LUSH LIFE

Enter the VODBOX, domain of Nic's Vodka proprietor Larry Nicola. Breathe a frosty sight as you peruse the dozens of top-shelf vodkas available to connoisseurs and the curious. If you need expert guidance, here are Larry's Top 5 picks--given with the aplomb only a vodkateur could muster.

Kauffman - It's the only vintage vodka in the world. The wheat crop has to be stellar--only the best--or they won't make it that year. It's made from a lux mash and distilled 14 times. It's probably the most expensive vodka in the world--we sell it for $65 martini, $45 a shot.

Yuluvka - It's Polish, and made from barley, wheat and rye. It's exquisite vodka. Some vodkas are distilled a lot, but that one's only 3 times. They say vodkas don't have any taste, but this one does. It's full-bodied and luscious... really, one of the sexiest vodkas.

Russian Standard - A winter wheat distillation. I would say this is a very creamy vodka. It has cream on the finish, whereas sister brand Imperia is sharp and straightforward.

Jewel of Russia - A really elegant vodka. It has a beautiful hand painted bottle, and is a real novelty vodka. Very clean, very pristine taste, made from winter wheat (which is harvested when winter comes, and is hardier, with a bit more flavor to it).

Krol - The name means King in Polish, and this is a Polish late-harvest rye. Kind of like a grape that is harvested late into the season, if the rye stays on the sheaf a little longer it ripens and is sweeter.