Note: Today, I compared Belvedere Vodka (Poland) versus Grey Goose Vodka (France) in a horizontal taste test. The subject of this review was the winner of my taste test.
Grey Goose Vodka -- Distilled and Bottled in France by H. Mounier. This is the most requested, ultra-premium vodka in America. What does that mean? It means that people who are picky about vodka -- those who call their shots -- pick Grey Goose over other competing premium brands. Sometimes, that just means that some distiller's marketing campaign is more successful than its competitors' strategies. In the case of this vodka, however, I think the Grey Goose wins because it has more character and a more memorable flavor. Plus: it really is not that expensive.
This vodka is packaged in an attractive frosted and painted bottle designed to compete with two Polish vodkas, Belvedere and Chopin. Although I think the bottle's design is derivative and also kind of kooky looking, the spirit inside is sensational. It also happens to be regarded as one of the world's finest super-premium vodkas.
Grey Goose Vodka
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Alcohol: 40% by volume (80 Proof).
Distillation: from four types of grains - barley, corn, rye and wheat; copper pot stills. Water is sourced from the Genté Springs (from the Cognac region in France) and is filtered through limestone.
Appearance: Clear as water. Well, its 40% alcohol and 60% water, isn't it? Some alcohol beading on the glass as it is drained.
Aroma: More neutral and not as expressive as Poland's Belvedere vodka, but the same kind of creamy and floral aromas are here.
Flavor: Sharper, more citrusy expression than Belvedere, with a hint of mint and a slight bit of charcoal. Somewhat wheaty. If I smoked cigarettes (I don't) this would be my choice of spirit. Smooth finish; not as silky as Belvedere but having a character that is more enjoyable when consumed in straight shots.
Price and Availability: Available in wide distribution and easy to find nationwide. Prices at Beverages and More start at around $26 per 750 bottle (for Club members; slightly higher for non-members, but membership is free). Imported by Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., of New Rochelle, NY. I purchased this vodka at Beverages & More in Orange, California (bevmo.com). Half bottles (375 ml) are also available for $16.
Recommendations: I like this one when served as a Vodka Martini -- in this case: 3 ounces of Grey Goose; shake with ice; strain and pour in a Martini glass with a lemon twist. (Could include a touch of Dry Vermouth, depending on preferences.)
Verdict: 5-stars. An excellent performer in this price category. This Vodka received the coveted Platinum Medal by the Beverage Tasting Institute and was rated the "Number One" vodka in the world. Good water may have something to do with this Vodka's success, but I suspect that it is more likely due to the successful blending of the different grains.
Other resources:
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Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc.
http://www.sidneyfrankco.com/
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