The taste of Rodionov’s Polugar is unlike any alcoholic beverage currently produced.

Clear appearance with no cloudiness inclusions. In the bottle it is dark cherry red, in the glass it is a pool of cherry or cranberry with a lovely sheen to it. The depth of colour is quite remarkable. Thin clear coat on the glass on swirling. It forms a very distinct meniscus/edgeline with teardrops forming which then retreat rapidly and form droplets on the side of the tasting glass.

Graceful but heavy notes of sour (non sweet really and quite pleasant) cherries nicely subdued grain note from the wheat vodka serving as a pleasant backdrop to the cherry notes, there is also a nice cherry wood aromatic and oils from the pits and skins come across nicely. A delicate cross between and eau de vie, and a jenever gin in the grain like notes that so subtlety mix with the cherry.

Lightly oily but spicy dry cherry note coating the tongue with a entry and what seems to be a signature lovely mineral like finish/fade that is slightly drying with a pleasant warmth with the addition of an aromatic dry cherry with slightly woody notes, a touch of oils from the skins and a slight bitterness from the pits in a lovely integrated last and bouquet of delicacy and restraint.

A natural for swapping out Luxardo or Cherry Heering in many cocktails and also could be used instead of Creme Yvette or Creme de Violette for a drier alternative, and so good on its own at room temperature. It can also be swapped in for a vermouth, giving you colour but not the sweetness of a red, and less herbal than a white. Have fun! Works well with bourbon, rye and especially Mescal to make completely different cocktails. And not to mention lovely in a bone china teacup or good quality tasting glass straight up.

POLUGAR CHERRY