Spirits of the Tsars

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Spirits of the Tsars is a 43% ABV infused vodka from Ukraine. The vodka is imported by MarkLee Enterprises, LLC. The quality is considered to be amazing. The average price is around $217.25 per 750mL. Rated 5 out of 5 based on 18 reviews.

The bottle states the following:

Power, wealth, luxury… Such was the life of the Russian Tsars. As it was then, it is now for today’s elite! Six hundred years of vodka production resulted with one recipe so rich, smooth, and complex it could only belong to the Tsars. Nearly lost to the ages, this rare and unobtainable elixir has been rediscovered ti resurrect the Spirits of the Tsars. Its mythical quality has its origin in the hand-picked fruit leaves in harmony with pure spring water from the most fertile Southeastern region of Olde Russia, now the Ukraine. Those same ingredients are what make Spirits of the Tsars an experience unlike any other. Savor what few have, and raise your glass as we raise the Spirits of the Tsars.

Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review

5 StarStarStarStarStar

Spirits of the Tsars is a vodka like no other. It is an exercise in opulence – a vodka fit for presentation to a Tsar, for certain. From a 500 year old recipe, this vodka, produced in the Ukraine, is infused with fruits, vanilla, and caramelized sugar then aged in oak cognac barrels for three years, giving it a caramel color. There will only be 10,000 cases made per year. The bottle itself, produced in France, is a reflection of the craftsmanship in the vodka. The logo (representing a Faberge egg with a ghostly image of Tsar Nicholas), along with the Romanov Family Crest, are a 24-carat gold veneer. Even the cork was hand-picked.

In the presentation set, you’ll find the gorgeous replica of Tsar Nicholas’ vodka glass created in the same factory that his glasses were created 112 years ago. It’s etched with ornate patterns and is marvelous to hold. The caramel colored vodka glistens in the glass, giving it an unparalleled beauty. It’s almost a sin to drink it.

Do I have your attention?

This is not a vodka meant for the likes of me. This is a vodka meant for the elite; the bourgeoisie, if you like. Expect to find it at high end resorts, casinos, and yacht clubs, not at your local liquor store. But, I’m fortunate enough to have been gifted a sample. I can’t verify the veracity of the details above, but I certainly don’t doubt them. I was crawling with excitement to open this bottle. All of the above is for naught if the vodka doesn’t live up to the image it presents.

Luckily, Spirits of the Tsars is, in a word, magnificent. The nose is sweet, like caramel with a touch of whisky. Just the smell is intoxicating enough, but the flavor is outstanding. In the mouth, the familiar taste of vodka isn’t present. Instead, it’s an explosion of flavors: sweet vanilla and a mild whisky. On the swallow, there is a distinctive hint of vodka that passes in an instant and is replaced with a wonderful vanilla aftertaste. It’s completely smooth, and I only want to follow the pleasant warmth in my stomach with another sip. If this is what vodka was like 500 years ago, I was born in the wrong century. Spirits of the Tsars is not your typical vodka, but it’s easily the most sippable vodka I’ve ever had the pleasure to taste.

The people behind Spirits of the Tsars are working on cocktails they call Tsartinis. Maybe they are coming up with something outstanding, but, with my poor mixology skills, I couldn’t imagine mixing this vodka with anything. It would be a transgression to sully this vodka with the concoctions of mere mortals. I couldn’t waste a drop of this vodka on any experimentation. So, I didn’t.

Instead I spent several weeks sipping this vodka. It’s as versatile as a fine wine, and that’s why it’s going to do well with its target demographic. Sipping this vodka with a filet mignon would be to die for. I had it with a standard chuck eye and I was left wishing it’d never end. I’ve never had a vodka that improved the taste of food, and I don’t expect I ever will again.

I shared Spirits of the Tsars with one lucky friend that I knew would really appreciate it for what it is. Over conversations about Russian aristocracy, he summed up the experience of drinking Spirits of the Tsars in the most succinct sentence: It tastes like the nectar from an alien planet.

As I near the bottom of the bottle of this peerless vodka, I’m left only with want for more. Spirits of the Tsars is a truly unique spirit. It’s something to experience rather than something to consume. If you’re one of the fortunate few that have access to this vodka, you need to try it. Even if you don’t like vodka, you’d be remiss not to. It exceeds every expectation I had. Spirits of the Tsars may be the best liquor ever made.

Rated 5 out of 5.

Robert Brodrecht

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Jarrod

    5 *****

    My mouth watered over reviews so I got a bottle. This is the best Vodka ever. I am a believer.

    Jarrod

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Joe

    5 *****

    This is a truly great sipping vodka and the only one i have enjoyed without mixing. It is unique with its hints of whiskey and vanilla that stimulate the taste buds. This vodka is in a class of it’s own!

    Joe

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Peter Tapia

    5 *****

    From the smoothness of the spirit to its elequent history this vodka is reserved for Refined palates…. I have never had anything so good. I dont even bother ruining with ice… It pairs perfectly with a cigar. I have neverseen any vodka like it and I challange anyone to find one…

    Concierge,
    South Beach, Florida

    Peter Tapia

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Mark

    5 *****

    Happy New Year from Spirits of the Tsars Golden Vodka. For those of you who are interested, demand for Tsars is going through the roof. Thank you to Robert and the VodkaBuzz team for your great reviews. Log on to our Facebook page and see the (photos) what I mean. It’s off the hook.

    Sip like a Tsar,
    Mark Owens
    Founder & President
    Spirits of the Tsars Golden Vodka

    Mark

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Jay

    2 *****

    Let me start off by saying this is a pretty good drink, but in no ways is it vodka. The label even reads vodka, red wine, brandy, natural flavors, and caramel color. Don’t get me wrong it doesn’t taste bad, but for $250, not worth it on the least bit.

    It also says it is aged which is why the color is amber, but that also contradicts the label marketing which says caramel color added which is what really gives it color.

    Bottom line, it would be a good mixed drink if it was maybe $30 per bottle, but for the price, and the unauthentic russian vodka you can find something much better.

    Jay

    Reply

    • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Robert Brodrecht

      I can’t find the e-mail I had from Mark Owens at Spirits of the Tsars, but the label they had to put on the bottle was due to ATF requirements because they were still refining the process. I don’t want to misquote him, so I won’t go into details that are vague in my memory, but I expect the label to change once they’ve had time to figure out production better and do whatever they need to do with the ATF to finalize the labeling.

      Reply

      • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Mark Owens

        Hello Robert, you are correct in your recollection. Our distiller having never dealt with the U.S. or our ATF, thought they were doing us a favor in the beginning of production. They were uncertain if they could keep up with production and slipped in the statement to our submitted formula “may add caramel colour if needed”. The ATF said based on the possibility of adding caramel colour, we would have to add the statement to the bottle just in case. As a matter of fact, we have never added anything, they have kept up with our limited production and there are no artificial ingredients and no caramel colour added. We are in the process of re-submitting our formula to the ATF to have it removed from the front of the bottle.

        Spirits of the Tsars Golden Vodka will always keep to our original formula. We will only use organic, all natural ingredients and our historic hand-made boutique process.

        Thank you,
        Mark Owens

        Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Bill

    5 *****

    I have had Tsars and it is the best vodka I have ever had bar none. You are dead on in your assessment of Tsars. It is for those people that want the best and can afford it!!

    Bill

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Zack

    5 *****

    Just got 2 bottles from Total Wine in Fort Lauderdale Florida $70 a bottle well worth it.

    Zack

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Randy Singer

    5 *****

    I have never experienced a vodka that did not have to mixed with something….this is not just the smoothest vodka I have tasted but the absolute smoothest alcoholic beverage of all time!!! Completely balanced, sipping it, it lingers beautifully. Even when I have hi-end cognac, etc there is a bit of a bite. The Tsars vodka must be experienced!!!!

    Randy Singer

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Nick

    5 *****

    Great liquor, just please don’t mix it with anything! Straight up all they way baby.

    Nick

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Sasha

    1 *****

    I read review and decide I to drink at Tatyana, Russian restaurant, in Miami. I glad I no pay for the vodka. It taste like sweet honey wine, not vodka. I come to Miami 2 years ago from Ukraine. I call some friends in Ukraine and ask about the vodka and no one hear nothing about this vodka. Seems like business, not good vodka. I lucky I try it for free at restaurant and not buy and not spend $250. Buy real Ukraine or Russia vodka, not this please.

    Sasha

    Reply

    • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Nick

      Sasha, I agree with you that it’s not Vodka in the traditional sense, but I still think it’s great and very unique. According to their website it’s aged in cognac barrels that adds to the flavor and color.

      Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Mark

    5 *****

    Spirits of the Tsars is the best vodka and or liquor I’ve ever had. The bottle is beautiful. It’s all over in Miami. All of the clubs, bars and restaurants. It’s amazing how popular it is. You can get it on-line at Sunset Corners Liquor store in Coral Gables, FL. for $250.00 in a 1 Liter bottle (sunsetcorners.com). It’s for all those people who want the best and feel they are worth it.

    Cheers

    Mark

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Mark Welch

    5 *****

    Just had the opportunity to drink this awesome product. I agree with Robert, it is THE BEST liquor I have ever tasted. We could have kept drinking this all night, however after a couple of drinks, my wife was begging me to take her home and enjoy her. She got an unbelievable buzz! I love this stuff (so does she, obviously), where can I buy it locally? It is magic!

    Mark Welch

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Frank

    5 *****

    My wife and I were first introduced to this spirit by an invitation to dinner by our neighbors. With half there family being Russian they treated us to an authentic Russian dinner. It is common place that Russians sip vodka through dinner and tonight was to be no different. My wife and I were reluctant at first to drink vodka straight as we ate but they insisted. 500 year old recipe they said. We gave into their traditions and I have been in love with this drink ever since. This vodka is so smooth and silky you would ruin it by adding a mixer to it. By far the best liquor I’ve ever had.

    Frank

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Marius

    No Rating

    Truly amazing stuff. It even makes people write glowing reviews in the same style, even down to the same wording (“for all those people who want the best and feel they are worth it”).

    But as they say in Ukrainian, honi soit qui mal y pense.

    Marius

    Reply

    • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Stein

      The phrase “honi soit qui mal y pense” is as Ukrainian as shepherd’s pie.

      Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Bob S.

    No Rating

    A friend gave me the last third of this bottle. It was smooth, but so is pure Canadian whiskey. I really think he overpaid about $200, but didn’t want to offend him so I asked him if this is what horse piss tastes like.

    Bob S.

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Taffyg2003

    No Rating

    All I can say is that I am in awe of this nectar just from the extraordinarily singular review and unparalleled praising comments. I hope to get a chance to get a hold of some and make Jean Marc XO and Crystal Head seem ordinary. ;-)

    Taffyg2003

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Stylianos

    2 *****

    A marketing hoax, stay clear.

    Stylianos

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By andriy

    1 *****

    i happen to be from Ukraine but have never heard about such vodka. 500 years old recipe which includes 3 years aging in cognac barrels – what a b…..cks !!! Its might be a good drink but has nothing to do with tradition and tsars . obviously its color comes from caramel but not from oak aging ( anyone has doubts – pour some real vodka into oak and wait 3 years to see whats gonna happen with its color) . the theft story stinks of marketing hoax . real price for that stuff maximum 50 bucks retail

    andriy

    Reply

  • Spirits of the Tsars Vodka Review By Jerry

    5 *****

    Here I am dancing having an awesome time. Danced along to the Bar and asked for Stoli Elit on the rocks. “No sir we dont have that available. Would you like Goose instead?” From the look I gave to her question she smiled turned around, grabbed some foreign bottle I’ve never seen before and said “Spirits of the Tsars! This will be the best vodka you’ve ever tried but it’s $30 a glass”. I thought to myself, could this be better then Jean Marc XO and Crystal Head? Could this be that legendary vodka I’ve heard of? Before she poured, I had to prepay for it and a mgr came out to watch her pour the exact counts allowed per glass.
    From the looks of curiosity coming from all around I carefully grabbed the cup, took a snif of the glass and the scent was pure bliss. I have found the ledgendary vodka! What an amazing taste! This brown purity is vodka?! Gave a sip to a friend; “Wow! What is that?!” he said.

    I am going to enjoy this entire glass for the rest of the night. That is what I wanted untill, this women bumped into me from behind and half the glass was spilled. Well, I am going to enjoy this entire half glass for the rest of the night.

    Jerry

    Reply

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