Here’s the sell: Authentic Russian vodka, distilled six times, ten bucks a bottle.

Though I can’t find it near me for less than $11, Ruskova is an amazing deal. The company is trying to sell the spirit as a premium product at a bare-bones price, and it’s true. This is a very clean vodka that’s great with mixers and even on its own, straight from the freezer.

80 proof, it’s a chewy, bread-like vodka with distinct flavors of grain. It’s medicinal on the finish but still very pleasant. I found this vodka to go down amazingly easily, with none of the bitterness and gut-punching that you get with really cheap spirits. It’s not going to blow your socks off, but tasted blind you’ll undoubtedly rank it higher than at least a few bottles at twice the price or more. Was I surprised? You bet, but if you’re going to make (or drink) any inexpensive spirit, vodka’s the one to pick.

My wife complained that Ruskova was too medicinal for her, even in a cocktail, but I didn’t feel the same way. Your mileage may vary, but for 11 bucks you can probably afford to experiment.

B+ / $11 / ruskova.com