Jewel of Russia Ultra Black Vodka Limited Edition
40% ABV (80 proof) | 750mL | Limited edition | Hand-painted bottle, artist-signed — Jewel of Russia Ultra Black Vodka Limited Edition is as much art object as spirit: each bottle is hand-painted in the traditional Russian Palekh lacquer miniature style, individually signed by the artist, and finished with a dome-like hand-painted cap — the scenes change regularly, making every bottle a collector's piece. Inside is Ultra vodka built on an ancient recipe: hard winter wheat and rye, distilled five times, then given additional rectification through a slow five-stage filtration using specially modified charcoal made from peach and apricot stones. Roughly 2,000 bottles a month reach the U.S. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
This is a vodka of character, not neutrality: cracked black peppercorn, faint aniseed, lemon zest, and bready aromas on the nose; a slightly oily, sweet opening that gives way to an aggressive black-pepper spice attack on the finish. Among premium Russian vodkas, Ultra Black stands out for its old-world production and its packaging — a "Superb" from Wine Enthusiast and Vodka of the Year from Food & Wine, in a bottle you'll keep long after it's empty.
Tasting notes
Nose: cracked black pepper, faint aniseed, lemon zest, bready aromas. Palate: slightly oily and sweet up front, aggressive black-pepper spice. Finish: peppery, warming, lingering. (Per brand/importer notes.)
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 40% ABV (80 proof) — 750mL
- Hard winter wheat and rye; 5x distilled, 5-stage peach/apricot-stone charcoal filtration
- Hand-painted Palekh-style bottle, individually artist-signed
- Limited edition — ~2,000 bottles/month U.S. availability
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Well chilled or over a large cube for sipping; stands up to a classic Martini or Vodka Soda.
Frequently asked questions
Is each bottle really hand-painted?
Yes — every Limited Edition bottle carries a traditional Russian miniature painting, signed by the individual artist, with a hand-painted dome cap.
What makes it "Ultra"?
The spirit undergoes additional rectification beyond the standard recipe — a slow five-stage filtration through charcoal made from peach and apricot stones, a proprietary technique of the Chernogolovka distillery.
What does it taste like?
Bold and spicy for a vodka — cracked black pepper, aniseed, and lemon zest over a grainy base, with a peppery finish.
Is this the same as Jewel of Russia Ultra Vodka?
Related but distinct — the Ultra Black Limited Edition is the hand-painted, artist-signed collector's bottling.