0.cached.png
By Newsweek Editors
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
For something that's supposed to be "without distinctive character," vodka sure has gotten pricey. That's especially true for two new products, Stolichnaya elit and Jean-Marc XO, which have broken the $50 barrier. What does this stuff taste like? We put the new booze up against old-school Smirnoff and upscale favorite Grey Goose.
Stolichnaya elit
$60
Origin: Russia
Name game: 'Stolichnaya' means 'of the capital' in Russian; 'elit' means... nothing.
Selling point: A filtration process that simulates the one used by the tsars.
The verdict: It has an inviting smooth taste, with a hint of vanilla and a touch of grain. Would be nice for half the price.
Read More on News
Grey Goose
$30
Origin: France
Name game: The guy who created the stuff had the rights to the name, which he once used for wines.
Selling point: It won a taste-off in 1998. Last year Jean-Marc took the prize.
The verdict: Creamsicle lite, with a teensy burn at the end. A little overpriced.
Jean-Marc XO
$50
Origin: France
Name game: The 'XO' adds a not-so-subtle hint of cognac terminology.
Selling point: Distilled nine times in pot stills normally used to make... cognac.
The verdict: A supersleek taste with plum and cinnamon accents. Worth every penny.
Smirnoff
$13
Origin: United States
Name game: The name's Russian, but it's made in all-American places, like Plainfield, Ill.
Selling point: Made in the U.S.A. but with all the finesse of a purveyor to the tsar.
The verdict: Slightly sweet, with a twist of pepper. How can something this cheap taste so good?
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines