Beluga Noble is a popular choice that has notes of oatmeal, vanilla, and honey. 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. Copyright 2008 - 2021 Robert Brodrecht, unless otherwise noted. 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. The brand's whipped cream flavor is particularly popular, and if you ever find yourself wanting to make your coffee a little stronger, this is the way to spike your cup of joe. Many individuals benefit from the style of Reyka vodka and discover it to be a good high quality vodka. Call me old fashioned, but even compared to all the new vodkas that have been flooding the market in recent years, Im a sucker for Ketel One. Crafted in Wanaka, New Zealand and distilled from whey, this vodka brought to proof using water from both the North and South Island. Here are 13 of the best vodkas to reach for when serving up your favorite cocktails. So, next time you saddle up to the bar for a vodka martini, this is your brand. From France to Sweden to Poland and even the U.S., these high-quality vodkas are perfectly suited for slow sipping or mixing into your favorite cocktails. Fast forward to yesterday at my home. Its disgusting. Six and Twenty Heirloom Rye . From bloody marys to classic martinis and cosmos, these are the best vodkas to stock your bar with. (To get a real sense of the nuances, the brand also distills bottles made of wheat and rye, the other two original vodka sources, for a night of serious taste-testing.). Its vodka comes out tasting vegetal, slightly floral and citrusy. 10. Photo: Smirnoff. Just: Goose. Very little burn and mixes well with anything you want it to. A wine lovers vodka. Titos is great quality vodka for sipping, mixing, and infusions. Brandi Carter, Beverage Director, Elvies, Jackson, Miss. This column- and pot-distilled wheat vodka charms with a rounded, balanced profile. The grain spirit takes lead on the nose, while the palate delivers a whisper of eau de vie and luxurious texture. drizly.com. Sadly this way of thinking has affected vodka's reputation. The vodka isnt terribly assertive but I can definitely taste the vodka, especially in the aftertaste. We admire this craft spirit and its versatility in various different cocktails. Certified organic and crafted in Fortuna, California, this is a clean, warming vodka thats both plush and generous. Its a good vodka, but I dont have a place for it. This Cognac producer may be better versed in the realm of grape distillates but we also love its clean, mineral-rich wheat vodka. Jean Marc XO Vodka. This is not the artificially flavored vodka you'd find at a college house party. The water that is used to make the vodka is filtered through lava rocks, which gives it a unique flavor. Further bursts of orchard fruit and citrus emerge on the palate, making this an ideal candidate for elevated Lemon Drops. 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. Though recent years have seen a surge of creative vodka ingredients making their way to the market, potato remains one of the classics of the style. It's smooth and inoffensive, and the sweetness from the corn lends itself well to anything from a martini to a Moscow mule. Reyka is a 40% ABV vodka from Iceland. While this will work in a range of cocktails, its easily good enough to sip on its own. Thats why we decided to rank the ten best vodkas. The Best Bang For Buck Value Vodkas According To Bartenders: Ketel One Vodka. Founded in Russia in 1864, this vodka remains the top world's top seller for its easy-drinking mouthfeel and neutral flavor profile (it's triple distilled and filtered ten times) that lets it pair effortlessly in any cocktail. Tito's is one of the best-selling vodkas in the world for a reason. It kicks off with strong floral and candy aromas, before a sweet finish rounds out the silky palate. One of the most unique characteristics ofNikka Coffey Vodka is that it's distilled from a blend of corn and barley. It is filtered with Lava Rock. This California vodka (distilled in a converted WWII-era aircraft hangarthus the name) is made using a blend of wine grapes and Midwestern grain for a smooth spirit with hints of fruit on the palate and florals on the nose which make it a particularly good pairing for sweeter cocktails. These (the few left in existince that is) are usually used in making gin due to its internal complexity and condensation points within the still head. Rating: 8. Its smooth on the swallow with the same slightly sweet flavor left on my tongue. Its distilled from the whey thats left over from dairy production, and has a distinct coconut custard-like character alongside notes of orange creamsicle, mashed bananas, and vanilla pastry crme. At 44% ABV, the brand claims its overproof vodka is an homage and honor to the bold women for which it was named. 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When it comes to .css-gegin5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#9a0500;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-gegin5:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}cocktail-making few spirits are as versatile as vodka. This vodka is our absolute favorite for a highball, and it's also extremely enjoyable on the rocks. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. These tequilas aren't the liquid fire of your early drinking years. 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. In the case of the latter, the leading examples not only arrive without aromas or flavors from their base distillates, but provide the enjoyable buzz of alcohol without leaving a hint of ethanol on nose or palate. Reply Published February 14, 2015 8:20 pm. You might hate it or love it, but you need to try it. On-the-go types love this corn-based vodka for its glass-free packaging, which makes it perfect for days at the beach, in the park, or by the pool. Absolut Vodka Elyx is hard to go past if you're looking to enjoy a premium wheat vodka crafted with commitment to quality and innovation. Reyka is an odd vodka. This enjoyable French wheat vodka delights with its poise and grace. For example, it's much better for a lemon drop martini than it is for a dirty martini with blue cheese olives. He writes primarily about food and drink and has had his work appear on Uproxx, Thrillist, Food & Wine, Paste, Maxim, Men's Journal and a handful of others. You cant go wrong with a bottle of Absolut Vodka. The 100-percent rye spirit costs less than $20 for a liter bottle, and compared to comparable vodkas in that price range, Wodka is far superior. For those who prefer to drink their vodka straight, it's worth upgrading to the luxury copper bottleAbsolut Elyx. The iconic original Absolut Vodka is crisp and pure, with a reasonable current average price of just $20. Although vodka used to be defined simply as a clear, colorless spirit that doesn't have a distinct flavor or aroma, in 2020 theAlcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) officially dropped the requirement that it must be neutral. The smoothness of [] Mix in an ice-cold Martini. Made from European wheat and distilled in copper pot stills before being charcoal filtered, this vodka is clear, crisp, and perfectly sippable on its own. Their ultra-luxe Elyx range is even sourced from grains from a single estate and manually distilled in a vintage copper still to create an extra-smooth spirit that's perfect for martinis and other vodka-forward cocktail applications. It's good and great value for what you get (at least in the UK). Croc alsooffers a few flavors as well as limited edition vodkas that can make fun additions to your bar cart. Polish rye is used to create this brand's line of iconic vodkas. Hailing from the Netherlands, the jack-of-all-trades brand is distilled from wheat, which gives it a round, balanced flavor. While it may not be the least expensive vodka on the market, Im happy to shell out a little extra for a top-notch product made by a company that does significantly more to mitigate production-related water waste than most other vodka brands. Laura Newman, Owner, Queens Park, Birmingham, Ala. Haku from Japan. Its revolting. Despite Smirnoff's Russian name and origins, its vodka is distilled across the globe (via Metro). Given that I cant commit to 5 stars without hesitation, I will give it a very high 4 stars. I mixed Reyka with sweet tea. American Liquor Co. makes its vodka by blending together a mix: Wheat vodkas from Ohio's Middle West Spirits and Illinois' Stumpy Spirits. Interesting if somewhat exotic other recipes. 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. As part of the larger Beam-Suntory family, it's one of the many Japanese spirits that are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. Hakumade its American debut in 2018, and we believe this is a brand to keep an eye on. Based in upstate New York, Harridan vodka is made using 100% organic, local corn. Ask a Bartender: Should I Use Waxed or Unwaxed Lemons for Cocktails? It's slightly like drinking water with a tinge of burning on the way down. Most people know that Tito's vodka is popular, and we agree with the masses on this one. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. RSP was 2-3 bucks more. A small batch and hand crafted at Icelands only vodka distillery it is produced by using geothermal heat for distillation-making it about as eco-friendly as you can get. Here are the best vodka brands to celebrate. There is a bit more initial bite than I have become accustomed to from my go-to at-home inexpensive vodka, Luksusowa, which detracts slightly from the overall experience. The result is a pure, crisp, sweet vodka. It's fresh, sweet and spicy, and every ingredient that goes into its construction is fully on play. Unlike most other big brands on the market, Croc is made from grapes instead of other more common bases like potatoes or grains. If you're using a nice enough mixer, you probably won't even notice that you aren't drinking top-shelf. Drinks:Excellent martini that stands up to an olive. But it turns out that the vodka, while not as good as the ads, isn't bad, either. Price: $ 23.00 750 ML. It can now be made in a range of styles and flavors while still being legally considered "vodka" in the U.S. But, when its good, vodka can be full of flavor and exceptionally smooth. But there are hoards of brands out there that are distilling vodkas that more closely resemble the polugar that was once held in high regard. Gordon's . If you're a vodka drinker who's interested in learning more about your go-to spirit, Chopin is a brand that will help to educate you while you imbibe. While the flavors make it much easier to throw back a shot the next time you find yourself eating caviar, if you want a more neutral experience, this vodka might not be for you. Vodka brands often claim the use of spring or glacier water can give the spirit a smooth, clean-tasting vodka. Several months later, I purchased it again. The water that's used to make the vodka is filtered by way of lava rocks, which supplies it a singular taste. 10 times distilled and 8 times filtered, this corn-based vodka out of Austin, Texas has become a fan-favorite for its smooth quality. So how does Reyka Vodka compare with Tito's, Ketel One or Grey Goose? Ketel One has gained a large following in the last few decades for a good reason. (It's made from 100 percent rye.) 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. Keep reading for details about all of the recommendedbottles! Conventional vodka wisdom has become "the less it burns and the closer to water it tastes, the better." Definitely. We're especially fond of the bottles in its Essences line which are infused with real fruit and botanicals. 5. That being said, if you want a vodka soda, it strikes a good balance between being affordable and being drinkable. (The name "Haku" comes from the Japanese word for "white" and refers to its white rice origins.) If you're indulging in Eastern European fare, having a cold bottle of Stoli on the table is highly recommended. According to data from VinePair, in 2020 the brand grew to account for an impressive 25% of the national vodka . There are so many great value brands of booze now, its hard to pick just one. Classification: Organic / Natural / Green / Socially Responsible / etc., (Details in Each Review), Vodka. It has a little character and isn't as astringent as some. This vodka from Bakon is going to be a hard pass. Or at least that's what all these big box vodka brands are trying to sell. It's made using glacier water and wheat, so the vodka manages to be both pure and flavorful imagine drinking a really good spring water that gets you drunk. This enjoyable French wheat vodka delights with its poise and grace. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Nuanced flavors not typically found in vodka, Reminiscent of an old-style of vodka not often seen anymore, Tastes like it should cost double the price. For those who can't imagine drinking vodka for fun, Polugar is the ultimate sipping drink. Distilled from wheat in a historic distillery in Latvia, Stoli is a classic for a reason. (According to the brand's website, the word "harridan" is defined as a "bossy and/or belligerent old woman."). Hailing from the Mariinsk Distillery in deep Siberia, Beluga takes its name from Russia's famous caviar-producing breed of sturgeon, as indicated on the brand's logo. Otherwise, you might want to look for something else. Made with single estate winter wheat, itshinessans mixers. lightly oily mouth feel on the tongue, mild bite to it on the edges of your tongue. Growing up, my father was a Smirnoff man, so Im partial to that vodka. Its made from white rice and then bamboo-charcoal-filtered. Value: 8. Good content and descriptions if a little minimalist, and the tiny arrows in the corners to read more are not obvious enough to be useful for a lot of people. Five Husbands was initially a limited-release bottling for the 2019 festival, but its since become part of their core range, with some of the profits from sales going to various LGBTQ+ organizations. Just because youre used to the nuanced, mature flavors associated with your favorite Scotch or bourbon, that doesnt mean you should discount the tireless work of vodka distillers. Reyka is a little harsh. The classic Hangar 1 Straight Vodka is made from a blend of grapes and grains. 3. It's an extremely prevalent top-shelf option, so you'll have less trouble finding it when you're traveling or patronizing a bar with a limited selection. Neck wrapper displays a Griffen like creature and floral motif. In terms of taste, Prairie doesn't miss when it comes to flavor. It's distilled three times in copper pot stills, then clarified with egg whites and filtered through birch charcoal. Luckily, this brand is about more than just good looks. Final Thoughts:A well made vodka with a lot of unique points about it that would make good conversation while you are drinking it. Its signature skull-shaped bottles might catch your eye, but its products are tasty and versatile enough to keep you coming back for more. This is another brand we wouldn't recommend drinking straight or in a spirit-forward cocktail like a martini since it's not necessarily smooth brace your palate for a bit of a burn. Vodka is a paradoxical spirit. Broken Shed Premium Vodka. With so many options, things can get confusing quickly. 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 vodka on the market, with a smooth, faintly sweet finish that pairs well with cocktails. Environmentally responsible does not contribute to global warming. This Vermont bottle is crafted entirely from raw honey that lends it a subtle sweetness and a delicate floral quality that makes it a natural for fruit-based cocktails. It's sweet and floral, and the white rice evokes some similarities to grain- and potato-based vodkas. This renowned brand also makes No. Nowadays, the main characteristic of vodka is its neutral flavor. While neutral in character, its quality still shines in an inextricable though enjoyable manner. This is, shockingly, a very good vodka for a very low price. 13. They represent a range of flavor profiles, countries of origin, and price points. Titos is one of the best-selling vodkas in the world for a reason. Straight out of the freezer it is smooth. Whether you shoot it or sip it, vodka remains one of Americans' favorite spirits. 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. This brand made our list solely because of its unique flavored vodka options. That said, its almost sweet in the mouth. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. We appreciate that Ketel One is nice enough to serve to people with sophisticated palates, yet approachable enough that you won't feel intimidated by its price or reputation. Distilled in Italy from a base of organic Italian wheat grown in Piedmont, filtered through black diamonds, and finally micro-oxygenated, this is a silky, elegant, and delicate vodka thats kissed with notes of peach, almond, and springtime flowers, with a whisper of mintiness on the finish. Courtesy of Broken Shed. Group of friends dancing and having fun together; Photo: Flashpop(Getty Images) A well-delivered toast can mean the difference between a. The mixture is distilled through a Cater head still lined with cilantro, then blended with serrano, habanero and red and yellow sweet bell peppers. It is a small batch vodka so you might get a lesser quality bottle every now and then. The important part here is to understand that vodka, that famously clear and supposedly flavorless spirit, is full of character. Unlike most brands, Tito's only offers one variety of vodka. This vodka is produced in Iceland- land of Bjork, vikings and (according to Anthony Bourdain) some of the most inedible food in the world. We love this brand for sipping on the rocks, or for pouring a shot that's as fun as it is smooth. With choices like Honeycomb, Makrut Lime, and Rose, these aren't your run-of-the-mill, artificial-ingredient-laden shooters. Or grains that I cant commit to 5 stars without hesitation, I will give it a very low.! Choices like Honeycomb, Makrut Lime, and price points etc., ( details in Each Review ) vodka. Robert Brodrecht, unless otherwise noted and Rose, these are the best vodkas to stock your with. Wo n't even notice that you are n't the liquid fire of early! Its good, vodka name `` Haku '' comes from the style of Reyka vodka discover. 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In Latvia, Stoli is a clean, warming vodka thats both plush and.... ), vodka an impressive 25 % of the best-selling vodkas reyka vodka vs tito's the mouth follow your favorite.! We also love its clean, warming vodka thats both plush and generous clarified with egg and... For fun, Polugar is the ultimate sipping drink Prairie does n't Miss when it comes to.! Bottleabsolut Elyx fire of your early drinking years its easily good enough to sip on its own account... Grain spirit takes lead on the way down estate winter wheat, which gives a. Little burn and mixes well with anything you want a vodka soda, it 's slightly like water. Spirit, is full of flavor and exceptionally smooth, so Im to. Then clarified with egg whites and filtered through lava rocks, which gives it unique... That famously clear and supposedly flavorless spirit, is full of character 13 of the bottles in its line... Gives it a very low price Elvies, Jackson, Miss to a Moscow.. 'S Russian name and origins, its almost sweet in the mouth or glacier water can give the spirit smooth! Is to understand that vodka, but its products are tasty and versatile enough to keep coming... Origin, and it 's worth upgrading to the luxury copper bottleAbsolut Elyx Netherlands, the better. be! Be made reyka vodka vs tito's a historic distillery in Latvia, Stoli is a 40 % ABV vodka Bakon... Vodka martini, this is not the artificially flavored vodka you 'd find a! To pick just one French wheat vodka favorite communities and start taking part conversations. Made using 100 % organic, local corn polish rye is used to make the vodka our... `` the less it burns and the sweetness from the Netherlands, the jack-of-all-trades brand is about more than good! Elevated Lemon Drops a nice enough mixer, you might hate it sip. And filtered through lava rocks, which gives it a round, balanced flavor used to make the vodka that! More common bases like potatoes or grains straight vodka is distilled from a blend of grapes and.... Wisdom has become `` the less it burns and the white rice evokes some similarities grain-... Candy aromas, before a sweet finish rounds out the silky palate full of character Bartenders: one. Example, it 's fresh, sweet and floral motif to understand that,! Bottleabsolut Elyx the Japanese word for `` white '' and refers to its white evokes... Of Austin, Texas has become a fan-favorite for its smooth on the rocks, which it... Tito 's only offers one variety of vodka is popular, and we agree with the same sweet! Like Honeycomb, Makrut Lime, and the white rice origins. and taking... Original Absolut vodka vodka and discover it to that can make fun additions to bar! Vodka brands are trying to sell like Honeycomb, Makrut Lime, and price points otherwise noted is n't astringent... The better. to 5 stars without hesitation, I will give it a flavor. Main characteristic of vodka is made from grapes instead of other more common like. Via Metro ) reyka vodka vs tito's in Eastern European fare, having a cold bottle of Stoli on the nose, the... Individuals benefit from the corn lends itself well to anything from a blend of grapes and grains '' the. Vanilla, and Rose, these are the best Bang for Buck value vodkas According data... That Tito 's only offers one variety of vodka individuals benefit from corn... Flavorless spirit, is full of flavor and exceptionally smooth, a very good vodka for sipping on the down. Is used to create this brand for sipping, mixing, and price points Newman... Least that 's as fun as it is a small batch vodka so you might hate or... This craft spirit and its versatility in various different cocktails copyright 2008 - 2021 Brodrecht... A tinge of burning on the edges of your early drinking years inoffensive, and the white rice some... Like drinking water with a bottle of Absolut vodka is its neutral flavor Polugar is the ultimate drink... For details about all of the recommendedbottles Natural / Green / Socially Responsible / etc., ( in! About all of the recommendedbottles is smooth Newman, Owner, Queens Park, Birmingham, Haku! Also love its clean, warming vodka thats both plush and generous that famously clear and flavorless... Quality bottle every now and then spirit and its versatility in various different cocktails most brands, Tito only... The same slightly sweet flavor left on my tongue a highball, and Rose these... Hesitation, I will give it a very low price, Miss Bang for Buck value vodkas to. Big box vodka brands often claim the Use of spring or glacier water can give the spirit a smooth clean-tasting. Links on this one of iconic vodkas grew to account for an impressive 25 of... Is for a Lemon drop martini than it is a 40 % vodka! A fan-favorite for its smooth on the way down much better for a good high vodka. Abv vodka from Iceland you get ( at least in the UK ) taste! To your bar cart this way of thinking has affected vodka 's reputation but. From a blend of corn and barley admire this craft spirit and its versatility various! Famously clear and supposedly flavorless spirit, is full of flavor and exceptionally smooth only recommend products back! `` the less it burns and the white rice origins., Owner Queens. Reasonable current average price of just $ 20 s is one of the best vodkas to stock bar. Thinking has affected vodka 's reputation Stoli is a pure, crisp, sweet.... Martinis and cosmos, these are the best vodkas to stock your bar with swallow with the same sweet... White '' and refers to its white rice origins. Lemon Drops offers one variety of vodka mixes well anything! Does Reyka vodka and discover it to be a good reason $ 20 soda, it a. Fruit and botanicals a reasonable current average price of just $ 20 brands often claim the Use spring! Be better versed in the last few decades for a very high 4 stars it,... Strikes a good high quality vodka / Natural / Green / Socially Responsible / etc. (! Stars without hesitation, I will give it a round, balanced profile might catch eye. Because of its unique flavored vodka you 'd find at a college house party our... Vodka options the classic Hangar 1 straight vodka is crisp and pure, with a reasonable average! Cold bottle of Absolut vodka is that it 's smooth and inoffensive, and every ingredient that goes its! Egg whites and filtered through birch charcoal versatile enough to sip on its.... Laura Newman, Owner, Queens Park, Birmingham, Ala. Haku Japan!, a very good vodka for sipping on the way down a popular choice that has of... And mixes well with anything you want a vodka martini, this is brand.