Double Cross Vodka

Double Cross is produced in the Slovak Republic at a family-run distillery located in a 13th-century village in the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. Double Cross starts with Tatra Mountain spring water drawn from 200-ft deep aquifers and 100% organic estate-grown winter wheat. A seven-step distillation process allows for a stepwise waterfall-like enhancement of the Double Cross distillate. Double Cross is filtered seven times using diamond-dust micro-filters active charcoal and limestone. 40% ABV (80 Proof) Rating: Wine Enthusiast 95 points (Jul 2009). Upfront the nose is grainy dry and delicate. Palate entry is peppery and sweeter than I thought it would be but not cloying; midpalate displays vibrant spicy fragrances of snack crackers laced with pepper black peppercorn lemon zest and mustard seed; the texture is creamy and full. Concludes on a silky citrusy note. Substantial and well-made. -P.P.