Usually, the sight of my bank balance is enough to override any impulsive desires my taste-buds might have. But on one occasion I did 'splash out' (being careful not to physically splash anything out) and buy a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka from my local Tesco's store. For a 70 cl bottle, I paid £37.00 - which is more than double what I'd usually pay (for a moderate-quality brand like Glen's or Imperial), but I have to say that overall it was worth it!

The Background:
Apparently, Grey Goose was developed with the American middle/upper class market in mind. Sidney Frank, founder, took his idea for a premium vodka for the U.S. to France (where techniques had been perfected in the art of distillation and ingredients). Despite competition from other premium brands, Frank succeeded in integrating the vodka into American society - and now everywhere you look, the rich and famous are seen with Grey Goose on their tables. Rappers are inadvertently promoting the substance by mentioning it in songs and (I presume) drinking it... although I'm sure there's some clever corporate tinkering going on here. In 2004 the brand was sold to the Bacardi group for approximately 2.2 billion U.S. dollars, and it remains one of the most successful vodka brands in the world.

The Bottle:
It is made from seemingly top quality materials, including a clouded glass design, featuring white birds flying over an icey mountain range. The text is sleek and stylish (in accordance with the bottles slim design) and Christens the bottle neatly, not bombarding the (usually tipsy) drinker with too much information - the usual stuff is included, such as ABV (alcohol by volume), which is 40% for this product! Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Grey Goose bottle however, is its replaceable cork. Instead of a screw top, a cork with plastic tip is pulled from the bottle when a drink is required (in order to retain the full quality in taste of the vodka).

The Taste:
Unlike other brands, which tend to give in to the over-whelming, tongue-twisting power of alcohol on the taste buds, Grey Goose seems to have hit the hammer on the head, burying that usually bitter, spiky, heavy-hitting feature of vodka behind a wall of light aroma and taste clarity. You achieve a certain level of refreshment (odd though it sounds) from this French-crafted substance. Yes, the alcohol still makes known its piercing influence, but when mixed, the taste subsides, and only the good qualities of the vodka are sensed - its welcoming heat and temporary after-taste, and its smooth texture. The after-taste its self is light and it fades quickly, elongating the warmth experienced from each sip just that bit further than usual. Compared with lesser priced vodka's, the after-taste is far superior - it's actually an enjoyable thing!

In all, I found Grey Goose to be a lovely alternative to my usual preference of Glen's or Imperial vodka, which lack any sense of style or taste-finesse. In this case, cost brings quality, at £37 a 70 cl bottle, it's not often you get the chance to splash out on something like this, so make sure every sip is treasured - if not for the amount you paid, for the passion those distillers who have created something truly unique.

RATING: 4.5/5
PRICE: £37 - 70 cl
ABV: 40%
AVAILABILITY: tesco.com (and in-store).

Drink responsibly... a little goes a long way!