The Metallics | Premium Vodka Tasting

Vodka is one of those liquors that should have a permanent spot on every at-home bar. In fact, I keep at least 2 different brands in my basic bar collection -- Titos for making Bloody Marys and Social House for all other cocktails.

I've been considering adding a third brand, a premium vodka for making martinis. Both Russian Standard Gold and Absolut Elyx were on my radar. The only way I was going to be able to pick a preference was to do a side-by-side comparison. A battle of the metallics: Gold (Au) versus . Copper (Cu). Not one to miss an opportunity to be extra, I planned for a tasting party to do blind taste test.

Russian Standard Gold
According to the website, Russian Standard Gold "is inspired from an ancient Siberian vodka recipe made popular by Peter the Great and has extracts of Siberian Golden Root." Golden root, or Rhodiola, is a natural plant that is thought bolster longevity and relieve stress. Russian Standard has long been my favorite brand of vodka. I like its smooth texture and clean finish.

Absolut Elyx
The Absolut website states that "Elyx is made entirely by hand in a vintage copper column still from 1921. Thousands of copper packets are used sacrificially, removing unwanted compounds and contributing to a rich and flavorful final product." When I think of flavored vodkas, Absolut is the brand that comes to mind. I especially enjoy the Citron as a base for a screwdriver.

The Results

In my opinion both are winners. You can't go wrong with either of these vodkas. The Gold was clearly the smoother of the two, while the Elyx had a distinctive edge in flavor with its subtle taste of copper.

There is clearly a space on my bar for a premium vodka, most likely as a seasonal variety. I can see myself leaning more toward Elyx during the summer months for making Moscow Mules with Gold filling in for all the other times.