Imperia
Unflavored Vodka
(Russia)
40% abv, $35.

SUPERB / Highly Recommended
The first sniffings find dry cereal-like aromas; the later sniffings detect aromas reminiscent of old-fashioned egg cream soda. The palate entry shows bittersweet notes of vanilla extract, unsalted butter and grain mash; at midpalate the astringency of the graininess is pleasingly refreshing. The finish is more semisweet than bittersweet.

Millennium
Unflavored Vodka
(Poland)
40% abv, $20.
SUPERB / Highly Recommended
Sports a clean, off-dry, nicely grainy opening scent; following aeration, the bouquet turns pleasantly expressive as the sweet spiciness of the grain kicks in. The palate entry is very sweet and medium-bodied; the midpalate flavor is intensely grainy sweet. The aftertaste is slightly honeyed and Graham cracker-like. Use as a mixing, not a sipping, vodka.

Reyka
Unflavored Vodka
(Iceland)
40% abv, $23.
SUPERB / Highly Recommended
A sooty initial aroma; following aeration, enticing, dry notes of palm oil, unsalted butter, grain mash and slate emerge. The palate entry is bone-dry as soot and slate tastes meld, then turn delightfully oily and textured.

Svensk Lake Vattern
Unflavored Vodka
(Sweden)
40% abv, $23.
SUPERB / Highly Recommended
The smoky, bean-like aroma is vivid, beautifully bitter and bark-like. The palate entry is root- and bark-like, herbal, and moderately oily; at midpalate the flavor profile turns towards refreshing bitterness and a minerally quality. Ends dry yet oily and smooth. A great value.

Modern Spirits
Grapefruit Honey Flavored Vodka
(USA)
35% abv, $24/375 ml; $40/750 ml
CLASSIC / Highest Recommendation
The bouquet is deftly crafted and true to its sources, beginning tart and juicy and then turning milder and less acidic. The palate entry features the ripeness of the grapefruit and then evolves at midpalate into a delicately sweet/sour taste in which both flavor infusions complement each other. Finishes with more of the grapefruit influence showing.

Charbay
Green Tea Flavored Vodka
(USA)
35% abv, $35.
SUPERB / Highly Recommended
The overall bouquet impression includes seductive fragrances of ripe green melon, sage and lightly honeyed green tea with later whiffs of jasmine and honeysuckle. The palate entry is gently tea-like and a touch honeyed; the midpalate profile borders on being spicy with a delicate sweetness and herbaceousness. Long and luxurious finish.

Vincent Van Gogh
Double Espresso Double Caffeine
Coffee Flavored Vodka
(Holland)
35% abv, $30.
SUPERB / Highly Recommended
The supple bouquet has a strong coffee bean-like quality with additional scents of cocoa, road tar, roasted chestnut and wood smoke. The palate entry and midpalate are nicely mellow with plenty of rich espresso character. Finishes smoked and tar-like, with the coffee taking a back seat.

No. 209
Gin
(USA)
46% abv, $40.
SUPERB / Highly Recommended
The nosing passes find generous notes of citrus zest, juniper berry, orris root, licorice, coriander and angelica. The palate entry is bittersweet, intensely grainy and speckled with licorice and orris root; at midpalate the flavor turns delightfully herbal. Finish is decidedly herbal/leafy/seed-like and, finally, bittersweet. An adult gin with an adventurous attitude.