Level Vodka is Absolut’s contribution to the super-premium vodka line. Level is achieved by a proprietary combination of continuous and batch distillation to form a perfect balance of smoothness and character: a new level of vodka. Mind you, all of this comes right off the outside of the bottle. The bottle certainly is pleasant to observe. It is simple yet elegant; sure to impress.
Vodkas can be tricky to smell. I find it difficult to pick out the subtle aromas of vodkas due the overwhelming rubbing alcohol smell. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. It makes me flash back to my childhood memories of bicycle crashes and mom administering “first aid.” Believe me, this stuff does not treat you the same as mom did. The first sniff hits you right up front with that distinct vodka aroma. I had to back off a little to catch some of the more subtle aromas of citrus, but not sour or sweet. I would describe it as more bitter like the way the peel smells. I know bitter is for tastes and not smells, but it makes sense when you smell Level Vodka.
On to the good stuff; sipping it was really very smooth. Absolut advertises Level as ”Beyond Smooth,” and they’re not lying. Well, maybe it’s not beyond smooth since I don’t know what that means, but it’s still smooth. I’m not a huge vodka drinker, but I must admit that Level is some good stuff. The taste has that slight citrus flavor and bitterness you catch when smelling it. On the way down it does not burn. I would say it’s warming. The aftertaste lingers just long enough for you to enjoy it and then dissipates cleanly.
Now I’ll get to the best part: the mixing and drinking. We first tried mixing Level and Sprite, which turned out to be fairly good, but there was still something about the vodka that stood out unfavorably. It needed something different. I decided that tonic was just the key. A half-and-half Level vodka-tonic with a little twist of lime turned out to be exactly what I wanted out of this vodka. This improved on my initial impressions of the Level mixability. This mixture made for a very tasty beverage that went down oh so easy. After the four required drinks, I had quite a nice buzz. I would describe it as soothing and smooth; again with the smooth I know, but it’s true. No harsh buzz from this one and no pre-headache that accompanies some of the cheap stuff. In fact, I can’t recall having any real repercussions the next morning besides a bit of dry mouth. Level definitely burns well and burns clean.
Clocking in at 80 proof with a bit of a hefty $37 price tag, this vodka might scare off some, but it really is worth the little bit extra. Grab some friends and a bit of their money and enjoy!
Sipability - 6.0
Mixability - 7.0
Drunkability - 7.5
Hangover-ability - 8.0
Bang for the Buck - 5.0
Overall - 7.0 
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A side note. There was a very well lets say “silly” drink girl at a casino we visited that would not budge on the idea that this vodka was name Level 1 . She was sure and refused to believe anything else. The whole story is rather funny. Check the forums to read about it in detail.
if you get a chance, try a little 42 below. i’ve found a lot of what’s good in some of the cleaner premium vodkas is done even better with 42 below, although that said i find vodkas of this ilk (think absolut, smifnoff black, 42 below etc) a little without character. to me, these vodkas are simply the alcohol content in a good mixed drink, rather than the heart of it.
for a nice, smooth vodka, i would go with wyborowa single estate.
for something different as a mixer, absolut peppar
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