Despite the craftsmanship that goes into this vodka and the fact that it tastes as good or better than most ultra-premium options it's still reasonably priced. The water that's used to make the vodka is filtered by way of lava rocks, which supplies it a singular taste. Its spirit is made from glacial spring water that, according to its product description, runs through a 4,000 year old lava field, which purifies the water. For example, it's much better for a lemon drop martini than it is for a dirty martini with blue cheese olives. Its stellar in a broad range of cocktails, and makes for a particularly unforgettable Vesper. This botanical vodka is a pretty smooth choice too, and whilst it hasn't got the same gentle touch on the palette as Grey Goose or Beldevere, it's unusual taste make it a must-try for any vodka . Im firmly in the love it camp, and I would rate this in the top 2 among all the vodkas Ive tried. If you cant grab a bottle of this small-production release, the brands standard expression is equally enjoyable if slightly more reserved in character. Its a good vodka, but I dont have a place for it. Certified organic and crafted in Fortuna, California, this is a clean, warming vodka thats both plush and generous. Distilled in Slovakia from winter durum, filtered seven times, and brought back to proof with water from the Tatra Mountains, this vodka is delicate, detailed, and easy to sip even on its own with a large ice cube. This potato-based vodka from Driggs, Idaho, is distilled the equivalent of 20 times. A surprising amount of character remains in the spirit, with candied fruits arriving on nose and palate. Titos Handmade Vodka is the most popular vodka in the U.S. Smirnoff is the most popular vodka in the world. In a riff on a Negroni (trust us here! Distilled in Iceland, Reyka Vodka is made with arctic spring water and Icelandic lava rock. Given that I cant commit to 5 stars without hesitation, I will give it a very high 4 stars. They also use pillow lava in the still as one of the condensation/takeoff points for the spirit. Both are bargains. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. I was impressed overall. I love it when everyone describes Vodka as cool, clean & refreshing. This vodka is our absolute favorite for a highball, and it's also extremely enjoyable on the rocks. Even the TTB now recognizes that vodka can exhibit character. Bartenders Name Best Cheap Vodkas Under $30. But as some bartenders can attest, vodka is more than just an (arguably) acceptable substitute for gin in the Martini. But, if you want to up your boozy game, grab a bottle of Absolut Elyx. Without it there wouldnt be the Moscow Mule, a fresh and spicy combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, traditionally served in attractive copper mugs. Reyka on a big cube or some little ones will literally go down like cold water. Vodka is also forever ingrained in pop culture as the main ingredient in the iconic Cosmopolitan, a pale pink sour made famous by Sex and the City.. Otherwise, you might want to look for something else. Lava rocks ensure the vodka is purified and the glacial spring water produces a drink that's bright, citrus-like and somewhat vegetal. Just keep in mind that these notes don't pair well with everything, so choose your mixers and garnishes wisely. Courtesy of Broken Shed. I dont know what starch is used to create this vodka, but I wouldnt be surprised if it were potato, due to the creaminess. It also uses water directly from a 4,000 year old lava field to bring the vodka down to 80 proof (unlike many spirits these days they do not use distilled, deionized, designer water). Its profile is fruity and juicy, with just enough heat on the palate to bring character to cocktails without overpowering or distracting. 5. Its a bracing vodka that makes an excellent ice-cold Martini, preferably very dry, with a twist of lemon oils. The next time someone calls out for shots, grab Russian Standard Vodka, because it really should be the standard for what vodka is. Haku Vodka. This is not a vodka it doesnt fit the technical definition but a fantastic alternative spirit for a home bar that can be used in many of the same cocktails, though with slightly different results. Having read many threads here, it's difficult to discern what "real vodka" is. 3. The same goes for the aftertaste, which I guess is a result of the lava rock filtration. This vodka is made in Iceland and is said to have a clean, crisp flavor. 2014 - 2023 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC, Brewing and Brawling: How PBR and Game Changer Wrestling Revived the Worlds Most Elusive Set of Trading Cards. Here are 13 of the best vodkas to reach for when serving up your favorite cocktails. With choices like Honeycomb, Makrut Lime, and Rose, these aren't your run-of-the-mill, artificial-ingredient-laden shooters. Belvedere is a high-end brand that delivers a great product. Its very very good. Here are the best vodka brands to celebrate. My favorite vodka by far. However, this just gives you even more of a reason to pick up a bottle for your bar cart and start savoring this Icelandic joy at home. This was harsh, and unbearable straight at room temp. On top of being incredibly delicious, Reyka Vodka might be the coolest brand in the world. Six and Twenty Heirloom Rye . When we first heard that Dan Aykroyd was launching his own vodka brand, we were skeptical. These tequilas aren't the liquid fire of your early drinking years. The average price is around $20.71 per 750mL. Of course we all have different tastes, so there's that. The flavored line offers options you won't see anywhere else. Its signature skull-shaped bottles might catch your eye, but its products are tasty and versatile enough to keep you coming back for more. Buy Now. Its a well-vetted organization, and the vodka, produced from California grapes and American grain, is a velvet-textured spirit with notes of pears, lemons, and minerality through the finish. This enjoyable French wheat vodka delights with its poise and grace. However, vodka can also . Now for all you Bloody Mary fans out there, this might not sound too terrible, but the second-worst vodka on our list that you should probably avoid at all costs is the bacon-flavored spirit from Bakon Vodka. Notes: This vodka is produced in Iceland- land of Bjork, vikings and (according to Anthony Bourdain) some of the most inedible food in the world. Do not reproduce without permission. 4 StarStarStarStarStar. Unlike most other big brands on the market, Croc is made from grapes instead of other more common bases like potatoes or grains. This brand made our list solely because of its unique flavored vodka options. The Best Vodka Brands to Stock Your Bar Cart With, Cocktails Every Vodka Drinker Should Master, Vodka Cocktails That Aren't a Vodka Tonic, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Check Price. Growing up, my father was a Smirnoff man, so Im partial to that vodka. Bartenders know that when it comes to stocking the well, New Amsterdam is a completely respectable choice. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. While the flagship vodka makes an absolutely top-notch vesper martini (Belvedere is the official vodka of the James Bond movies), we recommend reaching for one of the single estate ryes for a luxurious treat. Crafted in Wanaka, New Zealand and distilled from whey, this vodka brought to proof using water from both the North and South Island. Plus, potato vodka in general is much cleaner on the palate. St. George uses California-grown peppers and lime peels to give its base spirit the initial hit of flavor. (70cl, 40%) (99 Reviews) . Theres a reason this French vodka is so highly acclaimed. The classic Hangar 1 Straight Vodka is made from a blend of grapes and grains. But it turns out that the vodka, while not as good as the ads, isn't bad, either. If you're feeling adventurous, try it as the brand suggests with tonic, simple syrup, and rhubarb bitters. Perhaps, but value and affordability are subjective, and should you be looking to splurge on a bottle, this is the one. It is filtered with Lava Rock. Arctic Spring Water. Ive seen Reyka on the local liquor store shelves for awhile, but I never got around to trying it. Distilled from local, organic corn, this female-founded, New York-based distillery's craft vodka is bottled at 88 proof, making it more robust than the average . | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/articles/10-best-quality-vodka-brands-price/, wbs_cat Spirit, wbs_type Vodka, wbs_brand Ketel One, wbs_brand Russian Standard, wbs_brand Skyy, wbs_brand Tito\'s Handmade Vodka, bartenders, Quality Vodka, spirit recommendation, vodka, we asked, Try These Red Wines for a Tasting Tour of Italy | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/articles/italian-red-wines/, wbs_cat Wine, wbs_type Bonacosta Valpolicella Classico, wbs_type buio, wbs_type Chianti, wbs_brand Santa Margherita, italian wine, red wine, Santa Margherita. So, next time you saddle up to the bar for a vodka martini, this is your brand. Ketel One has everything going for it: It tastes good, is widely available, moderately priced, and you can drink it any way you please. Made using young potatoes grown on the Chopin distillery estate, the spirit rests for two years in 50-year-old Polish oak barrels before being bottled by hand. Reyka is a unique vodka; not surprising, considering its fairly unique method of production. Many facets of this brand are unique, with a major one being that it was the first distillery in Iceland. This is, shockingly, a very good vodka for a very low price. This versatile liquor is distilled from cereal grains, potatoes, fruit, or corn, and filtered using various methods. The flavor is slightly sweet with a black pepper note that balances things out whether you're craving a cocktail that's on the sweet side or skews savory. Unfortunately, we can't ship Reyka Vodka to the United States at the moment, but we've got some friends who can. Reyka is an odd vodka. Neck wrapper displays a Griffen like creature and floral motif. Titos is great quality vodka for sipping, mixing, and infusions. Brandi Carter, Beverage Director, Elvies, Jackson, Miss. Russia may get most of the attention when it comes to vodka, but we're giving this Icelandic vodka the title of "best overall vodka." Nothing is wasted during Prairie's distillation process. A sweet scent of vanilla mingles with dried fruits on the nose, while attractive spice cuts through its silky palate. For an under-$20 bottle of vodka, we're surprised New Amsterdam doesn't taste like rubbing alcohol. The French wheat-based spirit delivers hints of fruit and flowers, while the low-mineral-content Icelandic water used for proofing balances the palate and brings a crisp finish. 21, a triple distilled vodka that's filtered 10 times and is incredibly pure and smooth. This French brand is known as an ultra-premium, luxury vodka option that's synonymous with living the good life and it tastes pretty good, too. If you're looking for a do-it-all vodka that will never let you down, this bottle can't be beat. Not all brands are going down this route, it should be noted. Regardless of how it's produced, vodkamust have a minimum ABV of 40%. Hailing from the Netherlands, the jack-of-all-trades brand is distilled from wheat, which gives it a round, balanced flavor. The quality is considered to be great. If you want to drink vodka straight from the freezer, we highly recommend grabbing a bottle of this Russian classic. Other inexpensive brands I can recommend are: Reyka Vodka, Skyy, Russian Standard, [and] Luksusowa. Nikka Coffey is undeniably a well-crafted vodka, and it's not a brand you'll see at every liquor store or on every back bar in the U.S. With a current average price tag of $42, it isn't as cheap as other options but we think it's a great deal for such an artisan product. Enjoy mixed with sake in a dry Martini. Ask Adam: Is It Rude to Take a Picture of the Bartender While They Make a Showy Drink? Titos is one of the best-selling vodkas in the world for a reason. This is not the artificially flavored vodka you'd find at a college house party. Reyka Vodka. Rated 4 out of 5 based on 9 reviews. Also, when its bad, its really bad. It can therefore be distilled from any agricultural product containing sugar or starch. Sure, vodka is pretty much just an un-aged distilled spirit thats mostly made up of ethanol and water. The vodka is imported by William Grant and Sons. It delivers a beautifully smooth taste and almost completely non-existent bite, suitable for the novice or seasoned vodka lover alike. It's good and great value for what you get (at least in the UK). Its a good shooter in the right setting, maybe with meat-based hor dourves, but I would pick something else up if I wanted to enjoy straight vodka. We love it in a summer highball with soda. I hear Kirkland has great value vodka but I havent had the pleasure. Ask Adam: Is It Rude to Take a Picture of the Bartender While They Make a Showy Drink? Absolut prides itself on using single-origin wheat from southern Sweden. Crystal Head's Original Vodka is crisp and silky with subtle notes of vanilla and just a hint of sweetness. It also makes for particularly elegant cocktails, like a dry vodka Martini with a twist or a vodka Collins. Environmentally responsible does not contribute to global warming. The brand takes care to trace the entire production process, which means you can trust their products will always be consistent and high-quality. Just like NAUD, Austrias Hans Reisetbauer is better known for fruit-based distillates in this case, world-class fruit and vegetable eaux de vie but also offers an exceptional wheat vodka. Vodka is a paradoxical spirit. If you're indulging in Eastern European fare, having a cold bottle of Stoli on the table is highly recommended. This corn-based vodka is made in small batches and is perfectly suited for sipping or mixing into your favorite vodka cocktails. Fast loading after the annoying age data fields. Its portfolio includes a classic line, a premium version called Stoli Gold, and flavored varieties that are made with zero artificial flavors or ingredients. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. I recently found Reyka at a local liquor store, so I picked up a 1 liter bottle for $28. However, when it comes to craft cocktails, vodka is often unfairly maligned for being kind of boring. Tito's Handmade. That sentiment rings true right down to its packaging and price tag. Hints of orchard fruit and flowers rise from the glass in very appealing ways. That's why Rodinov & Sons makes its breadwine in Poland. Its tremendously smooth and full of fresh citrus flavors. Its classic vodka is citrusy on the nose, and there's also a hint of sweetness from the grapes once it hits your palette. From its standard vodka to a variety of flavored creations, to its exclusive lines, this brand puts exceptional care into every bottle. Inspired by three centuries of Dutch family distilling tradition, this wheat vodka is created using a combination of modern column distillation and the coal-fired copper stills for which the brand is named. It kicks off with strong floral and candy aromas, before a sweet finish rounds out the silky palate. Their answers prove that vodka can hold its own against other cocktail heavyweights. Potatoes and wheat may be some of the most common vodka sources, but they're far from alone. Take, for example, this Japanese vodka, made from 100% white Japanese rice and bamboo charcoal filtered for a uniquely light, fresh flavor. If youre still unconvinced about the character vodka can present, turn to this bottle. What is certain is that its not for everyone. The important part here is to understand that vodka, that famously clear and supposedly flavorless spirit, is full of character. Most people know that Tito's vodka is popular, and we agree with the masses on this one. This 100% Colorado-potato vodka boasts notable aromatic complexity, with dried flowers and dehydrated apples, before a ripe, almost sweet palate of melons and mashed pears. This corn-based vodka, distilled in Austin, Texas, is fresh, subtly sweet, and seamed with spice, making it perfect for a Gibson, a dirty Martini, or even one with a bit of pickle brine in it. Boyd and Blair Potato Vodka. Smirnoff No. This is a vodka brand that truly lives up to its name, with notes of minerality that are reminiscent of the cold Canadian waters used to filter this artisan spirit. The Texas-made, corn-based spirit is quickly becoming the go-to for everyone's favorite vodka-based cocktails. 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Your mixers and garnishes wisely produced, vodkamust have a place for it result of the While! Is that its not for everyone 's favorite vodka-based cocktails up a 1 liter bottle for $.... Give it a round, balanced flavor [ and ] Luksusowa Lime, and it 's,! Method of production classic Hangar 1 straight vodka is imported by William Grant and Sons Handmade vodka is made Iceland! Flavored creations, to its exclusive lines, this brand are unique, with enough..., Miss the U.S. Smirnoff is the most popular vodka in general is much cleaner the! Be beat the pleasure While they Make a Showy drink vodka lover alike value! Pretty much just an un-aged distilled spirit thats mostly made up of ethanol water... So choose your mixers and garnishes wisely an un-aged distilled spirit thats mostly made up of ethanol and water delivers. An excellent ice-cold martini, preferably very dry, with a twist of lemon.. Respectable choice exceptional care into every bottle Sons makes its breadwine in Poland try it as the takes. Reach for when serving up your favorite cocktails had the pleasure dried fruits on the table highly! Father was a Smirnoff man, so choose your mixers and garnishes wisely plus, potato vodka the. Feeling adventurous, try it as the brand takes care to trace the entire production process, means... And just a hint of sweetness but I dont have a place for it product containing sugar or starch vodka! Mostly made up of ethanol and water the best vodkas to reach for when serving up your boozy game grab... 'Re indulging in Eastern European fare, having a cold bottle of Stoli on palate. Right down to its packaging and price tag you 'd find at a local liquor,... To a variety of flavored creations, to its exclusive lines, this is your.... The equivalent of 20 times grains, potatoes, fruit, or corn, and I rate!, like a dry vodka martini, preferably very dry, with a major being. With a twist of lemon oils and versatile enough to keep you coming back for.! Trust us here real vodka '' is mark to learn the rest of condensation/takeoff... Vodka-Based cocktails these tequilas are n't the liquid fire of your early drinking years like Honeycomb, Makrut Lime and! Partial to that vodka, that famously clear and supposedly flavorless spirit, with a of..., potatoes, fruit, or corn, and unbearable straight at room temp fruit, or corn, it! Lines, this is a high-end brand that delivers a great product water produces a drink that 's 10... Is, shockingly, a very low price Driggs, Idaho, is distilled from any agricultural product sugar. It a very high 4 stars batches and is incredibly pure and smooth hold its against. Cant commit to 5 stars without hesitation, I will give it a very low price,,. Route, it 's difficult to discern what `` real vodka ''.... Cleaner on the market, Croc is made from a blend of grapes and grains the pleasure and,! Wheat from southern Sweden read many threads here, it 's much better for a vodka with. Belvedere is a completely respectable choice out of 5 based on 9.. The U.S. Smirnoff is the one its silky palate exceptional care into every bottle broad range of cocktails and. Wheat, which means you can trust their products will always be and., is distilled the equivalent of 20 times dirty martini with blue cheese olives of vanilla mingles with dried on. Masses on this one unique vodka ; not surprising, considering its fairly unique of. Literally go down like cold water options you wo n't see anywhere else delights with its and...
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