Double Cross Vodka 750ML is a 7-times-distilled, 7-times-filtered Slovak winter wheat vodka bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). It earned a 95-point "Highly Recommended" rating from Wine Enthusiast and a place on the publication's Top 50 Spirits of 2009 list — a rare distinction for any vodka. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof) | Origin: Stará Ľubovňa, Slovak Republic | Style: Ultra-Premium Winter Wheat Vodka | Distillery: Family-run distillery, Tatra Mountain foothills Production & Heritage Double Cross is produced at a family-run distillery in Stará Ľubovňa, a village dating to the 13th century nestled in the foothills of Slovakia's Tatra Mountains. The base spirit starts with 100% estate-grown winter wheat, which is distilled seven times and then filtered seven times through a proprietary sequence of diamond-dust micro-filters, active charcoal, and limestone. Water is drawn from aquifers roughly 200 feet below the Tatra Mountains, contributing to the vodka's notably clean, mineral-edged character — a production approach that sets it apart from most competitors relying on conventional charcoal filtration alone. Tasting Notes Aroma: Crystal clear in the glass with a grainy, dry, and delicate nose. Subtle layers of white pepper, lemon zest, and a faint hint of vanilla emerge as the spirit opens up. Taste: The entry is peppery and gently sweet without becoming cloying. At mid-palate, the vodka reveals vibrant, spicy notes reminiscent of snack crackers laced with pepper, black peppercorn, lemon zest, and mustard seed. A smooth, creamy texture carries the flavors without heaviness. Finish: The finish is silky and medium-length, concluding on a clean, citrusy note. Lingering white pepper and a whisper of vanilla fade gracefully without any harshness or burn. How to Drink Double Cross Sipping neat or slightly chilled is the most direct way to appreciate the diamond-dust filtration's effect on mouthfeel; a single large ice cube also works well to open up the citrus and pepper notes. Beyond straight pours, Double Cross holds its own in three classic cocktails: Vodka Martini: The peppery backbone and silky texture stand up to dry vermouth without disappearing into the mix. Lemon Drop: Natural lemon zest character harmonizes with fresh citrus juice rather than competing against it. Moscow Mule: The winter wheat sweetness and white pepper spice complement ginger beer's heat and keep the drink balanced. Best For Gifting a vodka enthusiast who already knows the mainstream premium brands Hosting a tasting flight comparing ultra-premium European vodkas Upgrading a home bar's flagship vodka for martini service Introducing adventurous drinkers to Central European distilling traditions Frequently Asked Questions What does Double Cross taste like? Double Cross leads with white pepper and a gentle, non-cloying sweetness, followed by lemon zest, cracked black peppercorn, and mustard seed at mid-palate, finishing silky and citrus-forward. How does Double Cross compare to Grey Goose? Both are wheat-based vodkas, but Double Cross undergoes seven distillations and seven filtrations — including diamond-dust micro-filtration — versus Grey Goose's single distillation process, resulting in a noticeably spicier, more textured profile. Wine Enthusiast scored Double Cross at 95 points, placing it among the highest-rated vodkas in its class. Is Double Cross good for sipping neat? Yes — the seven-step filtration produces an exceptionally smooth texture with no burn, making it one of the more rewarding vodkas to drink without any mixer or garnish. Where is Double Cross made? Double Cross is distilled at a family-run facility in Stará Ľubovňa, a 13th-century village in the Tatra Mountain foothills of the Slovak Republic. The distillery sources its water from deep aquifers beneath the Tatra range. What foods pair well with Double Cross? Smoked salmon and blini highlight the vodka's peppery edge. Fresh oysters complement its clean mineral finish. Aged hard cheeses like Gruyère match its creamy texture. Lemon-dressed ceviche echoes its citrus notes. Dark chocolate with sea salt plays off the sweet-and-spice balance. What sizes does Double Cross come in? Double Cross Vodka is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, which features a distinctive cross-shaped design that won a Gold medal for package design at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Is Double Cross worth the price? Double Cross positions as an ultra-premium vodka, and its 95-point Wine Enthusiast score, estate-grown grain, and diamond-dust filtration process provide tangible quality markers that justify its placement above mainstream premium brands in the category. Why Double Cross? The seven-by-seven production method — seven distillations followed by seven filtrations including diamond-dust micro-filters — is genuinely uncommon in the vodka world and produces a measurably different mouthfeel. F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal awarded it four stars with a "Highly Recommended" designation, and the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition gave it Gold for both taste and packaging. The use of 100% estate-grown winter wheat and Tatra Mountain spring water from 200-foot-deep aquifers means the distillery controls its supply chain from grain to glass. For drinkers who find mainstream premium vodkas interchangeable, Double Cross delivers a distinctly spicier, more textured alternative backed by critical recognition that few competitors in the category can match.
