What is the Best Vodka?

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed)
Jul 12th 2006 at 4:04PM

We have covered a lot of different vodkas here at Luxist and we're pleased to note that as it has become a more and more popular drink, the production quality at many distilleries has skyrocketed, meaning that there are more premium and ultrapremium vodkas on the market than ever before.

For vodka fans, this is good news because it means more choices and better drinks. But with all the options, I ask you - the Luxist reader - what vodka is so good that you're sipping it straight out of the fridge or freezer, that you wouldn't even think of mixing into a cocktail? What vodka is going to convert that stubborn friend who insists that all "all vodkas taste alike"? Is it a brand that is readily available like Grey Goose or Hangar One, or would you choose something more exotic or harder to find, like Siku (which is made with ice harvested from glaciers) or the new Roberto Cavalli Vodka? Perhaps an organic is your preference, like Square One? Or do you like flavored vodkas, such as the refreshing 44°North or Modern Spirits?

We can't narrow it down, so help us out and tell us what brand you think is the best. After all, we only want the best here.

Tags: best vodka, favorite vodka, premium vodka, ultrapremium vodka, vodka, vodkas

Filed under: Spirits

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

charger57 Jul 12th 2006 4:48PM

I am a big fan of Ciroc. I am not a Vodka snob, and will drink just about brand of vodka, but I think that Ciroc has just enough sweetness to take the edge off, but not be overpowering.

Steven Gill Jul 12th 2006 4:56PM

Level. I think it is a perfect balance of sipping for price. Very smooth, and a nice way to end an evening.

Lana Jul 12th 2006 5:12PM

Russian Standard.
This vodka is not widely available, but it's a smooth and pleasant taste.
http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=933

Philip Jul 12th 2006 5:13PM

Domain Charbay Clear Vodka - limited availability, mostly in northern California.

mar Jul 12th 2006 5:16PM

Hangar One wins in my book. Their flavored vodkas set the benchmark for everyone else. As for unflavored, I've tried a lot of different ones including Stoli Gold and Elit, but I still prefer Hangar One here as well.

Mac Jul 12th 2006 5:28PM

You can pry my Grey Goose from my cold, dead hands.

But in a pinch, Skyy is a good (less expensive) alternative.

When I find it, I also like Tito's Handmade Vodka (http://http://titoshandmadevodka.com/)

j Jul 12th 2006 5:50PM

Tino's Vodka, from Texas is the best, as well as the best value.

Kyle Jul 12th 2006 7:27PM

Hangar One, specifically the lime-infused, is the best i've ever had in my fairly long list of vodka experience.

Collin Jul 12th 2006 7:32PM

I love vodka, and I rarely ever mix it with other things.

I think my vote goes to ciroc also, but Im also a big fan of stoli.

Mitsui Jul 12th 2006 7:33PM

Roberto Cavalli Vodka by far is the smoothest vodka in the market. I am a bartender in LA and I have tried all the good ones like Belvedere, Elite, GGoose, Hangar One, etc... By far this Cavalli vodka is better and it is smooth but still has its own personality in the taste. Only problem is that is a little bit expensive for my budget working in a club.

XOXO

Michael Jul 12th 2006 8:29PM

Stoly 100. yum.

Jer Jul 12th 2006 8:45PM

The best I've personally tasted was Imperia vodka that I sampled at the Red Square bar in Vegas. I don't have that much experience with ultrapremium vodka's (I'm more of a rum guy), but that glass was worth every penny.

jca998 Jul 12th 2006 10:02PM

Zyr......
End of story.

Orion Jul 12th 2006 10:25PM

Skyy Citron. I go back to it every time

Kieth B. Jul 12th 2006 10:59PM

Anything the cats from Zygo and 44 North! They make the best in handcrafted american spirits fosho!

emor8t Jul 12th 2006 11:40PM

You mean you guys aren't Kampchatka fans?

I'm joking.

Branden Jul 13th 2006 12:04AM

I am a big fan of Stoli Vanilla. Its about the only hard alcohol I can drink straight up.

Aleks Jul 13th 2006 12:15AM

Belvedere is a proper vodka and I often enjoy it straight out of the fridge in hollowed out, frozen, limes. For cocktails I always choose Stolichnaya. However nothing beats my grandfathers own vodka. He distills his near the finish boarder. At a get together with me mates I had the pleasure of tasting one distilled in the Balkan mountains by a relative of the host. It was fruity; but not overpowering, to the taste with a nice citrus finish. But I must digress, Stolichnaya will do for all occasions.

Rick Dobbs Jul 13th 2006 1:07AM

Imperia or Precis are far and away the best. If you're mentioning Level, Grey Goose, Hangar or the major market ones, it's because you haven't tried these. No major market brand comes close.

Daniel Jul 13th 2006 1:18AM

I'm always amazed at the fierce loyalties people (including myself) show over a liquor that for the most part has no taste. Most of the super-premium and ultra-premium brands that I've tried are really just attempts at masking alcohol burn rather than producing some sort of a taste. Nonetheless, I do have some favorites:

Best "Taste": Jean-Marc XO
Best at Hiding Alcohol Burn: -tie- Wyborowa Single Estate and Armadale
Best Value: Ketel One (although I haven't tried Tito's)

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