Straight out of the freezer it is smooth. A hint of citrus and just a touch of sweetness lead to a long finish that's a match for any number of classic vodka cocktails. (If you want to use a flavored product, it presents a good alternative to many brands' offerings.). St. George uses California-grown peppers and lime peels to give its base spirit the initial hit of flavor. 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. A co-worker bought me a shot of Reyka a few weeks ago & I was surprised how smooth it was. But I dont normally like alcohol, and the goal was to get shit faced, which happened very quickly. Rated out of 5 based on reviews. 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. You cant go wrong with a bottle of Absolut Vodka. Suntory brings its Japanese twists on alcohol to vodka with a spirit that's derived from white rice and filtered through bamboo charcoal. That's a lot of vodka. 3. While the great debate over who really invented vodka (the Polish or the Russians) rages on, this Polish entry certainly deserves a spot in your freezer. Martinis are a must with this vodka garnish with an olive but hold the brine. This vodka is made in Iceland and is said to have a clean, crisp flavor. Or at least that's what all these big box vodka brands are trying to sell. Produced in a small town called Borgarnes, Reyka uses glacial water and volcanic rock filtration to craft a grain-based vodka that tastes just like you'd imagine clean, pure, dry, and with just the right level of minerality. The flavored line offers options you won't see anywhere else. Based on French winter wheat and spring water, this boasts a plush texture that carries notes of citrus and subtle flowers. Lava rocks ensure the vodka is purified and the glacial spring water produces a drink that's bright, citrus-like and somewhat vegetal. This Polish-made, rye-based vodka was the worlds first super-premium vodka. Jean Marc XO Vodka. Reyka is a little harsh. 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. It has a slight heat to it, but it's redefining what it means to be a bottom-shelf alcohol. It's slightly like drinking water with a tinge of burning on the way down. 21, a triple distilled vodka that's filtered 10 times and is incredibly pure and smooth. Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails. Photo: Smirnoff. Hints of vanilla and black pepper add an extra oomph to your favorite vodka cocktails. Michell Boyd, Beverage Manager, Hampton + Hudson, Atlanta, Donate: Hampton + Hudson Small Business Relief Fund, Relief for Hampton + Hudson STAFF, Michelle Boyd on Venmo, If I drink vodka, its always in a freezing cold Martini with an onion, and obviously with a premium vodka like Absolut Elyx rich, silky smooth, and elegant, but wont kill your wallet. Kenneth McCoy, Chief Creative Officer, The Rum House, NYC, 2014 - 2023 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC. 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. It's ideal for cocktails and doesn't make for a bad chilled shot either. I like it. Plus, potato vodka in general is much cleaner on the palate. Wheatley is a small-batch vodka made with wheat. Another vodka that takes full advantage of Icelands glacial spring water and volcanic rocks (used for filtration), this expression arrives impeccably clean on the palate. What ultimately sets this brand apart is the fact that it offers three versions of vodka made from three different ingredients: potato, rye, and wheat. All of them, however, are well worth your consideration. The Belvedere brand includes a classic version, several unique flavors like Blueberry Lemongrass, and limited-release bottles crafted from single estate rye. That being said, if you want a vodka soda, it strikes a good balance between being affordable and being drinkable. Distilled from grains and grapes, the aromas of this American vodka instantly recall pear drops. Boyd and Blair Potato Vodka. It's time to make a better vodka-based cocktail. This classy spirit is entirely befitting of its flashy packaging. 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. This column- and pot-distilled wheat vodka charms with a rounded, balanced profile. Sure, vodka is pretty much just an un-aged distilled spirit thats mostly made up of ethanol and water. Given that many bars and restaurants are currently closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, at the time of reporting, VinePair also asked bartenders to provide links to their personal or professional-affiliated Venmo accounts or GoFundMe campaigns to help support them. 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. Ive seen Reyka on the local liquor store shelves for awhile, but I never got around to trying it. Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. 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. Sip it on its own, or throw it in to your favorite mixed drink to get an added kick of heat. Frank, its OK not to like the taste, but comparing it to Stoli is insulting. Tito's is Texas-made vodka made from corn and people can't get enough of it. Made in California, this certified organic, small-batch vodka is distilled from American sugarcane that lend it gentle notes of vanilla and citrus and a silky mouthfeel. It can now be made in a range of styles and flavors while still being legally considered "vodka" in the U.S. I have only tried Reyka and RSP once each, but first thoughts are that they are similar to Tito's. Again, just a quick taste, so take that for what it's worth. Group of friends dancing and having fun together; Photo: Flashpop(Getty Images) A well-delivered toast can mean the difference between a. Many of the brands also offer 100 proof (50 percent ABV) versions as well, and they are great for infusions, if youre into that kind of thing. Gordon's . According to data from VinePair, in 2020 the brand grew to account for an impressive 25% of the national vodka . The result is an extremely well-rounded, full-flavored vodka. Girls Next Door star and one of Hugh Hefners girlfriends, Kendra Wilkinson, claimed in an email that Eminem attacked her. You might not know that they also make a great vodka. Both are bargains. A fruit-based vodka, this Washington State expression is produced using grapes grown on the Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard. While it's not our favorite in a dirty martini (the soft, sweet flavors clash with the harsh salinity of the olive brine), it's great for a martini with a twist. Reply Published December 08, 2017 6:18 pm. Their answers prove that vodka can hold its own against other cocktail heavyweights. Wodka Poland Select Vodka. Especially if chilled James Bond would be proud to have a vodka martini with reyka, Reply Published July 08, 2017 5:17 pm. Vodka isn't what it used to be. (I am). David A. Roth, Head Bartender, Covina, NYC, I like Pickers. Pronounced oh-why-oh, this unfiltered, craft Ohio vodka is produced from red winter wheat. Reyka is an odd vodka. Here are 13 of the best vodkas to reach for when serving up your favorite cocktails. Its smooth on the swallow with the same slightly sweet flavor left on my tongue. Tito's and Reyka are the same price, or within a dollar, where I live. 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. I had a Reyka martini up with olives for the first time several weeks when I noticed it on the shelf of the bar at a local restaurant. Floral, perfumed, and moderately fruity on the nose, the palate captivates with rich, velvety texture, and leaves a lasting impression on the finish. It's by no means considered top-shelf or a craft brand, but Stoli makes its vodka with exacting standards and impressive attention to detail for such a large company. Reyka is one of my favorite vodkas, but I don't buy it often because it's a bit more expensive. Still not very expensive at all, and the same as Ketel One. The Absolute Best Bottles of Gin You Can Buy, The 14 Best Bottles of Rums You Can Buy in 2022, All the Headphones That Work Best with Your iPhone, Power Up Your Recovery with the Best TENS Units, The Best Motorcycle Backpacks You Can Buy, The Best Blazers to Wear When It's Hot Out, The 2023 Cannabis Awards: Our Favorite Weed Gear, Want to Take Better iPhone Photos? We loveAbsolutbecause of its phenomenal range and impressive quality. The precision that goes into blending helps alleviate the burn and sting that usually accompanies vodka, so don't waste this one on a mixed drink that will hide its soft, nuanced flavor. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Crafted in Northern California, Hangar 1 takes a seasonal, local approach to create its signature spirit. Ask Adam: Is It Rude to Take a Picture of the Bartender While They Make a Showy Drink? Its a good vodka, but I dont have a place for it. Reyka Vodka. 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. I have a bottle of Tito's, bought a Reyka a couple days ago, and then bought a bottle of Russian Standard Platinum today. Reyka On The Web: Reyka is a 40% ABV vodka from Iceland. I like Tito's. Final Thoughts:A well made vodka with a lot of unique points about it that would make good conversation while you are drinking it. Ketel One has everything going for it: It tastes good, is widely available, moderately priced, and you can drink it any way you please. The flavor itself is clean and refreshing but its still overshadowed by the strong burn. Otherwise, you might want to look for something else. You already know what Suntory's done for whisky now get a taste of what they're doing to vodka. The trick is deciding which ones to buy, because even among non-flavored vodkas, the options are seemingly infinite. Prior to 1895, Russian polugar was distilled in copper pot stills, similar to single malt whisky. For those who prefer to drink their vodka straight, it's worth upgrading to the luxury copper bottleAbsolut Elyx. It is then filtered through basalt to remove impurities. Reply Published July 03, 2018 12:00 am, I think its the best vodka I have drank in years . Check them all out below. Its disgusting. It's a fine vodka to sip on the rocks, as well as a perfect mixing vodka because of its low price. No matter how many bottles you have, its always a good idea to stock a selection of them, because there are many different expressions of this seemingly straightforward spirit. How to Give Back to Hospitality Professionals Impacted by Covid-19, Brewing and Brawling: How PBR and Game Changer Wrestling Revived the Worlds Most Elusive Set of Trading Cards. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. From Tennessee, this carbon-filtered, corn-based vodka is bright, sweet, and rounded, and about as close it gets to an approachable version of the spirit. Conventional vodka wisdom has become "the less it burns and the closer to water it tastes, the better." The brand was founded by Montrealer Nicolas Duvernois, who worked as a janitor at a children's hospital in order to fund his passion project (via Montrealer Online). Id rather drink it straight, but its not bad in a cocktail. 4 StarStarStarStarStar. 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. From its standard vodka to a variety of flavored creations, to its exclusive lines, this brand puts exceptional care into every bottle. The vodka is imported by William Grant and Sons. We can confidently say that Crystal Head has some of the best, most out-there packaging out there. Titos is one of the best-selling vodkas in the world for a reason. Its stellar in a broad range of cocktails, and makes for a particularly unforgettable Vesper. Once you sip on this top-notch spirit, you'll understand what all the hype is about. 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." Here are the best vodka brands to celebrate. Certified organic and crafted in Fortuna, California, this is a clean, warming vodka thats both plush and generous. Pinnacle offers a whopping 30 different varieties of vodka, all of which are impressively made from a base that's been distilled five times to enhance smoothness and drinkability. As for the vodka itself, its assertive and subtly lifted, with a simmer of spice through the finish a nice counterpoint to cranberry and club soda. It's sweet and floral, and the white rice evokes some similarities to grain- and potato-based vodkas. It showcases suggestions of stone fruit, mashed yellow apples, and vanilla crme, all carried on a particularly velvety texture. Ive purchased Reyka twice. Good quality labels with lots of information on the back. It opens with peppery pomace aromas, then follows with bright pops of pear drops. Copyright 2008 - 2021 Robert Brodrecht, unless otherwise noted. 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