Reyka

4 StarStarStarStarStar

Reyka is a 40% ABV vodka from Iceland. It is filtered with Lava Rock. The vodka is imported by William Grant and Sons. The quality is considered to be great. The average price is around $20.71 per 750mL. Rated 4 out of 5 based on 10 reviews.

The bottle states the following:

EIMAĐ Á ÍSLANDI

Small batch vodka hand crafted in Iceland.

Traditionally distilled and filtered through ancient arctic lava rocks.

Arctic Spring Water.
Carter Head Still.
Lava Rock Filtration.
Crafted in Borgarnes, Iceland.

Reyka Vodka Review

4 StarStarStarStarStar

I’ve seen Reyka on the local liquor store shelves for awhile, but I never got around to trying it. Fortunately, I got a bottle from my coworker Logan for Christmas, which, as you may have guessed, is a perfect gift for a guy with a penchant for vodka.

The Shot

Reyka is a little harsh. It has a stiff burn, but it seems intentional. I can feel it in my mouth like a ball of lead. That said, it’s almost sweet in the mouth. It’s smooth on the swallow with the same slightly sweet flavor left on my tongue. It’s a good shooter in the right setting, maybe with meat-based hor dourves, but I would pick something else up if I wanted to enjoy straight vodka.

The Mixed Drink

I mixed Reyka with sweet tea. The vodka isn’t terribly assertive but I can definitely taste the vodka, especially in the aftertaste. It’s not the best mixer I’ve had, but it is distinctive. I’d rather drink it straight, but it’s not bad in a cocktail.

Final Opinions

Reyka is an odd vodka. It’s small batch, and I typically have problems with small batch. It’s a good vodka, but I don’t have a place for it. I think it’d be a good dinner party vodka or maybe a good vodka for a bloody marry. If you’re in that sort of market, give Reyka a try. Otherwise, you might want to look for something else.

Thanks again, Logan!

Rated 4 out of 5.

Robert Brodrecht

  • Reyka Vodka Review By TwoShotsOfVodka

    5 *****

    Reyka is a unique vodka; not surprising, considering its fairly unique method of production. It’s smooth, fairly sweet in taste and burns quite a bit. Normally, burning vodkas are a red flag, but this burn is somehow enjoyable in a way no other vodka burn is. The same goes for the aftertaste, which I guess is a result of the lava rock filtration. The taste is there, almost like a mineral taste that goes along with the burn, but somehow it feels good rather than ruining the experience, at least to me.The burn and aftertaste seem to become stronger as the temperature of the vodka increases, so no matter what you’re using it for, I would recommend keeping it in the freezer and drinking it fairly quickly after pouring in order to prevent it from getting anywhere near room temperature. Due to its bite and aftertaste, I would be careful about using Reyka as a mixer, unless you want to put the same characteristics as the vodka itself into the cocktail to spice it up a bit.

    No review can do Reyka justice because it’s so different and hard to describe. What is certain is that it’s not for everyone. You might hate it or love it, but you need to try it. I’m firmly in the “love it” camp, and I would rate this in the top 2 among all the vodkas I’ve tried.

    TwoShotsOfVodka

    Reply

  • Reyka Vodka Review By Eric

    4 *****

    I think it’s the best vodka I have drank in years . Especially if chilled James Bond would be proud to have a vodka martini with reyka

    Eric

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  • Reyka Vodka Review By Misty Beane

    4 *****

    I mixed this with crystal light, which tastes terrible. But I don’t normally like alcohol, and the goal was to get shit faced, which happened very quickly. So cheers!

    Misty Beane

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  • Reyka Vodka Review By Diane

    5 *****

    Straight out of the freezer it is smooth. My favorite vodka by far.

    Diane

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  • Reyka Vodka Review By taffyg2003

    4 *****

    I had a Reyka martini up with olives for the first time several weeks when I noticed it on the shelf of the bar at a local restaurant. I was impressed overall. It seemed very smooth and had little flavor. In a way, it reminded me of Crystal Head.

    Fast forward to yesterday at my home. I recently found Reyka at a local liquor store, so I picked up a 1 liter bottle for $28. The martini it made was a bit more assertive than the one I had at the restaurant, so perhaps the bartender let the vodka sit on ice longer than I do. Though it had a mild Russian vodka-like bite that the restaurant martini did not, it was creamy, sweet, and smooth on the swallow. In fact, it was possibly the sweetest and creamiest vodka that I’ve ever tasted. I don’t know what starch is used to create this vodka, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it were potato, due to the creaminess. There is a bit more initial bite than I have become accustomed to from my go-to at-home inexpensive vodka, Luksusowa, which detracts slightly from the overall experience.

    Ultimately, I really enjoy Reyka, and am torn between rating it 4 or 5 stars. Given that I can’t commit to 5 stars without hesitation, I will give it a very high 4 stars.

    Cheers!

    taffyg2003

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  • Reyka Vodka Review By Milan

    4 *****

    I like it. smooth, clean and nice on the nose. More for sipping than in mixers.

    Milan

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  • Reyka Vodka Review By Scott

    1 *****

    I’ve purchased Reyka twice. The first time I had it, I liked it. Several months later, I purchased it again. This time, I swear, it smells like feet. I mean this literally. It’s disgusting. I hate it. Even in a mixed drink, I’m hating it. My preference for or against other drinks (including vodkas) has not changed, so I can only assume that the product has changed somehow. It’s revolting.

    Scott

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  • Reyka Vodka Review By Frank

    1 *****

    This was harsh, and unbearable straight at room temp. Stoli costs the same and as bold as that is, you won’t feel like gagging.

    Frank

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    • Reyka Vodka Review By Milan

      Frank, its OK not to like the taste, but comparing it to Stoli is insulting.

      Reply

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