Notes: This vodka is produced in Iceland- land of Bjork, vikings and (according to Anthony Bourdain) some of the most inedible food in the world.

A small batch and hand crafted at Iceland’s only vodka distillery it is produced by using geothermal heat for distillation-making it about as eco-friendly as you can get. It also uses water directly from a 4,000 year old lava field to bring the vodka down to 80 proof (unlike many spirits these days they do not use distilled, deionized, designer water). The water is considered so good it is sold as bottled water by itself.

The still itself is equally exotic in that it is a Carter- Head Still. These (the few left in existince that is) are usually used in making gin due to its internal complexity and condensation points within the still head. They also use pillow lava in the still as one of the condensation/takeoff points for the spirit. It is then filtered through basalt to remove impurities.

Appearance: Extremely clear, on swirling, it leaves a thin clear coat on the inside of the glass with rapidly developing legs.

First Impression: Madagascar Vanilla, creme soda, stone dust, slightly spicy.

Taste: Slightly oily mouth feel on the tongue, mild bite to it on the edges of your tongue. Very nice grain tast with a fleeting sweetness, after a start almost as dry as a extra brut champagne, turning a touch sweet, then to a drier, long finish.

Drinks: Excellent martini that stands up to an olive. Interesting if somewhat exotic other recipes. Great all around for all the drinks we tried it on. Makes a wonderful bone dry vodka and tonic. An adult’s vodka.

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

Final Thoughts: A well made vodka with a lot of unique points about it that would make good conversation while you are drinking it. Environmentally responsible – does not contribute to global warming.

Bottle: Thick cylindrical bottle of ice blue tinted glass with rounded off shoulder. Good quality labels with lots of information on the back. Neck wrapper displays a Griffen like creature and floral motif.

Website: http://www.reykavodka.com  

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