I feel like I need to apologize in advance for this because the kind people over at Reyka vodka were nice enough to send a bottle of their new vodka to me to try, and presumably, it flew all the way over here from Iceland! However, I can't promise that I have the nicest things to say about Reyka Vodka.
Reyka Vodka's bottle design is what struck me first -- there is absolutely nothing sexy about the packaging at all. Unlike so many of the new vodkas that are being marketed these days that are tall, sleek, and smooth, sometimes opaque to hide the elixir inside, Reyka is a rather short, squat bottle that has a slight bluish cast, like a soda bottle. The label is plain white paper that almost looks like stationary, with simple black block lettering. I suppose, in a way, it's a little bit refreshing to come across something so straightforward.
I tried the vodka first at room temperature, straight up. (Don't worry, I only sipped when I tasted!) It didn't have any noticeably unusual fragrance or flavor, but it definitely had a stinging bite at first sip that I often associate with inexpensive grocery store vodkas. I usually crinkle my nose and think "rubbing alcohol."
Next up, I tried Reyka Vodka straight (no mixer), over ice. This was slightly easier to take, and since I'm not a chemist, I have no idea if it has to do with some thermodynamic reaction between vodka and ice that causes the "bite" to weaken, or if whatever tiny bit of melted ice served to dilute it. The flavor was the same, but of course, there wasn't much fragrance. There was, however, that bit of "sublimation" that comes off of cold drinks when the air is warm. It was kind of cool (pun totally intended).
Finally, I tried the Reyka Vodka in a couple of cocktails. This is never really a fair test because juices and sodas can hide even the harshest of flavors. However, in the end, you just want to find out if your vodka is so bad that you're just putting lipstick on a pig. I poured myself a Reyka and club soda over a generous cup of ice, and had a taste. It was delicious. But then again, that was my third glass, and vodka/soda is my signature drink!
When shopping to re-stock my bar, I doubt I will pick up a bottle of Reyka again.
Soy and chickpeas might help stroke victims
The world of pie and tart crusts
Starbucks launches the Piadini 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-06-2007 @ 1:48AM
Rick Dobbs said...
I like Reyka because it's close to a true vodka, crisp and clean with subtle hints of flavors.
I can't think of any vodka that I like at room temperature as a sip though, so I'm not sure that's a good judging criteria. They're often served cold even at judging competitions.
My review is here: http://martini-lounge.blogspot.com/2007/03/saturday-night-fever-reyka-vodka.html
Reply
9-06-2007 @ 5:07AM
Paul said...
You know, drinking vodka on the rocks - if it's a real vodka of course - is, to be frank, a bad manner. And, a shure way to ruin the taste (the melting ice dilutes the drink), as is the case with room temperature vodka. Also, never freeze vodka: just put it into a regular fridge, NOT the freezer, for a couple of hours (or overnight). When a bottle on your table has "tears" (condensate drops) - the temperature's good, but when it's frosty all over, let it stand at room temperature until the frost turns into the "tears".
Also, vodka shall be always accompanied by a morsel of proper food, and this is the whole idea; a piece of salted herring, a pickle or a spoonfool of saueurcraut, best of all - a piece of Russian/Ukrainian style salted lard; or just a piece of rye bread or a piece of a boiled potato or a piece of tomato sprinkled with salt and, in the case of the tomato, pepper would do. Forget the caviar, it's too expensive :)
You can have your whiskey or brandy as is. Or grappa for that matter. But as long as vodka is the drink, you have it (a) straight (b) cooled but not frozen (c) you follow it with something (d) pour yourself a drink which equals one gulp (about 50 g) and gulp it down, instead of sipping.
And: vodka best in coctails is usually not too good for drinking straight, and vice versa. A good vodka shall have a characteristic vodka taste and a "character", while in your coctails those are hardly what you need.
Reply
9-06-2007 @ 10:07AM
Fash said...
Thanks a lot, Paul. Now I'll never be able to kick back with a cosmopolitan in good conscience again...
Reply
9-12-2007 @ 9:50AM
humberto said...
When it comes to vodka I’m not a big fan, or should I say I’m not a blind follower of the vodka phenomenon. Vodka has its place and for some people an ice cold vodka martini, after a long day, is a pleasant way to reward oneself. I make a lot of vodka martini’s for people but I can’t remember the last time I had one myself.
The Reyka vodka is a decent vodka, and it is smooth with no harsh flavours. The thing I liked the most is the finish. Basically, it has some character, not much, but some.
For people who like martinis should try this one:
KING'S Martini
60ml Reyka vodka
12.5ml Reynac -pineau des charentes blanc
Stir together over ice and double strain to a chiled martini glass.
garnish with a lemon twist
Humberto marques
Mixologist
www.ultimatebarchef.com/aspiringbarchefs
www.oloroso.co.uk
Reply