1 | Spirits | Vodka, $10 to $20, 750 ml

"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."

"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.

"Clear. Mild aromas of shredded wheat, frosting aromas follow through on a supple entry to a dry, oily medium body with sweet cream, vanilla, and mineral notes on the lightly peppery fade. Very nice and smooth."

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.

"Sweet cherry white chocolate torte aromas follow through on a silky entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with pistachio oil and faint licorice and marzipan accents. Finishes with a zippy, fruity talc and cherry pit fade. Solid dry cherry flavor for mixing." Reviewed by: Beverage Testing Institute 86pts

"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.

From the heartland of Minnesota.
Kosher.