The Spirit World

If you look to see what the Icelandic word “reyka” means in English, a free online translator will tell you it means “smoky.” The bottle itself says it means “steam,” which is more appropriate since this 80 proof grain vodka is ultra smooth and almost tasteless.

These days, vodka seems to be mostly about appearances, so let’s start there. The bottle itself is crafted into a simple cylinder topped by a skinny column, closed with a cork. Upon closer inspection, you notice waves and small air bubbles in the glass, as well as labeling reminiscent of an 18th century map. These seemingly handmade touches promote the Although distilled liquor is an industrial product, Reyka does a good job of adding some pastoral spin with buzz phrases like “small batch,” and talk of a geothermally powered distillery in capital letters on the back label. Reyka has an excellent site where you can see more of what I am talking about. You may have seen their ads, with young woman bundled up in the cold talking in a Borat-like fashion about how Icelanders prefer “vodka flavored vodka.” That is a respectable mantra in my book.

As I’ve mentioned, the vodka itself is relatively tasteless. Served neat, and at room temperature, the aroma smells faintly sweet, and of ethanol. The flavor is also lightly sweet with a slight, quick burn. The finish is clean, but Reyka has a rich mouthfeel. Although the vodka has little flavor, it is quite satisfying. Reyka vodka would do well in Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers, and Vodka Martinis.

If you like to taste the alcohol in your vodka cocktails, then you should look for another vodka. For most everyone else, a smooth, simple, enjoyable vodka is probably exactly what you were looking for in the first place. Reyka fits that bill and sells for approximately $25 US.