1 | Spirits | Other Vodka, $10 to $20

"Creamy powdered sugar and talc aromas. Supple and delicate on the palate with a lightly glycerous texture and dusty minerality with hints of sweet anise and citrus. Finishes soft and clean."

"Clear. Spicy aromas of star anise, cream, minerals and powdered sugar follow through to a round, silky entry and a smooth off-dry medium-to-full body with a long, lingering whipped cream, spice, rye dough, and sweet citrus fade with virtually no heat. Great subtle, pure, and spicy rye flavors with a lively texture and superb smoothness. An incredible value in a world of high priced vodkas."

"The grain takes a backseat in the early sniffing stages as bittersweet bean- and kernel-like scents dominate; later whiffs merely confirm the intense bean/cocoa quality. Palate entry mirrors the bouquet to a tee; at midpalate, the kernel-like intensity turns smooth and viscous on the tongue. Ends bittersweet and oily." 85-89 pts.

Using only the best winter wheat from Moldovia’s rolling hills adjacent to the Black Sea, Firestarter Vodka comes west bringing tradition and world class smoothness born from a brilliant 19th century recipe.

"Clear. Delicate aromas of toasted nuts, white chocolate fudge, and dried fruits. A round, satiny entry leads to a very smooth, oily medium-to-full body of sweet creamy cocoa, pasty dough and minerals. Finishes with a long, creme Anglaise, pepper, and spice fade. Very nice, will make a great martini."

"Initial nosing passes reveal a zesty and mildly spicy aroma that’s focused on the cereal grain; the bouquet registers on the leaner, drier side of neutral grain spirits and as such is in direct opposition to other creamier, sweeter Dutch vodkas. Palate entry is moderately sweet, almost smoky; at midpalate, a flash of black licorice tempts the taste buds, then recedes, allowing the sweet, nearly smoky/pipe tobacco leaf taste to dominate." 90-95 pts.

"ABSOLUT VODKA is made exclusively from natural ingredients, and unlike other vodkas, it doesn’t contain any added sugar. In fact ABSOLUT is as pure as vodka can be. Still, that purity has a certain taste: Rich, full-bodied and complex, yet smooth and mellow with a distinct character of grain, followed by a hint of dried fruit."