KU:L Vodka

When it comes to vodkas in the $10 range, KU:L ("the new cool") is by far the best you can find to date and is sure to become an all-time favorite. This is a smooth, flavorful and non-astringent vodka that blows others at that price point out of the water. It is impressive enough to be trusted in any vodka cocktail and to appreciate it’s full economical beauty, I suggest you try chilled and straight. The art deco-style label with bold graphics and colors is a work of art to itself and if your local liquor store has it you won't be able to miss it – and you will not want to.

The aspect I really enjoyed about KU:L Vodka is that there is something to taste, and it's not that cheap alcohol taste you would find in comparably priced vodkas. The profile is unique but the amount of flavor is comparable to what you would find in some of the higher end vodkas (with the exception of those that are taking the watered-down route). Take that profile with a surprising degree of smoothness and you have a great find that won't break the bank or the quality of your favorite vodka cocktails.

When it comes to vodka, the economical drinker will tend to mix up strongly flavored cocktails for the simple fact that there is a need to hide the quality (or lack of) that the less expensive brands are known for. While KU:L does make an excellent Black Russian and Bloody Mary, it is also a shining star in lighter cocktails that are usually reserved for the best vodkas. With Ku:l you don't have to fear a Diamond Martini, a Campari Cocktail, a Cosmopolitan or even a Vodka Martini. In fact, a splash of lemon and dash of bitters in a chilled glass of KU:L is one of the best ways to enjoy it and when you can make a drink of this caliber with a ten spot the feeling is even better. Now, if bars could stock this in the well, we'd be in heaven.

Tasting Notes:
KU:L has a very clean fragrance that is semi-sweet and semi-herbal. The entry is refreshingly silky and leads to the warm, oh-so-smooth taste of luscious grains and a hint of sage that continues to display a subtle sweetness. KU:L finishes by not letting you forget it was there and this long, dark, warm ending is quite refreshing.