Notes: This vodka is produced in Yaroslavl, a city in the Golden Ring near Moscow. they use selected wheat and water drawn from a 1500 ft deep artesian well and is distilled 5 times then filtered 5 times each using the usual Russian method of paper,sand then birch charcoal used for the highest grades of vodka. Extracts of safflower leuzea roots (a.k.a. maral root, safflower rhubarb, safflower centaury) and ginseng are added for flavoring and their tonic effects – hence the reference to Casanova if you follow our drift.

Produced at a state distillery and given the “luxe” (type 3) designation of the highest grade of vodka by their government.

Appearance: Crystal clear, no sediment whatsoever. On swirling, it leaves a thin clear coat on the inside of the glass with long thin legs and droplets. Wonderful bright appearance.

First Impression: Alcohol and grain, first and foremost with a curious dry and earthy herbal components .

Taste: Nice grain body with the spirit nipping at the edges of the tongue as it goes down. Slight sweetness with the higher notes from a good wheat grain. Slightly oily start then a slightly astringent herbal component and the earthiness of ginseng. Nice hard mineral water taste and body in this vodka – real Russian well water makes for a lot more backbone in a vodka..

Drinks: Gives a nice almost bitters-like astringency to a drink.

Not really sure what to use it in specifically. Good “morning after” potion or use in a Bloody Mary for a extra kick in spicy (and maybe elsewhere) according to the rumors). Makes for a extra dry vodka martini also.

*Use Noilly Prat and  keep the vermouth refrigerated after opening for the best taste.

Bottle: Clear glass blue and white labeling with profile of the famous lover, Casanova. Blue screwcap closure.

Final Thoughts: An interesting variation on vodka or flavored vodka. Flavored enough to notice and enjoy, but not overdone or flavored so much you can’t use it instead of a unflavored one.

Website:  http://www.aikoimporters.com

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