The Intoxicologist

It often causes one to question why there are new vodkas introduced so often when shelves are already brimming with vodkas.  Take one look around Facebook and type in a simple search of “vodka” and discover all the vodka fan pages and one will discover just why companies continue to dole out ‘new’ vodkas with updated packaging with such frequency.  The better question to be asked is why are vodkas continually reviewed if the notion continues in some circles that base spirit vodkas contain no color, no scent and no flavor?  If that were indeed true wouldn’t every base spirit vodka essentially be identically since distillation strips away all impurities?  The answer is, no two spirits are identical just as vodka truly is not aroma free without any flavor at all.  Lack of color is a given with clear spirits.

Orzel Vodka: Just another Polish vodka lining the store shelves vying to make a name for itself as top Polish vodka in the marketplace.  Or is it “just another” like all the rest?

The aroma gives way to virtually no alcohol burn on the nose.  When taken in deeply, great richness is detected that stirs tickling in the back of the throat.  Tasting Orzel neat is pleasurable.  The vodka is thin with a small amount of burn and hint of vanilla roundness in texture that does not carry through in flavor.  Orzel is clean with medium feel over the tongue.  There is a wee bit of coconut milk residue in the finish. 

This vodka makes an excellent straight up martini with wash of vermouth in the glass.  The Martini is exceedingly clean and smooth, almost like water with no burn whatsoever.  Lemon peel adds just a hint of freshness.  The warmth is all that lets one know there is alcohol involved here.  Orzel could be most dangerous with the ease with which it goes down.  Quite honestly it could be sipped neat for those inclined to be hardcore about their vodka consumption.  Orzel does not rag on the senses in a metallic or heavy sort of way with any harshness around the edges.  It is smooth and silky without feeling too refined for mixing purposes or everyday imbibing.  

Morela Eagle – created by The Intoxicologist

2 ounces Orzel Vodka

1 Tablespoon Dickenson’s Lemon Curd

1-1/2 ounce Apricot Nectar

1/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

3 Dried Apricots – Garnish

Combine Orzel Vodka, lemon curd, apricot nectar and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until thoroughly combined.  Strain into a cocktail glass.  Garnish with skewered dried apricots. 

Morela Eagle is named in recognition of Orzel’s Polish roots.  This cocktail contains gentle sweetness with a light, airy tone.  The lemon almost carries a butter cream tone/feel to it with the apricot as a whispering side note.  However, this cocktail recipe does nothing to highlight Orzel as a special vodka except that it can carry the weight of this particular drink recipe’s lightness and mixes well without any alcohol harshness that some vodkas are known to convey.  Orzel allows cocktail creation for flavor while maintaining body that mere juices could never begin to achieve alone. 

A quick online search finds Orzel Vodka priced within the $35 to $40 range.  This premium spirit deserves the premium price tag as it clearly enriches the experience for the consumer by defining the terms of what vodka standards should be by classification.  We all look for value in products and define that often by price as compared to others within the same category.  Orzel Vodka definitely maintains excellence for those who appreciate a clean martini and balanced cocktails without any alcohol residue or underlying characteristics in taste from the vodka itself.

·         www.orzelvodka.com

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Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved