Vodka

[doggystyle99]

Try Pravda vodka it is very good.
Or just go to Pravda vodka bar and enjoy their unvelievable extended vodka menu.

 

[blackrock13]

Vodka isn`t same a wine. You can appreciate wine in different colours, degrees and flavors. Vodka has to be consistent, just pure alcohol taste the only difference is the smoothness and the hangover from it. And Absolute does it for me thus far.

The ideal vodka is odorless and flavorless. Although this is an ideal that is hard to match that is the goal. One of the reasons why goose is so overrated is that it has to "flowery a bouquet". In my experience (I am in the spirits business) ketel one best matches this ideal.

Absolut is jet fuel! If you are bringing it up as an example of great vodka you need to expand your horizons. I'd have Smirnoff (the best mediocre vodka in the world) before absolut. Someone also mentioned finlandia earlier....ewwwww! Bringing up those three in this discussion is akin to suggesting Canadian or Budweiser in a conversation of great beers. Goose, although passable I would equate with Stella. Decent product enhanced by a great marketing campaign and a nice glass or bottle.

As regards the blind taste test, those people are hardly connoisseurs. Anyone worth their salt who has worked to develop their palate can tell.

There are so many different vodka, with different tastes to fit the different tastes of drinkers.

Odorless and flavorless vodka doesn't sound ideal to me. What is the point of drinking something odorless, tasteless and I suspect void of any texture as a result. What does it actually do besides numb your taste buds,useless if enjoying fine food, and ultimately give you a buzz,

The fact its name stems from a Russian word, doesn't mean much. There many different drinks from many different region of Eastern Europe, referred to as 'Vodka', just like Whiskey, from Gallic roots, but has many different interpretations in many different regions, all legit. Which of course you admit in your last sentence. Nothing like play both sides of the fence.

 

[GameBoy27]

Favourites:

Tito's
Ciroc (Not available at LCBO)
TAG

Won't touch:

Crystal Head
Smirnoff
Absolute

 

[elmo]

Kettle One and Belvedere are my top two. The skull stuff tastes like piss. I like a very dry martini with 3 blue cheese stuffed olives. Shaken and poured into a chilled glass.

 

[mrsCALoki]

The only thing that adds flavour to a (good) vodka is the bottle and branding.

Actual blind taste tests prove there is no repeatably discernable difference amongst any of the mainstream and premium brands. (Popov-type washer fluid excepted.

You DO taste a difference. It is just that it is due to the expectations associated with the branding and bottle.

What is the world coming to? I have to agree with you.

Growing up I remember Father calling the high prices Vodkas "sucker drinks".

Blind taste tests with them are a terrible idea! It cuts into the profits !

LOL

 

[Lyra Hamilton]

Better than any Vodka ----- RAKI, is made from different fruits in different regions, but grapes, figs and plums are the main ones.

If you've ever tried TRUE Raki, you would think most Vodka is a joke

 

[blackrock13]

Better than any Vodka ----- RAKI, is made from different fruits in different regions, but grapes, figs and plums are the main ones.

If you've ever tried TRUE Raki, you would think most Vodka is a joke

So where does one get 'true' Raki?

 

[elmo]

Better than any Vodka ----- RAKI, is made from different fruits in different regions, but grapes, figs and plums are the main ones.

If you've ever tried TRUE Raki, you would think most Vodka is a joke

Is this Middle Eastern? Tastes like licorice? Mix it with water? If so, this stuff is fantastic.

 

[pusher69]

Russian Standard - Premium (sadly LCBO does not carry it).
For price, Iceberg Vodka over Grey Goose!

 

[mrsCALoki]

Is this Middle Eastern? Tastes like licorice? Mix it with water? If so, this stuff is fantastic.

Turkish, heavy on the anise

 

[afterhours]

So where does one get 'true' Raki?

just get grappa

 

[blackrock13]

just get grappa

I guess my question was about the word 'true'. The grappa I've enjoyed the most is the infused ones, totally counter to my usual tastes, but hey.

 

[5hummer]

Russian Standard - Premium (sadly LCBO does not carry it).

Which one?
LCBO carries Original. Never tried looking for the Gold, Platinum or Imperia

 

[scouser1]

Is this Middle Eastern? Tastes like licorice? Mix it with water? If so, this stuff is fantastic.

yeah it is from Turkey and mixed with water turning it into a cloudy white drink and tasting like black licorice, I have seen the Efe brand in the GTA at LCBO stores, usually it is put in the premium alcohol. As for vodka I gotta second the Ciroc recommendation, so good with just about anything but unless I am driving down to the US it is a no go here.

 

[rxxxryan]

How are you guys drinking it? straight up? on the rocks?

 

[Shades]

I like my vodka on the rocks....or in a well made martini, shaken and not stirred. normally on the rocks, that is why I look for a smooth vodka.

 

[Phil C. McNasty]

How are you guys drinking it? straight up? on the rocks?

Straight up. On an empty stomach too, it hits me better that way

 

[GameBoy27]

yeah it is from Turkey and mixed with water turning it into a cloudy white drink and tasting like black licorice, I have seen the Efe brand in the GTA at LCBO stores, usually it is put in the premium alcohol. As for vodka I gotta second the Ciroc recommendation, so good with just about anything but unless I am driving down to the US it is a no go here.

That sounds like this...

 

[WoodPeckr]

(Popov-type washer fluid excepted.

That's great for those the prefer it with a little extra bite!....:thumb:

 

[Str goods]

I used to drink alot of vodka on the rocks and one of the BEST is from Iceland called Reyka . Gve it a shot or ten !!!