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 4 of 4)

Ben Aug 8th 2006 4:56AM

Russian Vodka tends not to taste of nothing - same with polish vodkas. Having a slight taste makes a big difference to mixability and makes a huge difference to the quality of a martini.

For me Dovgan http://www.dovgan.co.uk is the best reasonably priced genuine russian vodka. Russky Standard Imperia is a good alternative, but is far more expensive. Both Dovgan and Russky are smooth and have a good clear Russian style. Russky Standard is a big brand in Moscow and St Petersburg, but Dovgan has been around for longer and actually does more volume across the whole of Russia. Stoli is an ok Russian vodka, but nothing to write home about. It's also debatable as to whether it is actually made in Russia.

Ciroc, as has been mentioned above isn't vodka (and doesn't taste great anyway).

Absolut has an unpleasant aftertaste that lingers for what seems like weeks.

Grey Goose is a neutral smooth vodka, but really is more a marketing exercise than a truely great vodka. Likewise Belvedere.

Ketel One is a nice alternative to Russian vodka, but don't believe the marketing about them making it since the 1600s. The family have been making alcoholic products since then, but the vodka is a very, very recent edition to their portfolio.

Smirnoff is an unfortunate chemistry experiment involving ethanol, methanol and the local tap water of the country you are buying it in, combined with some of the biggest marketing dollars spent anywhere.

Wybrova (Polish) is ok, and the single estate product is better than the standard product. Are you confident you are pronouncing it properly though?

But if you really want my opinion.... sod the vodka and drink Hennesy XO cognac http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=251&catid=0&PHPSESSID=11944741084ebd3ccc1a17ed4920e684 or Gautier XO cogac http://www.cognac-gautier.com/fr/index.html . Both are incredible examples of the art of cognac making and the dedication of generations of producers. Ok, so it will cost you about £80 per bottle or £15 per shot in a bar, but it's a hell of a lot more interesting than vodka. Can't afford £80? I think you're on the wrong website then.

kid cognac Aug 8th 2006 8:53AM

Amen, Ben!

cruwr Aug 8th 2006 9:33AM

I love Russian Standard Imperia. Very good russian vodka, extremely mixable and good on itself.

Big G Aug 11th 2006 12:41PM

If Chopin is in the house, bring up an extra bottle.

Big G Aug 11th 2006 12:45PM

When I die, just add a bottle of Chopin in the casket and i'll be back..........As soon as I run out.

Marcus Aug 13th 2006 12:38AM

ROBERTO CAVALLI IS THE BEST VODKA IN THE MARKET TODAY. GOLD MEDALS IN SAN FRANCISCO AND LONDON. VERY SMOOTH. ONLY IF YOU CAN AFFORD ($$$$) THE BEST SINCE IT IS ON THE EXPENSIVE SIDE.

SALUTE..

Iretta Rosa Aug 13th 2006 5:09PM

I've drink vodka many years, and in my opional Grey Goose, is the mildest for streight up consumption and I follow with Club Soda

Uff Aug 14th 2006 5:16PM

As mentioned by #3, Russkii Standart, especially the platinum edition is absolutely excellent, even though it might not be widely available everywhere. Looking at the bright side i live in Estonia and can get it from the store around the corner ;)

taylor Aug 31st 2006 5:14PM

I think the 3 best are grey goose, belvedere, and chopin vodka. it really depends on what mood, kind of place etc you are in. For example grey goose is good right out of the bottle from the fridge, belvedere is good chilled in a tall glass with a lemon or lime slice and chopin is good for mixing

Terri Sep 5th 2006 1:49PM

After way too much research.....Kettle One!

Mike Sep 13th 2006 1:50PM

Van Gogh Vodka, any flavor of 16 is great mixed or straight. 5 stars. try it.

JM Oct 19th 2006 11:16AM

Grey Goose is tasty but adds glycerine and flavorings to make it smooth and consistent (i'd pay no more than $12 for it). Chopin is an excellent potato vodka, if you like it hearty and viscous (a great martini but not for mixing). LEVEL is the best all around vodka. It actually has a flavor but is by no means harsh. It is slightly sweet and smooth. Makes a perfect lighter martini and mixes beautifully.