Review: I Spirit Italian Vodka

Review: I Spirit Italian Vodka

Italy and vodka: Two names that, well, I’ve never heard together before. I Spirit bills itself as “the original Italian vodka,” and I’m hard-pressed to argue with that self-assessment. The distillation base includes both grape and grain components, distilled five times in both copper and column stills, then blended with water from the Dolomites to 80 proof.

Results: Despite a harsh, medicinal nose, I Spirit is quite pleasant on the palate. Those medicine aromas are minimized on the tongue,and what’s behind is a mix of earthy, grain-driven character plus some sweetness, presumably a by-product of the white wine component which is distilled down to make the vodka. Secondary characteristics includes a hint of lemon and citrus peel, but on the whole it settles down with a short and surprisingly neutral finish. Works in a martini, no problems.

80 proof.

B+ / $40

I Spirit Italian Vodka

$40
8.5

Rating

8.5/10

A veteran journalist, the author of four books, a published poet, and an award-winning winemaker, Christopher Null has more than 25 years of experience writing about wine and spirits. He founded Drinkhacker in 2007. He also writes regularly about the science of booze for WIRED and is an occasional contributor to ADI's Distiller magazine. He has been a judge for both the American Distilling Institute Judging of Craft Spirits and Whiskies of the World spirits competitions and often works as a consultant, developing formal tasting notes for spirits brands around the world.

3 Comments

  1. Anonymous on June 23, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    Sigh, vodka. Why would you buy this when there is grappa? Or any other multiple of spirits out there with actual flavor?

  2. Damocles on June 27, 2011 at 11:51 pm

    Well in my opinion, most grappa sold in the states is awful and tastes like diesel. I do agree that ultra premium vodkas are generally a waste of money, given the alternatives.

  3. jason on June 29, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    You can get decent grappa through online distributors, and it generally isn’t cheap, but yeah, buyer beware.

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