Russian Std Imperial 700ml Tasting Notes: It's clearly a Russian, grain-based vodka, though not too strong at 80 proof. All that distilling and filtering leaves it with a very faint flavor. If you're looking for an utterly neutral spirit to blend cocktails with, you've found it. Imperia is left with very little on its own, just a slight bitter-sweetness and a faint taste of almonds, followed by a mild rubbing alcohol finish. You could really sip this all day like water.