Precious Vodka occupies that rarefied territory where packaging is as much a part of the proposition as the spirit inside. The crystal-shaped bottle, complete with a genuine topaz gemstone, is undeniably striking — a genuine conversation piece and an obvious gift choice. The question, as always with such bottles, is whether the liquid justifies the theatre.
Six-times distillation has produced a vodka of considerable purity. The nose is pristine and neutral, with only the faintest sweetness and gentle floral notes to distinguish it from pure water. On the palate, the spirit is ultra-smooth and silky, with a clean neutrality that will appeal to those who favour their vodka without rough edges.
The finish is short and clean — there is little to linger over, but equally nothing to criticise. This is a well-made, thoroughly inoffensive vodka that happens to come in an extraordinary bottle. At over fifty pounds, the premium is clearly for the presentation rather than the liquid, but as a gift or a bar centrepiece, it has considerable appeal.
