A combination of wheat and rye grains. Firm, assertive aromas of grain mash, wheat biscuit and distant dried herbs enchant; aeration adds wet slate, minerals and seedless rye bread. Palate entry reflects the spirit's Russian heritage as the dry to off-dry taste of grain mash blankets the tongue in richly textured waves; potent but silky flavors of concentrated grain, breakfast cereal and black peppercorn impress at midpalate. Aftertaste is herbal and mildly sweet.