I'm a big fan of martinis, in case you didn't read my post reviewing various cocktail olives. As such, I'm always on the lookout for spirits in the $10-15 range, so I can enjoy my fine libation of choice without becoming a pauper. (And yes, I drink vodka martinis as well as true martinis.)

I stumbled upon KU:L vodka (I pronounce it COOL) at a local grocery store here in the Chicagoland area. It was a whopping $8.99. For that kind of money, I usually imagine something in a plastic bottle wrapped up in a paper bag, suitable only for swilling on street corners or downing immediately after being dumped. So I bought it.
 
You see, deep inside, I'm always hoping that one of these budget buys will taste excellent, and be of superior quality due to the brand's lack of marketing, efficient manufacturing styles, etc. Often, I'm met with a liquor whose price is matched by its quality... horrible. But this time, rather than tasting like the ass of some sweaty carnie at your local county fair, KU:L was fabulous.
 
I'm not an expert, and you won't hear me using terms like "mouthfeel," peaty," "nose," or "hints of almond and peppercorns." All I can say is that it's smoother than Smirnoff, not as smooth as top shelf vodkas such as Grey Goose, but somewhere in the middle - similar to Svedka. What it offers over Svedka, though, is a deliciously sweet aftertaste that's left on your tongue. Yum.
 
All in all, KU:L is great in a martini either neat or, how I like them, with a tiny drop of vermouth and an olive - and I imagine it would be nearly tasteless in a mixed drink. Judging by the activity on their Twitter account, I'm thinking that they're based locally in Chicago and have yet to branch out to other markets. If you see it, give it a shot - I don't think you'll be disappointed.
 
And watch out for those carnies.