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Absolut Citron
Distiller Score 87
Bright citrus notes greet you on the nose, but the intensity isn't hitting you over the head. You can still pick up the wheat grain in the vodka. There's an almost orange blossom quality found on the aroma. The vodka has an average body and clean finish. Again, moderate levels of citrus peel. Slightly sweet from the grains and finishes with a gentle bite. Warming finish. The vodka is as advertised: citrus vodka. No fuss, no muss.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Deep Eddy Lime
Distiller Score 94
A pale green jade color meets the eye as aromas of fresh lime and subtle sweetness emerge from the glass. The flavor is very much akin to fresh limeade or (or melted sherbet!) prepared a bit on the tart side, with just a slight hint of sweetness. There's nothing astringent or very synthetic-tasting about it—one would swear it's just vodka that someone squeezed a fresh lime into with just a bit of sugar. All it really needs is some ice cubes, maybe a splash of soda, and definitely a hot day and a comfortable spot to sit and sip.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Wheatley Vodka
Distiller Score 90
We all know that Buffalo Trace can make world class whiskey but what about vodka? The answer is a triumphant yes. Wheatley Vodka shows complex aromas of earthy, toasted grains and yellow cake. The palate is rich and bold bolstered by its couple of extra degrees of alcohol. Here, more flavors of baked wheat contribute to an almost chewy texture. The finish packs a little bit of heat but the impression is more mineral and spicy than unpleasant. This is a vodka who’s merits can be enjoyed on its own properly chilled.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Absolut Lime
Distiller Score 88
Although the aroma smells a bit like a green jolly rancher and not at all like fresh lime fruit, once you taste the vodka it makes more sense. A good balance of sweet and bitter and a moderate lime flavor. The drinks you can make with this are endless, but even just with ice and selzer you are good to go.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Absolut Grapefruit
Distiller Score 90
The aroma here is bright with fresh grapefruit coming in loud and clear. The taste is tart with just enough sweetness to dial back the bitterness. Overall, would recommend for use in mixed drinks. A refreshing relief from sweet flavored vodkas. Try this in a Swedish Paloma.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Hanson of Sonoma Original Vodka
Distiller Score 86
The grape base of this vodka is immediately present on the nose which shows a heady mixture of stone fruits and warm soil. The palate echoes the vinus flavors with a touch of sweet concord, wild raspberry, and baked plum. There is an admirable richness and the finish is smooth with a touch of lingering fruit. Great with juice mixers.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Luksusowa Vodka
Distiller Score 81
Very neutral nose, sticking your nose in the glass brings the astringency to the fore--best to skip. On the palate, the vodka is medium full and slightly earthy. The finish is sharp and leaves a moderate bitterness. On the whole, not bad for the price. Best to mix rather than to serve neat.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Cardinal Spirits Vodka
Distiller Score 91
For a vodka this spirit carries a fairly pungent, albeit pleasant, nose with tones of beurre blanc, fresh apricot, and marzipan. The palate has impressive body and echoes the rich and sweet flavors found on the nose. The finish turns on the spice and shows a bit of earthiness which is a balancing foil to the vodka’s more indulgent flavors. Quite lovely on it’s own, but would add an indulgent weight to many cocktails.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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St. George All Purpose Vodka
Distiller Score 89
St. George All Purpose Vodka has a very attractive nose with faint tones of orchard fruit intermingling with more forceful flavors of toasted grains and earth. On tasting, the pear distillate becomes more recognizable and evokes applesauce and Bartlett pear. The finish is very smooth with very little impression of alcohol but it does show a bit of sweetness. Although labeled as all-purpose, the fruit tones are very pleasant, but may throw the taste of some classic cocktails out of balance.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Smirnoff Raspberry
Distiller Score 82
The berry infusion of this vodka is immediately obvious from the boisterous nose of brambly fruit. The palate manages to deliver big — but somewhat artificial — flavors of sweet tart candies and raspberry sorbet without being overly cloying. The finish dissipates cleanly with a light bit of alcoholic spice.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Absolut Mandrin
Distiller Score 85
Absolut Mandarin shows a moderate intensity of oranges and is rather more like a floral/orange quality rather than fresh and intense. Not a bad thing. The vodka is soft on the palate providing a gentle sweetness. Overall pleasant and not cloying at all. Choose your mixers wisely as the flavor of the citrus isn't super strong. Either try a more neutral mixer like ginger ale or club soda or amp up the flavors with fruit juices like pineapple juice or orange juice.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Sobieski Grapefruit Vodka
Distiller Score 92
The aromas and flavors have an authentic grapefruit character. The palate is juicy and fruity, with a good balance of sweetness and tartness, with a piquant note of grapefruit peel. A slight alcoholic burn dips into the finish, though there is no acetone-like flavor or aroma pleasant. This spirit could easily sip on its own with just a rock or two, with no additional ingredients.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster