caconti's Full Review: Stolichnaya "Razberi" Vodka
Vodka is my passion, but I have always prided myself on being a purist of the fermented potato/grain brew. I used to take the hard line that vodka should be as pure as possible, triple-distilled at the minimum. Flavored vodka? No thank you!
Then, on my last Spring Break trip to Miami, I decided to cave in and buy myself a miniature bottle of Stolichnaya Razberi to try in a vodka tonic. I was sold before I even took a sip, just the mouth-watering aroma wafting from the bottle was enough to tell me that I had been wrong, that flavored vodka has earned its place in the liquor cabinet of honor...
While many people(foolishly) think of it as a harsh peasant drink, vodka has had a long a storied history across the ocean. Originally created as a fermented potato brew, vodka has been seen as an alcoholic symbol for Eastern Europe for generations, as stereotypes still abound of hairy Russian men drinking it like water. This is frighteningly untrue, as vodka has always also been the alcoholic beverage of choice of the Russian nobility. Within the last 3-4 years, however, the spirit has had a resurgence of popularity, making an even bigger commercial comeback than David Letterman. Premium and super-premium vodkas are being unveiled at the rate of one a month, and many of them display the incredible delicacy that this drink can have. Each country now wants into the act, looking to its own vodka as a source of national pride, as vodka quality is still an important aspect of many European cultures. Russia of course has the most invested in this competition, and as such it has a grand reputation to live up to. Stolichnaya has been working hard for years to uphold that tradition, and they're certainly succeeded...
Appearance
Bottle design is an important marketing strategy in the premium and super-premium vodka markets, and flavored Stolichnayas are famous for their attractive but conservative design. They come adorned simply with a label picturing the appropriate fruit, done in a minimalist style that resembles the fruit bowl of any Motel Six in the country. To play it so cool speaks highly of the confidence that Stoli has in the superior quality of this product.
Tasting Notes
When the bottle is first opened, the thick and sweet aroma of fresh fruit rise up, edged with the slight burn of heavy alcohol. The flavor is smooth with the strong taste of raspberries, fruity but not sweet. This is important, as most fruit-flavored liquors are excessively sweet in nature. The finish has a touch of sharpness to it, but the beery bouquet almost completely masks this.
Serving Notes
Because of its strong raspberry notes, this vodka is somewhat less versatile than its neutrally flavored brethren. It would be highly inappropriate to use this in a Screwdriver or a Bloody Mary, as the berry taste will throw off many such mixed drink recipes.
That does not, however, eliminate Stoli Razberi from the world of mixed drinks. In fact, there are many popular vodka recipes in which the tempting fruit flavor of this drink is a great strength instead of a weakness. For example, serve ice cold with a touch of vermouth for an out of this world Raspberry Martini. Looking for a longer drink? Mix a generous shot of vodka into a glass of plain tonic water and ice for a vodka tonic with a delicious fruit twist...
The Final Verdict
The one caveat that needs to be put on this product, that should be obvious to everyone anyway, is that this is not a vodka for people who do not like the taste of raspberries. Unlike Grape Blowpops, which taste like purple and not grapes, this has a powerful flavor of fresh raspberries...
That having been said, Stoli Razberi is one of the best in a distinguished series of premium flavored vodkas. Fruity without being cloying or sweet, it has a strong character and an enticing aroma. Perfect for every occasion, this is a wonderful vodka to keep on hand for entertaining...
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