Vodka review

As per reader's suggestion:

Vodka from our international vodka night
from left: Smirnoff, Russian Standard, Grasovka (Polish bison grass vodka), Absolut 50% (Sweden), Honey and Chilli vodka

Smirnoff, the classic party vodka, agrees with the palates of most party attendees. Versatile, it can be mixed with a variety of mixers: while the author recommends the classical orange juice, an amazing variety of substances have been successfully combined with this age old favourite. Perhaps not an option for an exotic cocktail evening, but definitely a worthwhile addition to any liquor cupboard.

Russian Standard was obtained by special request from a duty free shop in Frankfurt. This is high quality vodka that deserves to be enjoyed without the dilution of any additives. Ideal at the start of the night when the expectations of the guests are high and hence a vodka of considerable quality is required. This is not one to waste, however, on those with no appreciation for fine vodka.

Grasovka was an experimental vodka, purchased partly due to the exotic furry bottle. On first glance, the vodka is a colourless yellow fluid, containing a long strand of grass finely suspended inside it. Grasovka is truly a taste to be acquired, however the reviewer suggests easing gently into it with a mixer of chilled apple juice. Too much of this without the subtle flavours of a mixer may turn you off Grasovka forever.

Absolut 50%. Well, where to start. Containing 50% ethanol, this is the ideal vodka for those of you who want to see Swedish girls (or guys) as quickly as possible. No comment can be made about the existance (or lack of) of these fine specimens. This is not a vodka to sip slowly and savour. Best enjoyed once the Russian Standard has run out or amongst friends whose goal is not spending an evening sampling fine vodkas.

The honey and chilli vodka offers a unique challenge to those who love vodka. In comparison to the ethanol burn of the Absolut 50%, the chilli burn of this blend is longer lasting and less wholesome. Whilst the honey does sooth things a bit, this vodka is ideally only sampled once, for repeated intake adds the risk of repeating the burn on the way up again. This is a vodka for the macho men, the sleazy guys in the club or your mortal enemies.