Notes: This vodka is produced in Moldova from winter wheat.

Appearance: Crystal clear, no sediment whatsoever. Limpid shining pool in the glass. On swirling, it leaves a thin clear coat on the inside of the glass with first droplets forming then long thin legs. Wonderful bright appearance.

First Impression: Alcohol and grain, plump,almost creamy, bread like and slightly herbal bouquet and no trace of off-notes, or the smell of rubbing alcohol that many other vodkas suffer from.

Taste: Plump, slightly oily body, with wheat bread notes glide past the tongue nipping at it with the alcohol edge with a slightly sweet, creamlike lingering finish. Nicely oily body but not too heavy. Overall rather smooth and a little spicy.
Only downside (for my personal taste) is the softness of the water. I like a good heavy mineral taste to my Russian vodkas (old school southern Russia type vodka such as Regalia). That being said, the body is silky and of a good medium weight. The water is a good soft mineral variety (lots of limestone) of the same type ( and the same geography and geology) that makes champagnecognac and bourbon whiskey not only possible but so delightful and full of flavor. That being said I like the harder types but the difference is like the characteristics between different mineral waters ( say Perrier and Gerolsteiner for example). It is not one of those souless distilled rainwater and grain alcohol like vodkas, it’s got character, depth and complexity- not the usual descriptors for most vodkas out there.

Drinks: Very clean and smooth- mixes nicely and adds a bit of complexity to a drink – not just tasteless alcohol like many vodkas. . .Chilling of course make it smoother and more oily. Martini* was excellent (with olive or twist). Worked well in all other drinks, very clean and no problem next morning – unlike the stuff that comes in plastic bottles.

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

Bottle: Frosted glass bottle with a flared bottom with a attractive dark blue and black silk screened label. Has a bear silhouette pressed into the shoulder Bright silver neck collar and screw cap closure. Bottom of bottle has a barcoded trademark label to help guarantee authenticity. Unlike many of it’s competitors in price the bottle looks nice enough for a gift/presentation which can be a real plus- bargain price without looking or tasting like it – a rare combination.

Final Thoughts: Overall a excellent vodka, much less money than either Stoli or the Avian Fashion Victim Vodka, (about 1/3 the price!) with a fair amount of depth and complexity. Among the cheap/value vodkas (my definition is $15 a liter or under) it is a excellent value and I would recommend it as a great alternative to the many overpriced vodkas out there.

Website: http://www.exclusiv-vodka.com

Slow loading but somewhat minimal information. Distributor information is however included (a rare but important bit of info).