Saaga 1763 Vodka is 40% abv. / 80 proof and created by Master Distiller Arno Narro who recreates the original style of vodka distilled in ancient Estonian manors for hundreds of years. The vodka is made from 90% heirloom Estonian Rye and 10% Tristo summer wheat, which are harvested at the optimum time, carefully sorted , and dried with care. Rye is the Estonian national grain and they have been cultivating it since the 1100's. The rye used in Saaga, actually a blend of two rye's- Tulvi and Vambo, are both not just heirloom rye's, but ancient ones that can be tracked back to when rye first started being cultivated in Estonia, after it had made its way from Asia Minor. These aren't your vapid modern rye's like Matador or Picasso, but flavor packed, spicy, and earthy.

Then Spectral Fluorescence Signature technology is used to select the best and most robust grains of rye to ensure the flavor and quality of the vodka. It is slowly and carefully distilled at controlled temperatures to produce the best flavor and is not filtered at all. That's right; it seems that this is the only unfiltered vodka in the world. When it is distilled such exacting care is taken that it doesn't need charcoal filtering. The water used is pure Estonian spring water that has naturally filtered over the years through layers of limestone under the ground, and is then purified with reverse osmosis. I don't think I have ever read such a long bottle label or notes on a bottle tag before. It was like reading an epic saga on vodka, a treatise of fantastical history and modern day fact. It definitely entertained me and put me in the mood to first do some in-depth research, and then sip some vodka.
The aroma is exceptionally clean, one of the cleanest smelling vodkas I have yet encountered, with a hint of spice and the essence of rye grains to it. As it opened up after a few minutes in my glass there followed the barest trace of sweet fruit and floral notes. Is is very pleasant on the nose and I enjoyed taking many deep breathes, feeling that it was cleansing me. I know it relaxed me, whether from some aroma-therapeutic ability, or from the alcohol fumes, I know not. I just enjoyed it.

The taste is clean as well, with a different character than most vodka. Sharp on the tongue and tingling to the lips with a silky, smooth feel to it. It has some interesting spicy notes that immediately made me want to take another sip. Drunk straight out of a snifter at room temperature it was excellent. Chilled shots sipped with dinner were even more so. But on the rocks with a splash of water it was really enjoyable as a floral sweetness joined the clean spiciness. If you like very clean and crisp, premium vodka, then I highly recommend Saaga 1763.