Vodka: Exclusiv Cherry

Exclusiv Cherry Vodka (Serge Imports LLC) - 64 proof (32% ABV)

This cherry-flavored vodka is distilled from wheat, and hails from the small country of Moldova. It pours a typically translucent clear, as any vodka should. The aroma up front is, well, a strong cherry.

Tasting this well-chilled and on-the-rocks, Exclusiv Cherry features a deep cherry flavor. Whether or not this is artificial or natural, I don't know (as media info nor bottle mention), but it's a fairly faithful representation of cherry. I also get, alongside the cherry, hints of a woody, almost amaretto note. Of course, the finish has a biting, alcohol sting.

When enjoyed as a mixer alongside some cola, Exclusiv did well, too, adding a nice old-time soda fountain cherry flavor to the soft drink. On the negative side, the finish here was medicinal and funky.

Still, at it's low price point (around $10/750mL), this is a solid vodka for either straight drinking or mixing. Thanx to Ann at Utopia for the tasting!

Exclusivbook

Vodka: Exclusiv

Vodca Exclusiv (Serge Imports LLC) - 80 proof (40% ABV)

Exclusiv is a new import from the little-known Eastern European nation of Moldova (bordering Romania and the Ukraine). It's a wheat-based vodka, and at only around $10 per 750ml bottle, this is a seriously budget-priced beverage. Goatsden was given the opportunity to try this, with kind thanx to Ann at Utopia Communications.

First, I tried Exclusiv warm and straight. The initial nose was of strong grain alcohol. 

Flavor-wise, I got peppery spice up front, followed by a strong herbal note afterwards. Of course, as with any straight vodka, the finish was a strong alcohol burn.

Upon chilling the bottle for several hours in the freezer, I then tried Exclusiv straight and chilled. It showed a smoother presence on the palate, retaining the spicy, herbal finish, but mellowing out the edges. I also, surprisingly, got a touch of fruit somewhere on the palate. Hmm.

Finally, tried this vodka as a mixer, alongside some peach and mango juice. I do not hesitate to say, this was a refreshing beverage, easy and smooooth all the way.

I say, unless you're buying vodka to drink straight (you're more of a true Russian than I), Exclusiv is a good value, and works perfectly well as a mixer for your next party.

Exclusivbook