Bogdan Petculescu has contributed 9 reviews
Moskovskaya
Even though it is sually overshadowed by its sister, Stolichnaya, Moskovskaya is still THE Russian vodka. And this is so because (1) it is made of rye, the most traditional vodka ingredient in Russia and Poland (see Wyborowa), without added spices, and (2) it is still made in accordance with the recommendations coming from the great Mendeleyev (the "Moscovite standard").
Moskovskaya's sweetness is genuine, not, like is the case with Stoli, due to the added sugar (oh, yes ... the famous Stoli, being made of wheat, needs some extra sugar).
A remarcable, traditional Russian vodka.
The real stuff.
Wyborowa
It's worth every penny ... Maybe not as drinkable as other brands, because (and I'm thinking here of wines and trying to make an analogy) it is full-bodied and exhausts your taste buds, but definitely a remarcable vodka in the genuine Polish tradition (100% rye), smooth and full of character.
Smirnoff
Smirnoff Red: one of the few vodkas in the western tradition (style, if you wish) that have character. Maybe it's not so western: after all, we must credit the original Russian recipe. Among so many "neutral grain spirits" that are so neutral that you can only taste alcohol and water (and who could tell one brand from another ?), Smirnoff has the texture that joins together in a beautiful wedding the two pure components (remember it's triple distilled, the water is demineralized and the blend goes through tons of activated charcoal). Don't be surprized if they've started to drink it in Russia (oh yes, lately) - and be sure they don't make cocktails there ...
Timeless, majestic and essential.
La vodka par excellence.
Zirkova
Very fine Ukrainian vodka (horilka) coming from the Zlatogor distillery. Triple distilled, smooth, full-bodied - highly recommended.
Pan Tadeusz
Named after a famous poem by Adam Mickiewicz, this is a splendid 100% rye vodka from Poland. Four times distilled but still full-bodied, very tasty and smooth, with a nice and clean smell. A delight.
Extra Zytnia Vodka
Yet another Polish jewel: a classic rye vodka full of character. Very tasty and smooth, crystal-clear, obviously the result of a careful distillation.
Russian Standard
I discovered Russian Standard a few months ago, just before Christmas 2009, when it became available in Canada. It was a very pleasant surprise: I never thought that a wheat-based vodka could taste and smell so good and have so much character... I was wrong. This is definitely in a class of its own. Do not get confused by the sumptuousness of their advertising campain (which I don't dislike at all actually); rest assured, the product itself is of very high quality. I can hardly wait to taste the Platinum version and Imperia...
Stumbras Lithuanian Original Vodka
Splendid vodka from Lithuania (won the gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2006), distilled (three times) at the Stumbras distillery (established 1906). This is a grain vodka, wheat definitely playing a major role in the mash bill, though there may be a bit of rye involved (unfortunately I haven't been able to find more about the ingredients; the bottle and the website simply say, "grain"). Beautiful and classic bottle; nice smell; clear, irridescent; very smooth and tasty, with a slightly bitter aftertaste which is not unpleasant. A traditional vodka - highly recommended.
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Sobieski
Unfortunately, this one was a bit disappointing... Sobieski vodka smells nice and has a pleasant initial taste, and a good texture, but everything is spoiled by a terribly bitter aftertaste. I was expecting more from a fast-growing, 100% rye Polish vodka.