Another superb vodka came to my attention, this one of a more modern wheat/rye composition. Zyr (pronounced Zēr) is super-clean and has a long-lingering smoothness on the tongue. This has a lot more heft to it than other vodkas I've tasted recently, perhaps because it is distilled five times before the proof adjustment with water. The character of a grain-based vodka also is very different than one made from potatoes, I'm discovering. There is also a touch of sweetness on the palate that would make for a very fine cocktail. Recommended.
This reminded me a lot of the vodkas I remember drinking in Poland, where I had an amazing journey in the Solidarity-heavy days before Lech Walesa was elected President of the Republic of Poland.
You're best treating this with a light touch, namely an excellent martini. Here's my take on it.
Fool-Proof In-n-Out Martini
for making one drink
Prep a martini glass by filling it with ice while you prepare the cocktail. In a shaker, put in a handful of ice. Without needing to measure, put a nice big splash of white vermouth (I like Noilly Prat) and coat the ice nicely using a bar spoon. Then, drain out the vermouth into the sink, and add 2 oz of ZYR vodka (or your favorite gin, if you prefer), and STIR for 30 seconds or so with your spoon. Toss out the ice in the glass and strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with a good stuffed olive, or tiny sliver of lemon peel. Serves one.