Starr Blu Vodka

What a fantastic discovery and unusual vodka! The aroma is virtually nonexistent, not even ethanol fumes, just a subtle mineral scent. Only after intense scrutiny could I detect an odd smell reminiscent of spirits filtered through charcoal. I couldn't find any information online regarding its distillation process. To confirm my senses, I compared it with Tahoe Blue and Smirnoff. Starr Blue possessed the most neutral odor among them all. However, things become intriguing here. Upon tasting, distinct notes of grapefruit and citrus peel emerge. The finish is not merely ethanol but carries a pleasant peppery character. Having reviewed numerous vodkas, I've always dismissed claims of vodka having flavors beyond sugar or its base ingredient as exaggeration. But this, I am certain of. I'm relieved another reviewer noted the same flavors I perceived, as this is a novel experience for me. It's my first encounter with a vodka that could be described as fruity! How does it stack up against Smirnoff and Tahoe Blue? While all had unique tastes, Starr Blu was the most neutral, watery, and had the least bite. Tahoe Blue has an unusual, almost rum-like quality, and Smirnoff possesses sweetness and bitterness from corn. Starr Blue, on the other hand, offers the aforementioned flavors. It's less bitter than Smirnoff, and although the burn is less intense than Tahoe Blue's, it's more unpleasant. It remains a somewhat rougher product than TB but does stand out slightly more than Smirnoff. Considering its price, this is an essential vodka that belongs in any discerning home bar. I still favor Tahoe Blue as my preferred budget vodka. What can I say? I'm not particularly fond of something as diluted as Starr Blu. Nonetheless, this is an excellent vodka at an astonishingly great price.

Smells like nothing. The palate has some pleasing spiciness and fruitiness - perhaps my glass wasn't clean enough? It's peppery and the fruit is nectary with a sort of apricot flavor. There's some alcohol presence, but actually not too much. It's quite enjoyable in an unusual way. This is a very fruity vodka! It's not quite as harsh as UV vodka, and the fruitiness is nice and refreshing, but it's much harsher than Chopin Wheat. There's almost a hint of curacao or cognac. This is actually almost sippable. It compares quite well with Chopin Wheat. I'm estimating around a 15. It's a bit odd, but it has a more appealing, convincing fruitiness than the flavored vodkas I've tried. It's unusual, but not bad. I can't rate it higher than a 15 because it's still quite harsh. Its harshness falls somewhere between Kirkland French (red) vodka and UV. I actually like this. Yes, I can detect some alcohol, but it's not too bad.

I actually prefer this over Belvedere. It's sweeter with a cleaner profile and some enjoyable fruitiness. It's still not a standard vodka, but I appreciate its character. This time I'm detecting more tropical fruits like banana and mango, along with the curacao's oily nuttiness and orange. The result isn't exciting, but I'm keeping my original rating. I'm surprised, but I like this vodka.

We have been enjoying Starr Blu for over 6 years, and it's our preferred vodka!! Not only is the price exceptional, but when compared to other popular brands, we actually like it more than other well-known brands (Tito's, Grey Goose, Skyy). Rarely experience a hangover (unless I've indulged too much;). 5 stars.

Minimal scent. Slight chemical notes. The flavor is more noticeable, but only in small amounts. Hints of vanilla and a trace of berry are present. Then, the heat and alcohol make an appearance. I've encountered harsher spirits.

A clean and smooth finish is achieved through five distillations and filtering of this crisp, American grain vodka from Minnesota. February / November 2019