetness. It rounds out the experience quite nicely. The texture also strikes a balance between being oily and watery, fitting well with the overall profile. I have only two criticisms. First, it might be a bit too standard and indistinct, making it unexciting to drink neat. However, considering the price, this is a minor concern, especially in a category meant to be neutral. Second, there's a slight burn when swallowing, which makes the product feel a little rough around the edges. It's not an undrinkable burn, but rather one that reminds you superior products exist, albeit at a higher cost. This is an excellent vodka for smooth mixing and serves as a baseline for evaluating other vodkas.

This vodka is second in my ranking. Its aroma has both peppery and slightly sweet qualities, presenting a more "intense" profile than usual for vodka, if that description resonates. The taste is unexpectedly substantial, with a pleasingly viscous texture, highlighted by notes of vanilla and wheat. After a short while, the initial taste fades into a more neutral character. A sense of creaminess emerges at the end, accompanied by a sharp sensation (likely from the wheat), and a hint of dryness and warmth. This earned the second spot on my list because it truly embodies the "standard" for vodka: neutral enough for any pairing, yet engaging enough to appreciate on its own without being unusual. Furthermore, it costs less than $20 and doesn't adopt an air of exclusivity. You could use this to refill a flask without regret. Have I ever employed it for sterilizing a wound? Naturally. Who hasn't? It's highly purified "nothingness" liquid, further aged in absolutely no vessel. But it performs its function admirably WHILE showcasing the typical characteristics found in vodka, which makes it a success in my view. It does contribute to that bothersome (and entirely false) story about Dmitri Mendeleev "inventing" 80 proof spirits, but I'll overlook that if it encourages more vodka enthusiasts to search for "Dmitri Mendeleev". Character: Vanilla and pepper Smoothness: 2, Overall: 3.5

Aroma: chalky grain, black pepper, lemon zest, mineral water, dry herbal notes, with a mild to moderate ethanol burn. Taste: chalky grain, black pepper, coriander, lemon and orange zest, mineral water, vanilla, herbal and floral notes, with a mild to moderate alcohol bite. The finish is medium-short, slightly viscous, with chalky grain, black pepper, and dry herbal flavors. This is an incredibly neutral yet strong vodka. I'd compare it most to Stoli, though I don't believe it's quite as good. The nose is classic vodka, with a dominant grain character and a stronger peppery note than many others. The palate is similar to Stoli but distinctly more austere, lacking fruitiness and grassiness. This is a fine, straightforward vodka. It delivers the expected qualities without unnecessary additions. The mouthfeel is full and the finish is clean. I'm placing it slightly above average, but only just. I'd prefer Stoli, which is also less expensive. I'd also generally prefer Jim Beam Original.

Rating: 14/23 Nose: Not much aroma. Slightly sweet with a hint of alcohol. Palate: Sweet with a touch of fruit (perhaps orange and lemon?). It has a sweet wheat taste and some pepper. It's sweeter and less robust than Ocean, but not as smooth. It's not as harsh as Beluga Noble, though, and most of the burn seems to come from pepper. It offers a zippy and clean vodka essence. I quite enjoy it, but for flavor, I'd generally prefer both Ocean and Beluga. It's also nearly as harsh as Beluga. It lacks the smoothness of Kirkland's French vodka, but I prefer the taste here over Kirkland's funk. Finish: Pepper, citrus, and some alcohol bitterness. Clean. - Conclusion - In summary, this appears to be a decent vodka. It's quite generic, but maybe that's a positive? It could benefit from some refinement of its rough edges, but it's very solid. I'd place it in the same quality tier as Kirkland and Beluga – not as good as Ocean or Chopin. Beluga and Kirkland both received a 14, so this will also be a 14. I might even consider a 13, but I think a solid 14 is appropriate.

This is a good starter vodka that competes well with more expensive options. While I wouldn't pick it over brands like Sobieski or Absolut, it's certainly acceptable. The aroma has hints of ethanol and lemon peel. The initial sips are very smooth, with notes of wheat, pepper, and a touch of sweetness. The finish is brief and has a mild burn, which isn't bothersome. If it were less expensive, I might rate it higher. However, Absolut is a superior vodka overall, so while this isn't bad, it doesn't make sense to choose it instead of that one.

In Russia, vodka is never diluted with water, meaning it's not chilled with ice. Consequently, it's customary to store the bottle in the freezer overnight before serving and to chill the glasses an hour beforehand. All these steps were followed before opening the bottle. The result was a vodka that went down smoother than water and was as refreshing as ice in Arizona during August. It's extremely palatable and pairs perfectly with 100% orange juice or cranberry juice, never a cocktail mix.