BiVi Sicilian Vodka
The Data
Category Vodka/Aquavit
Sub-Category Vodka
Origin Sicily
Retail Price $29.99
ABV 40%
Score 2 Stars/Serviceable
In the Glass
Appearance
Brilliant, crystal clear.
Aromatics
The nose is soft and delicate with notes of chalk and mineral in the lead with citrus zest accents.
Flavor
The palate is not at all what the nose had promised delivering a hot and rather angular attack with pithy lemon notes married with white pepper.
Intensity & Texture
Subtle on the nose and fiery on the palate.
Cool Factor
While the introduction of new Vodka brands has slowed in the current marketplace from it's breakneck pace of years past, Vodka is still largely a commodity Spirit and must dazzle to impress.
Value Grade
At $30 a bottle this will not excite the value seekers in the category.
Analysis
This is far from the first, nor will it be the last, celebrity Spirits brand. BiVi is presented by actor Chazz Palminteri. After trying BiVi I must say that I am a much bigger fan of Mr. Palminteri's work on stage and screen than I am of his Vodka. It's produced in the Sicily with Semolina wheat and local water. As Vodka is often about the "story" this product is meant to evoke images of the Rat Pack era building a lore based on the "Olive Story" (I'll let you look that up). In the end the Vodka is too angular and disjointed on the palate for my liking while I love the subtle and complex nose.
How to Enjoy
Use the BiVi in your favorite Vodka cocktail such as a Cosmopolitan or a Bloody Mary.