When you hear the words “Thug Life”, there’s a lot of mixed emotions that arise. Some of you may think about it’s original source and thoughts of Tupac Shakur will come to mind. Others will hear it and take it for face value; thoughts of tattooed thugs throwing up gang signs and causing trouble in society. And those with a sense of humor will think of it facetiously, thinking of Danny McBride from Pineapple Express or even the hilarious pug life memes.

I didn’t choose the Thug Life… The Thug Life chose me. -Tupac Shakur

So where should our thoughts go for Thug Life Vodka? Well, these guys want to bring you back to its original meaning. Focusing on sponsorships that bring teens and troubled young adults off the streets and into gyms (MMA), Thug Life Vodka understands that the Thug Life isn’t something you throw around to be cool or trendy. It’s a generational lifestyle where people are out there doing what they can to come up in a cold world.

Along with their message, they have also brought along a high quality spirit to market. Made from Canadian winter wheat and distilled six times, Thug Life Vodka wants you to think of them as a high quality, any occasion vodka that goes down light and smooth. Using the purest water sourced from the Canadian Rockies, they aim to produce a product that’s not going to leave you wrecked the next morning from poor quality ingredients. This all sounds well and good, but at the end of the day, the product needs to stand on it’s own. Let’s dive into the shot and see how it tastes.

Thug Life Vodka Review -The Shot:

As I smell the vodka, I pick up mild notes of vanilla. It’s very muted on my first pass, with only faint signs pointing the wheat grain source. No peppery spices. No citrus either. It’s a very neutral vodka. Unfortunately, the lack of sweetness may scare off some of those who might be reminded of cheaper vodkas they may have had in their past.

As I take the shot, I’m instantly hit with the heat. Almost a little smokey. I can taste the natural minerals that are undoubtedly from the Canadian Rockies water source. It burned a little more on the way down than I was expecting, but left a clean, crisp finish on the tongue. Not too bad.

Thug Life Vodka Review -The Mixed Drink:

I grabbed some orange juice out of my fridge and made myself a nice screwdriver. It’s a little late in the day, but hey, why not. The strong neutral smells of the vodka broke through, but didn’t really add any additional notes to the vodka. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Vodka is meant to be, by its very definition, flavorless, odorless and tasteless. In that regard, Thug Life mixes very well and I would recommend using it in this regard.

Thug Life Vodka Review -Final Thoughts:

At the time of this review, Thug Life Vodka is only available is only available in Florida, with plans to be accessible nationwide by the end of 2018. I didn’t mention the bottle earlier, but it definitely has a unique look to it. This leads me to my last thought. In my initial impressions, I made 3 examples of what you think of when “Thug Life” comes to mind. While they are touting example 1 being their message, I can’t help but think of example 2 with their bottle.

The marketing looks to capitalize on those individuals trying to live the thug life (either real or fake), as opposed to those who already live it (and not by choice). Does this make sense? Maybe I’m over thinking it, but it feels like this vodka is caught between two identities: high quality vodka that people want to buy; and niche, targeted marketing that is looking to capitalize on a trendy pop culture phrase. But maybe that’s point. Maybe it can do both? Not sure. It’s definitely a conversation starter. I’m leaning more towards novelty at this point, but that shouldn’t stop you from picking up a bottle for yourself and giving it a try.

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“Damn bro, you really can handle some balls in your mouth!”

“Ladies… Can I fill your glasses with some Balls?”

“Man, I really feel like shit from all those Ball shots last night…”

“Wow Cindy, you really are a Ball guzzler!”

What? Did you think I was talking about male genitalia? Nope, that was just some example phrases you might here when you buy a bottle of Balls Vodka for your next house party. The team over at Balls Vodka realized that in order to make it in the vodka world, you need to be able to market yourself in a way that stands out among the rest. How did they do that? By naming their vodka Balls.

Balls is an American Vodka, bottled in New York that is currently available in NY, NJ, PA, MA, and RI. Makes sense that a New Yawkah would be the one cheeky and audacious enough to finally bring a vodka with a name like this to the marketplace. I kind of like it though. Smirnoff is a cheap affordable vodka that everyone knows and elicits no emotions. If you come to a party and start pouring shots of Balls, you’ll definitely open the room to some great one liners and be the life of the party.

You need more than a good name though, so let’s take a shot and see how it tastes.

Balls Vodka Review -The Shot:

As I smell the vodka, I pick up mildly sweet tones, cedar, and an astringent finish. I didn’t pick it up in the nose, but as I take the shot I get almost a peppery spice on my tongue. The shot goes down smooth enough. I wouldn’t say it’s the smoothest shot I’ve ever taken, but it’s far from the worst. Pretty much right in the middle, with upper middle aspirations.

I’m going to put Balls in the Skyy Vodka range with this shot. Maybe even close to Absolut. Not as smooth as Ketel One but definitely better than a lot of the lesser tier vodkas you would come across at the store.

Balls Vodka Review -The Mixed Drink:

I decided to make something I’m sure the people over at Balls Vodka intended people to make: Vodka Redbull. I pour about a 60:40 ratio of Redbull to Vodka and take solid sip. Balls gets the job done. The slight peppery taste I was getting with the shot actually blends well with the Redbull. I think this may have something to do with the carbonation and tart flavors in the energy drink.

Either way, I’ll take it. Balls Vodka got the job done without me wincing at all which is a win in the vodka world. Solid mixer that is tons of fun to say. I mean, who wouldn’t want to add Balls to their favorite beverage?

Balls Vodka Review -Final Thoughts:

At this point I think we know where Balls fits into the vodka market. It’s competitively priced and comes with a cleverly audacious name that is sure to be a conversation starter wherever you go. It’s not top shelf, but I don’t think it’s trying to be. I think it’s just trying to be a solid vodka that fits in with people who like to have a good time.

So when you’re looking for a vodka to bring to a party but don’t want to spend a lot, why not bring Balls Vodka? As a dude, I’d love to shove my balls into some girls faces. If you’re a girl, well you got Balls. Big ones. And no one talks shit to the girl with Balls.

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I think it’s fair to say that we eat with our eyes first. There is a psychological predisposition that we will enjoy a dish based on how it looks. When I look at AnestasiA Vodka’s bottle, all I can think of is how good this is going to taste. The bottle (from the mind of Karim Rashid) is stunning and could easily be a work of art. I can tell you right now that I’ll probably keep the bottle a lot longer than the vodka inside. Is that fair? I don’t know. If two people prepare you the same dish, would you not give the chef who spent more time on the presentation a slight edge?

AnestasiA Vodka is an American product, hailing from Bend, Oregon. What separates it from other vodka’s is it’s water source. Being located in the American Northwest, water from the Cascade Mountains is nearly bare of calcium and magnesium as well as other hard mineral salts. In other words, naturally soft water. The recipe itself is a family heirloom, being passed down generation by generation. A combination of Ukrainian lineage and American-made pride has pushed owner Yuliya Mamontova-Calian to produce the vodka you see here.

AnestasiA Vodka Review -The Shot:

AnestasiA Vodka is very light to the nose. I pick up notes of vanilla, white oak, and mild citrus. Not very peppery in my opinion. I actually find it very mild in general and that gets me excited about the shot. I let the vodka wash over my tongue and immediately feel a warm and buttery sensation. It’s smooth. Like, very smooth. It tastes like the sweet vanilla that I had initially smelled, but not overly so.

I have tasted a lot of vodka over the years, and I don’t think I’ve tasted one that I could legitimately describe as being buttery. It’s almost like a good chardonnay. I can only imagine this is from the wonderfully soft Oregon water. AnestasiA Vodka is definitely made to be enjoyed neat, and I am legitimately impressed with their product.

AnestasiA Vodka Review -The Mixed Drink:

This vodka is almost too good to mix with anything. However, one thing comes to mind with this vodka: Screwdriver. When I’m enjoying my favorite meal of the day, brunch, I don’t want a sudden jolt of bitterness in my Screwdrivers. So I made a 50/50 Screwdriver and took a sip. My eyes widened.

It’s like AnestasiA Vodka gave the OJ an even velvetier texture. It was delicious. No bitter aftertaste. No cringing. Nothing. Just soft, sweet enjoyment.

AnestasiA Vodka Review -Final Thoughts:

Why are you still reading? Haven’t I convinced you to try this vodka yet? Alright, so it comes in a little steep at $39 per 750ml bottle. At that price you could be showing off to your friends by showing up with a bottle of Grey Goose or Belvedere. But you know what’s even more impressive? Showing up with a quality product that they may not have heard of. Once they see the bottle, they’ll immediately be intrigued.

Enjoy!

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It’s always interesting to see other country’s take on something that should be so simple. Vodka at it’s most basic level should be clean, smooth, and flavorless. While that seems very straightforward, many different company’s have their own ways of ensuring these qualities.

Elitna Vodka from the Sebian Vodka collection is made in Ukraine and has chosen to target the ever so tasteful french demographic with their high quality vodka (they are coming to Switzerland soon, but at the time of this article, you can only find it in France). Sebian boasts that their vodka is made from wheat in a process of rectification which puts it in “class Lux”. Imagine distilling alcohol to the maximum possible limit that is thermodynamically possible, and you are left with what Elitna Vodka uses.

Filtered over carbon and quartz, Elitna Vodka is determined to put itself in the elite class. Still need more? To finish off their vodka, they add small flakes of edible 24 carat gold. Say what!? Yes, you read right. Pretty soon you’ll be telling your friends that you shit gold. Literally.

Lets get into the shot and see how Elitna Vodka does!

Elitna Vodka Review -The Shot:

Note to readers: Believe it or not, there is such a thing as edible gold. 5 star restaurants inside Dubai’s luxury hotels will use gold flakes to top their most decadent deserts.

As I bring the shot to my nose, I get a pleasant sweet smell coming from the wheat. There is also notes of vanilla and ceder coming through. I can almost pick up a faint sour smell on the tail end, I’m not sure if that’s from the gold or not. As I take the shot, I think to myself what 24k gold flakes might taste like. Unfortunately I don’t think my palette is refined enough to critique the taste of precious metals.

As for the shot itself, I actually rather enjoyed it. It was smooth, clean, and left a refreshing sweetness on my tongue. Not the sweetness you would get from sugar or fruit, but that faint sweetness you would get from eating a plain wheat pasta noodle. Alcohol burn is there as always, but you’ll be satisfied to hear that it doesn’t linger long.

Elitna Vodka Review -The Mixed Drink:

I’m not going to lie, I’m a sucker for a good martini. And if you’ve ready any of my posts on here, you’d know how I like them: 3 oz of vodka with just the faintest of splashes of vermouth, shaken not stirred. Just as the shot didn’t let me down, neither did this vodka. I know what you’re thinking… you’re just getting suckered into this vodka because of the 24 carat gold flakes… BUT, I assure you this isn’t the case.

The only thing I would mention is that because of it’s sweet finish, you may want to alter the amount of vermouth you use. It doesn’t take much to tip the scale, so be sure and experiment a little bit first.

Elitna Vodka Review -Final Thoughts:

I must say, France is pretty lucky to have this as an option. Switzerland will be soon as well. This probably won’t be an everyday buy, but it does look good on the shelf. I mean, who doesn’t want to try authentic Ukrainian vodka with 24k gold flakes. This vodka is definitely worth a try.

So if you find yourself looking for something different, don’t be afraid to reach for gold.

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At the time I am writing this, the winter Olympics are currently underway in Sochi, Russia. As I sit here, rooting for USA people I’ve never heard of to win a shiny gold medal, I mull over which vodka to fill my glass with. It was by shear chance that I came into contact with Exclusiv Vodca and got a chance to try their Eastern European spirit.

Exclusiv Vodca is a product of Moldova, which is actually a fairly young country. Independent from the dissolved Soviet Union since 1991, the country has a rich history in agriculture and industry that Exclusiv Vodca is now looking to harness. While I’m sure the good people of Moldova are proud to be independent, a tip of the hat the their Russian heritage is in order when it comes to their skills in vodka production.

History, heritage, and regions are nice bragging points, but at the end of the day it all comes down to the quality of the product. This brings me to their selling point: High quality vodka at only $10. Yes, only $10 for vodka that they believe is comparable to Grey Goose and Ketel One. I never judge a vodka by it’s price, but at $10 skepticism begins to set in. Well, let’s take a shot and see how it is!

Exclusiv Vodca Review -The Shot:

As I smell the shot, two things come to my mind: rubbing alcohol and Absolut. I’m actually on the record saying I really dislike Absolut. So in this case, that’s not really a good thing. The upper echelon vodkas are able to give the aroma of sweet wheat and rich grain scents while muting the harsh alcohol smells. Unfortunately this was something that Exclusiv Vodca was not able to do.

As I take the shot, it actually doesn’t burn as much as I thought it would. From the strong odor, I thought it would be like pouring liquid fire down my throat. However, it was just soft enough to be passable. Does this mean that I recommend taking shots of this stuff at your next gathering? Definitely not. I’m merely trying to tell you not run away in fear as you twist the cap off.

Exclusiv Vodca Review -The Mixed Drink:

I’m going to be honest here: this is probably one of the better vodkas to get if you just plan on mixing it with juice or other mixers. It mixes on par with the likes of Smirnoff and maybe just a half step away from Stolichnaya or Russian Standard. You’re not going to get any real strong woody notes or flavors with this vodka, but it stays true to being flavorless and shouldn’t cause any unnatural tastes in your drinks.

Exclusiv Vodca Review -Final Thoughts:

So at the end of the day, Exclusiv Vodca is just alright. But, that’s not a slight against the company. They are selling a decent mixing vodka for only $10. I got to believe that at some point, price does come into play on just how well you can produce a spirit. I can’t say they reached the Grey Goose and Ketel One level of quality, but at $10 you could do worse. Definitely respectable at the under $20 range. Also, you get to proudly own a vodka from the region of Moldova. If you’re into that sort of thing…

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Hmm… Ivanabitch Tobacco flavored vodka… Welp, here goes nothing.

When I first heard about this idea for a tobacco flavored vodka, all I could think of was “why, why, WHY!?” Who in their right mind would conceive such an idea for a flavored vodka? Well, one look over at Ivanabitch.com and you’ll see that they do things a little differently over there. Bringing to the market, “Vodka with Attitude” Ivanabitch is taking a step outside the norm and trying something different.

Let me get this out of the way: I’m not a smoker. So maybe this vodka isn’t exactly meant for me. However, I do enjoy a nice cigar every now and then and can appreciate the warm, woody tobacco taste after a large meal or while drinking a nice glass of whiskey or scotch. But even then, I’m not trying to drink my tobacco! While there is no actual tobacco in this vodka, the thought alone is giving me shivers. There’s really not much else I can say about this, so let’s just get right to the shot!

Ivanabitch Tobacco Vodka Review -The Shot:

As I smell the shot, I get the pungent scent of caramel, smoke, and… raisins? Kinda like an ashtray at grandma’s house. It doesn’t scream tobacco to me, although it does smell pleasant enough. As I take the shot, the flavor pretty much matches the scent, with more caramel and a flat woody note. The shot isn’t too bad, but it doesn’t have the cleanest finish. A couple minutes went by and that’s when it me: the aftertaste.

As I went to go look for something to mix this stuff with, I had this nasty lingering aftertaste in my mouth that I couldn’t shake. My mouth literally tasted like I had smoked a cigarette. I had that dry tongue and stale tobacco flavor just sitting in my trap. Is this what Ivanabitch Tobacco Flavored Vodka was going for? If so, then I reluctantly say they succeeded. If this is something a chain smoker can buy into, then go for it.

Ivanabitch Tobacco Vodka Review -The Mixed Drink:

I always take a shot of vodka before I even think of making a cocktail or mixed drink. It acts as my buffer. If a vodka is just alright, I’ll give it something easy like cranberry juice or soda. This vodka however is so unique, that I’m not quite sure what you should mix it with. I settled on just mixing it with Coke.

After mixing the two liquids together, it actually kind of smelled more like a cigar now. I think when you have it straight, it can come across as being a little too sweet. Once I diluted it, the smell of tobacco really started to come out. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean it smells better, just maybe more along the lines of what they had in mind. The Coke and Tabacco Flavored Vodka mixture actually tasted alright. I wouldn’t even mind sipping one of these at a party. I think the sweet caramel-like flavor of the vodka mixes well with the soda. Now if only I could handle that ashtray aftertaste…

Ivanabitch Tobacco Vodka Review -Final Thoughts:

I guess I’m still in shock that Ivanabitch created a Tobacco Flavored Vodka. But, I guess anything’s possible with enough imagination. I’ll keep this one short: If you smoke or like any kind of tobacco products, then maybe this vodka is worth a try. If you don’t smoke, obviously this isn’t for you. I’m not gonna lie though, you would be the talk of the party if you showed up with a tobacco flavored vodka for everyone to try.

Try it once if you’re brave. Try it twice if you enjoy your mouth tasting like shit. Good luck!

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Monte Carlo Vodka makes me want to believe.

Allow me to preface that statement. About a year ago, I wrote an article talking about why absolut vodka is so popular. Why is any vodka popular?

Marketing. In my experience tasting, sampling, and reviewing vodka, marketing plays an even larger role in the vodka niche. Why? Because the product you’re selling is by definition “tasteless” and “odorless”. It’s hard to tell the difference between brands. As a vodka connoisseur, I can understand this. So the marketing machines of big money companies force you to only know their brand.

So when an unknown great tasting vodka comes along, it makes me want to believe that there is still room in this industry for just real, clean, good tasting vodka to break out and steal the show. Well, let me tell you, Monte Carlo Vodka is one of those vodkas that has the potential to do just that.

Monte Carlo Vodka is a relatively unknown vodka that is trying to make a name for itself. Located in the heart of the world famous Cognac region of France, Monte Carlo uses only the best cereal grains from the Champagne Belt. There is a certain quality assurance the consumer gets knowing that this vodka comes from such an esteemed region. 9 times distilled and 7 times filtered, Monte Carlo Vodka may have hit a sweet spot with their product.

Monte Carlo Vodka Review -The Shot:

As I took the shot, I was immediately surprised by how smooth it was. When you smell this vodka, you pick up the faint aroma of corn husks with a little wheat meal. As I drank the vodka, I could actually taste a little sweetness as well. What surprised me was its depth of warmth, yet minimal burn down the throat. I’m not exactly sure what kind of water they use to make this vodka, but the clean taste it left on my tongue makes me want to buy some of that bottled water.

In a sentence: it was a damn good shot. Something you wouldn’t be scared to take with your friends. That’s something I can’t say the same for Skyy or Absolut. I would drink this vodka neat any time.

Monte Carlo Vodka Review -The Mixed Drink:

I always take a shot of vodka before I even think of making a cocktail or mixed drink. It acts as my buffer. If a vodka is just alright, I’ll give it something easy like cranberry juice or soda. But when a vodka comes in and tries to challenge me, I give it the real test; the martini.

I don’t do anything fancy; 3 oz vodka with just a splash of vermouth, shaken not stirred. The sweet aroma of the vodka melds perfectly with the sweet wine. As I take a sip, I am immediately impressed (Quick side note: Classic neat martinis tend to be better with gin. Gin is basically vodka distilled with the sweet flavor of juniper berries). So to find a vodka that I actually enjoy drinking a martini with is no easy task. The vodka continued to go down smooth and was everything I could want from a “flavorless, odorless” alcohol. Monte Carlo Vodka definitely impressed me.

Monte Carlo Vodka Review -Final Thoughts:

Sometimes all it takes is one good vodka recipe and a belief. A belief that you have something special and need to share it with the world. Monte Carlo Vodka has something special and I hope they are able to find more voices to help them sing their praises along their way. I know they are trying to cut out a small niche for themselves in the United States and I hope they succeed. With so much money being spent by big name companies, it makes it hard to be heard.

Well, if you ever find yourself in a store and manage to see Monte Carlo Vodka sitting on the shelf, do yourself a favor and just buy it. You’ll already know about it because you heard it here first.

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Five Lakes Vodka is a vodkaI’m actually not really familiar with. It is made in Siberia, where it is then shipped worldwide. As I look at this bottle, it’s hard for me to get a real feel for the quality. It is a shipped in what looks like a simple 750 ml bottle. However, the base of the glass is actually contoured, so it almost appear like ripples or waves in the vodka container. A small detail, but definitely gets me thinking about water and these five lakes of theirs (and that this may be more than just your typical vodka).

These five lakes, located in Siberia (Russia), are Linevo, Danilovo, Urmannoe, Shaitan, and Potaennoe. They are more than 200 years old, with legends revolving around Potaennoe. Because it was not discovered until somewhat recently, it was said that whoever can locate it, will find super-health from the water. This is also the secret to Five Lakes’ smooth taste.

Well, I can’t think of better water to use to make vodka. Forget bottling and selling it straight, let’s kill two birds with one stone by getting people drunk AND extending their health! Let’s check out the shot.

Five Lakes Vodka Review -The Shot:

Immediately, I can get the faint smell of Absolut. This actually makes sense, seeing as they are both distilled from wheat. I know there are some people that love Absolut, but I personally think it tastes like wood alcohol. So that doesn’t bode well for Five Lakes. I give it a little swirl in my shot glass and toss it back. I am surprised when that Absolut burn I was expecting doesn’t arrive. It actually is very smooth. I can also tell this is made using a natural water source because I immediately get a rich mineral water-like flavor.

This shot impressed me by it’s smoothness. It doesn’t quite have that sweet smell I have grown accustom to on some of my favorites, but I still really enjoyed this.

Five Lakes Vodka Review -The Mixed Drink:

I went ahead and mixed this with cran-apple juice (my favorite) and made myself a nice little 2-1 ratio drink. As I swirled my glass, I went to take a swig when that wave of wood alcohol scent washed over me. I was very surprised that it would come through the juice, as mixers tend to really mask this attribute of vodka. I went ahead with the sip and the vodka was mellow and mixed well enough with the juice, but the smell still lingered.

Listen, I understand that vodka smells like alcohol. I also understand that to most people, they all smell like shit. But just as I can pick out a cocktail made with Absolut, I could definitely pick up this vodka.

Five Lakes Vodka Review -Final Thoughts:

Five Lakes Vodka turned out to be a good vodka that I would gladly shoot. I don’t know if it was just me today or what, but the smell of alcohol seemed stronger to me than my usual stand-by’s. But I won’t penalize the shot for this, as it went down smoother than Stolichnaya, which has tried to corner the Russian vodka market. If you see this in store near you, I would pick it up if this is how you plan on taking your vodka. And again, still better than Absolut.

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And, son, never trust a man who drinks but refuses to get drunk. They’re usually afraid of something deep down inside, either that they’re a coward or a fool or mean and violent. You can’t trust a man who’s afraid of himself.

But sometimes, son, you can trust a man who occasionally kneels before a toilet. The chances are that he is learning something about humility and his natural human foolishness, about how to survive himself. It’s damned hard for a man to take himself too seriously when he’s heaving his guts into a dirty toilet bowl.
~James Arthur Crumley (October 12, 1939 – September 17, 2008)
The Wrong Case (1975)

Agree or Disagree?

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Blue Label Vodka is an up and coming company looking to push itself as a premium vodka looking to make its way into your vodka drinks and cocktails. This vodka is marketed in a sleek and classic long neck bottle that is actually very similar to Grey Goose. I’m sure they are looking at them as their target competition and they hope their Polish Rye Vodka will come close in notoriety.

If you’ve read any of my other Vodka Reviews, you might notice a trend of me tending to like vodkas made from rye. Blue Label Vodka  uses a 7 step distillation process to refine their product into a smooth and clean finishing alcohol. I’m intrigued how I’ll like this one. If I do like it, maybe I’ll have to start giving warnings on my rye preference… In any case, this upscale vodka (packaging is outstanding by the way; it came in a royal blue, sleek box that was lined with blue velvet. Nice touch…) looks to make its mark as a bottle you’ll want to order out at a bar or club as well as show off in your home collection.

Blue Label Vodka Review -The Shot:

Blue Label Vodka is actually very smooth. It has a sweet grain aroma that I find similar in scent to other rye vodkas. I tend to like this as opposed to the awful rubbing alcohol smell of some poorer quality vodkas.

The shot was smooth both in the mouth and going down. It actually had an interesting accent in flavor. It is distilled and bottled in Poland and pulls water for the vodka from natural springs in the region. There is a hint of these mineral flavors in the substance and its really quite pleasant.

Overall I really enjoyed shooting this vodka. I’ll always have my favorites, but I wouldn’t be upset if this was the vodka I was given. In fact, this might make my list of hidden gems to share with my friends. I believe Blue Label to be of real quality and tip my hat to what they’ve come up with. They are trying to compete with Grey Goose in quality and appeal and I believe they are well on their way.

Blue Label Vodka Review -The Mixed Drink:

I’m going to keep this one short and sweet: Blue Label Vodka mixed very well. It did what I expected from a quality vodka. After taste is key for this aspect of the cocktail. Any juice or soda can dilute and help curb the burn from alcohol. But something that they can’t do is hide the vodka aftertaste left in your mouth once the fluid is down your throat.

The faint sweet flavor of rye mixed with my cranberry juice perfectly. Those almost mineral water-esque flavors from the Polish spring source helps tie the two liquids together and join for a pleasant cocktail. Sometimes when a vodka just doesn’t mess up there is warrant enough for praise.

Blue Label Vodka Review -Final Thoughts:

Blue Label Vodka turned out to be a very solid vodka that deserves a chance to shine in your glass. If this vodka truly wishes to compete with the top tier vodkas, however, I would be remiss in not offering some advice in the bottle design: it needs something more. Vodka these days is 30% quality and 70% marketing (hence why Absolut is still around… it’s not because of their quality). I think that this vodka is good enough to warrant a boost in the bottle quality.

I am then confused when I look at their wonderful box and see an awesome faux brushed metal emblem staring at me. If it were at all possible, I would try to focus on making that rustic/industrial looking logo the focus of my branding. To me, that yells high class and sophistication. A little more than the powder blue simple lettering on the bottle itself. As for Blue Label Vodka, I can definitely see them make a name for themselves as a high quality vodka.

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