9:5:3

I'm not a vodka connoisseur by any means. In fact, I rarely drink it. That being said, I can tell rubbing alcohol from a quality vodka, and when put to the test, I will order up some Grey Goose.

Perhaps no longer.

Zyr might be my new favorite vodka, and indeed, one that stands a good chance of converting me into a vodka drinker. Zyr entered the U.S. market a few years back, and broke into the Commonwealth last year. I remember going to a local North End wine store sometime last year and there was a Zyr representative giving a tasting. At the time I thought it was a nice, smooth vodka. I had the opportunity to try it again a couple months back at a tasting at the Golden Goose during their annual fall Open House, along with many tasty foods and wine. This second tasting was side by side with Grey Goose, and I had to admit that the Zyr contrasted favorably with the Goose. It was smoother and had a more intriguing taste. I brought a bottle to a friend's holiday party recently and although nobody had seen it before, several people enjoyed it, including me - quite a bit.

I've only had Zyr on the rocks, and I think this is the best way to drink it. Icy cold, silky smooth, with enough taste to be interesting but not arresting. If you are a vodka drinker, definitely check out Zyr. It can definitely hold its own with the Goose.