Exclusiv Vodka 1.75L

Exclusiv Vodka 1.75L is a Moldovan wheat vodka bottled at 40% ABV in a generous 1.75-liter format. This expression earned a 90-point rating and Best Buy designation from the Beverage Tasting Institute, plus a Double Gold medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — remarkable accolades for a vodka in this value tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Moldova  |  Style: Wheat Vodka  |  Grain: 100% Winter Wheat  |  Filtration: Charcoal

Production & Heritage

Exclusiv draws on Moldova's long tradition of spirit production, following traditional Russian distillation methods refined over generations. The vodka is made from 100% winter wheat — the softest variety among commonly used wheat grains — which contributes a naturally velvety texture and clean finish. The distillate undergoes charcoal filtration to strip away harshness while preserving the subtle grain character that distinguishes it from corn- or potato-based vodkas.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with gentle almond nougat and sweet cream, followed by a layer of delicate minerals and a whisper of crisp citrus and anise. There is a subtle mocha undertone that adds unexpected depth for a vodka at this price point.

Taste: The entry is wide and inviting on the palate, revealing pronounced but refined grain sweetness that spreads across the tongue. Mid-palate brings a touch of milk-like creaminess alongside white pepper spice and a faint bitter bite that adds structure. Notes of dried cherry and powdered sugar emerge as the vodka warms.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish carries sweet grain flavors that linger alongside a lightly peppery fade. A final note of honey and delicate cream rounds out the experience, leaving the palate clean and smooth.

How to Drink Exclusiv

Chilled and neat, Exclusiv reveals its full grain character and creamy texture — a worthwhile way to appreciate the winter wheat base. The 1.75L handle format also makes it a practical anchor for a home bar. A Moscow Mule benefits from the vodka's peppery edge, which complements ginger beer without fighting it. In a Vodka Martini, the almond nougat and cream notes add subtle body that stands up to dry vermouth. For a White Russian, the existing mocha and sweet cream aromatics dovetail naturally with coffee liqueur and cream.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar with a versatile, award-winning everyday vodka
• Hosting cocktail parties where volume and consistent quality both matter
• Blind-tasting challenges against premium-priced competitors
• Mixing large-batch punches and pitchers for seasonal gatherings

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Exclusiv Vodka taste like? Exclusiv leads with sweet cream, almond nougat, and soft grain flavors, balanced by white pepper spice and a clean honey finish. It drinks smoother and more textured than most vodkas in its price range.

How does Exclusiv Vodka compare to Grey Goose? Both are wheat-based vodkas with creamy, smooth profiles, and Exclusiv has been noted by reviewers as a credible stand-in for Grey Goose at a fraction of the cost. Grey Goose, distilled in France's Picardy region, tends to carry a slightly more pronounced citrus and floral character, while Exclusiv leans into nougat and grain sweetness.

Is Exclusiv Vodka good for cocktails? Its clean finish and neutral-to-slightly-sweet profile make Exclusiv an excellent cocktail vodka, capable of blending seamlessly into both citrus-forward and cream-based drinks. The 1.75L size is especially practical for frequent cocktail use.

Where is Exclusiv Vodka made? Exclusiv is produced in Moldova, a small Eastern European country bordered by Romania and Ukraine with a centuries-old tradition of grain distillation. The vodka follows traditional Russian recipes using locally sourced winter wheat.

What foods pair well with Exclusiv Vodka? Smoked salmon and blini complement the creamy grain notes. Caviar or briny oysters contrast the vodka's gentle sweetness. Sharp aged cheeses like Parmesan stand up to the peppery finish. Pickled vegetables and charcuterie mirror the Eastern European heritage. Dark chocolate highlights the subtle mocha undertones.

What sizes does Exclusiv Vodka come in? Exclusiv Vodka is available in a standard 750ml bottle and the larger 1.75L handle size, which is the format reviewed here.

Is Exclusiv Vodka worth the price? Exclusiv positions squarely as a value-tier vodka that punches well above its weight — a 90-point BTI score and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition are rare achievements for any spirit at this price level. It represents one of the strongest values in the wheat vodka category.

Why Exclusiv?

Few vodkas under ten dollars earn a 90-point Beverage Tasting Institute rating and a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, yet Exclusiv has collected both. The use of soft winter wheat — rather than harder spring wheat or rye — gives this Moldovan spirit a naturally rounder, more velvety mouthfeel that reviewers consistently compare to bottles costing three to four times as much. In the 1.75L format, that value proposition scales up considerably, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to keep a quality wheat vodka on hand. For drinkers who care about what is in the glass rather than what is on the label, Exclusiv is a serious contender.