If you can readily point to the country of Moldova on a map, then kudos to your grade school geography teacher. If (like probably most of the general population) you've never heard of it before, the most important thing you need to know is that they produce vodka. Good vodka.
Moldova is located just between Ukraine and Romania and the richness of the landscape and agriculture lends itself the ability to produce some world-class European spirits and Exclusiv Vodka is no exception.
Serge Christov, the President and Founder of Serge Imports, LLC which produces Exclusiv Vodka, came to the United States with $300 in his pocket and a dream and in less than 10 years he not only fulfilled an entrepreneurial dream for himself but fulfilled a dream for all of us vodka lovers. Since 2003, Exclusiv has received a 91-point rating from the Beverage Tasting Institute and won nine international awards, proving its ranking among top-name, expensive and massively marketed vodkas such as Grey Goose, 42 Below, and Belvedere.
You can spend your time reading all the technical reviews about how this vodka feels in the throat, how it tastes on the palate, how it presents itself to the nose, and how its properties change served neat or on the rocks, but I'm going to give you the simple facts:
This vodka is unbelievably awesome.
It is smooth on the tongue as well as in your favorite cocktail. My nose did not detect a scent of rubbing alcohol. And I've yet to tell you the best part.....
This vodka is very wallet-friendly.
Retailing at less than $10 a bottle, this is one instance where inexpensive does NOT equal cheap. Christov explains,
“In Russia we do not have ‘expensive’ vodka. That phrase doesn’t exist. We don’t look at vodka as being expensive or cheap. Vodka is perceived to be a drink for everybody to enjoy.”
The name lends to the fact that it is an exclusive and illusive spirit to find because it is only slowly being distributed in the United States. If you find it, grab it. Rumor has it that it is available in the state of South Carolina, however the locator on their website did not prove that to be true. It is also available in orange, raspberry and coconut flavors as well, all three of which I plan to try in the near future.
Visit the blog on their website for some great cocktail recipes - we've shared one below which also features Exclusiv Rose' Moscato.
The Sparkle in her Eye
•2 Ounces Exclusiv Classic
•1 Ounce Triple Sec
•1 Ounce White Cranberry Juice
•Squeeze Of Lime
Shake over ice and strain into a martini glass. Top with 1 ounce of Exclusiv Rose´ Moscato. Garnish with a strawberry.
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