Beluga - Transatlantic Racing Vodka - 40%
Beluga, based in Mariinsk, Siberia, has made a name for itself with precision vodkas made from carefully distilled grain spirits and artesian water renowned for its purity. The house style emphasizes texture, aromatic clarity, and a long finish, sought after both at the bar and at the table.
Transatlantic Racing is a cuvée inspired by the nautical world. It is based on a multiple distillation of cereals, followed by a sequenced filtration including birch charcoal and layers of cotton to refine the grain. The blend is then left to rest for a long time in vats to meld the aromas before being bottled at 40%. The result is a crystalline, supple, and precise expression.
On the nose, the first impression is clear, with white flowers and fresh chalk, joined by notes of sweet cereal, lemon peel, and a hint of almond. The palate is silky and straightforward, with a pure attack that slides into a creamy heart of noble grain and fine white spices. The finish is long and clean, slightly peppery, with a saline echo that reinforces the sensation of freshness.
At the table, serve ice cold at 6 to 8°C with caviar, oysters, smoked salmon, tarama, blinis, or sashimi. Also excellent as a very dry martini with a lemon zest, with a strained vodka and tonic, or as a highball over very cold sparkling water. Use a small tulip glass to concentrate the bouquet and serve in a carafe straight from the freezer for a more rounded texture.