Belvedere Vodka (700ml)

Belvedere Vodka from Polmos Zyrardow is crafted from 100% Polish rye, distilled four times and charcoal filtered. Easily recognised by its innovative packaging, the bottle depicts the Belvedere House, the Polish equivalent to the White House, the official residence of the Polish president in Warsaw. The question is does the impressive packaging match its quality? Reviews vacillate from average to very good. Desmond Begg in the 'The Vodka Companion' had this to say about it: 'Strong whiff of toffee on the nose. Sweet and cloying on the palate with strong caramelization. Some alcohol burn. Powerful finish in which toffee flavor predominates. This is an indifferently distilled vodka.'

Wine Enthusiast wrote: 'A one-note vodka nose featuring a bittersweet to semisweet grainy aroma. The palate entry is intensely kernel-like and beany and, therefore, bittersweet; at midpalate the flavor profile stays the bean/kernel course but adds a trace of tar or creosote. Finishes hot and raw' 80-84 points.

Meanwhile, tastings.com were impressed, writing: 'Clear. Faint marshmallow and stone nose. A round entry leads to a very smooth, oily medium-bodied palate with tasty confectioner's sugar and talc notes. Finishes very cleanly with a light peppery fade and a hint lemon peel and salt. Very stylish and perfect for martinis'. 40% Alc./Vol.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
RATED: 92 points (Exceptional)
We'll leave it to you to make up your own mind!