Ruskova Vodka

Here's a great value. As Ruskova proudly says, "Pay for the vodka, not the glass."

Much like Tito's Handmade vodka, Ruskova comes in a clear, generic bottle, and a basic paper label. It doesn't look like much on the outside, and at under 20 bucks for a 1.75 liter, one can easily pass over this gem.

At Back Lit Lounge, we love multiple distilations and smooth finishes. Ruskova is distilled 6 times and drinks like water.

On their website is a quote from the Beverage Tasting Institute which we find quite amusing: "Sweet pastry dough, anise, and white pepper aromas. A round delicate entry leads to a silky, dryish medium-bodied palate with sweet wheat dough, frosting, and star anise, delicate spice, and white pepper flavors. Finishes with a long peppery, anise cookie and mineral water fade, and a touch of peppery, warming heat."

Dough, frosting and white pepper? Seriously? We might not be smart enough to figure out all those flavors, but we sure know a smooth vodka and a great value when we find it.

Learn all about them at Ruskova.com.