This is one of the few vodkas still produced in Russia itself, not one of the break away regions. It has a crisp and very clean nose, with no artificial or harsh aromas. The flavors are true vodka, starting off with a smooth clean almost vanilla flowing taste, then on the finish the heat and mineral notes that I always associate with vodka come through. There is two camps of vodka lovers one that look for vodkas so smooth that you have none the warmth and grain or potato notes present, or the more masculine style which can be more heard and forward. This is defiantly more masculine and absolutely delicious.