Ciroc Vodka - Epinions Gets Me Again with their Hot List

I used to think that vodka was vodka. I lived a year in Poland, however, where vodka was a usual drink when out with friends. Ciroc is quite different. Unlike most vodkas which are derived from grains or potatoes, Ciroc Vodka is made from grapes. It's not made from just any grapes though; it is made from snap frost grapes from the Cognac and Gaillac regions of France.

I'm told by those in the know that snap frost grapes are picked immediately following the first frost when grapes sometimes freeze on the vine. The juice is extracted and "cold fermented" before distilling repeatedly in both copper and steel stills, combining and then distilling again. The label and the web site provide more specific information about the process. Suffice to say, it is complicated. Is it worth it?

Having lived in Poland, I don't tend to mix my vodka. I like mine well chilled, but not on ice. I put my bottle of Ciroc in the freezer. When it came time to try, I invited over friends who were interested in sharing my new find. I will admit that one of the reasons for plunking down $30 for this bottle was that it's on the Epinions' hot list. I was willing to spend a little extra to try something off the hot list.

Ciroc vodka begins a bit medicinal tasting then gets lemony as it smooths and lingers. There's a distinct grape taste here along with ahint of something herbal and a bit of fennel to it as well. Tasting that, a friend suggested they would be good with anise biscotti. Ciroc had a bit of a bitter finish for me. Another friend didn't get bitter so much as the sweet grape fading into a light, tart grape at the end. This is a good vodka. It's complex.

One of my friends is strictly a "vodka and________" drinker. This is to say that she likes her vodka with orange juice, lemon-lime soda, tonic water or cranberry juice. Ciroc proved to be an excellent mixer with the lemon-lime. I don't like vodka with tonic (gin yes, vodka no). The juices overpowered everything subtle about the Ciroc. I wouldn't bother using it as a mixer with those.

The bottle of Ciroc cost me about $30. The friends brought the mixers and the nibbles. All those who like vodka, liked Ciroc. For the cost, there are other drinks I would have preferred. If vodka is your drink, however, and you're looking for something new this one will be a nice surprise. I won't be buying another bottle of Ciroc, but will happily share with those who do. And for those who want to buy me a nice bottle of something, this wouldn't be a bad choice.