Well then folks continuing our recent trend of “Buffalo reviewing more clear spirits because for a long time this was scotch and bourbon reviews” it’s time for another vodka. I’ve decided to get something a bit more pricey and imported in the hopes that it would be spectacular. But as you can likely tell by my tone, that was not the case.
While ZYR – okay Zyr because let’s not shout please – is actually a decent mixing vodka. However that’s where it begins and ends here, and ultimately there are just better vodka’s for cheaper or even in this price range. Sadly this means that while in the hearts and minds of it’s defenders it’s good, here where we break it down – well the result is substandard on many fronts.
What they Say: “ZYR vodka is crafted from a blend of wheat and rye grown in the rich black soil of Russia’s heartland. Nine filtrations, five distillations and three stage taste test ensure ZYR’s clean taste and ultra smooth texture. Try ZYR neat.”
Taste: 6.0 – It starts off pleasant enough.
Aftertaste: 3.0 – But it somehow finishes with a near bottom shelf aftertaste.
Burn/Smooth: 6.0 – Despite the above this doesn’t actual burn really, but still.
Aroma: 3.5 – This oddly smells more like a cheap vodka. Not an awful vodka, but still not a 30 dollar one.
Honesty: 5.0 – Well I took your advice, and while yes your taste may be clean, and your process means I do not wince from pain – your aftertaste is awful, and your bottle has this ‘tried to seem like a jewel, but ended up looking like Eurotrash’ vibe.
Mixability: 7.0
Vodka Tonic: 6.0 – That makes a nicely serviceable vodka tonic.
White Russian: 8.0 – I have a found a home for this vodka. I thought this was over priced crap – I needed only to swaddle in the bosom of Kamora and Cream.
Buffalo Note: I did try it on the rocks as maybe this was ‘that kind of vodka’ it was not, but I felt I shouldn’t hold that against it.
Value: 4.0 – Sadly there are other vodka’s in that price range which I just flat out prefer (Snow Queen, Hammer + Sickle being on my mind)
Google Shop Average: $30
Website: http://www.zyrvodka.com/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 5.5
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Metric Score: 34.5/70 |+| Metric Average: 4.93 |+| Reviewer Average: 5.5
Final Thoughts: At the end of the day, while I and my White Russian loving dude-ness is glad to have this in my bar – if I was someone who’s job wasn’t to always buy new spirits and hope for the best – I’d have better options.
Zyr is versatile enough to drink however one chooses. The bottle recommends it neat and because this vodka is so smooth and earthy, this suggestion is a good one. The thick glass of the bottle helps the vodka chill quickly and perfectly if it s placed in the freezer for a few minutes.
Meanwhile from an official spokesperson…