For centuries, vodka has been a classic and well-loved liquor enjoyed globally. Its versatility in being mixed into different cocktails has made it a staple in bars and households worldwide. With numerous vodka brands available, selecting the right one for your preferences can be difficult. In this blog, we will guide the most popular vodka brands, offering insights into their histories, production processes, flavor profiles, and suggested cocktail pairings. Whether you are a seasoned vodka enthusiast or a novice, this guide will help you explore the world of vodka and find the perfect brand for your next visit to the liquor shop.
Table of Contents
The Most Popular Vodka Brands
Smirnoff
Smirnoff, a renowned vodka brand globally, has been creating outstanding spirits for over a century since its establishment in 1864. Founded by Piotr Smirnov in Moscow, Russia, the brand has expanded its reach worldwide.
Crafted with premium grains and pure water that undergo multiple distillations, the well-liked Smirnoff Vodka No.21 Red boasts a smooth and crisp flavor that serves as an excellent base for a variety of cocktails. Smirnoff offers an extensive array of flavors, from classic to fruit-infused options, to cater to different tastes. The brand has also expanded into other alcoholic beverages, such as pre-mixed cocktails and hard seltzers, providing even more options to its loyal consumers.
Thanks to its unwavering focus on quality and innovation, Smirnoff has received multiple accolades and awards, including being the top-selling vodka brand globally. Its commitment to producing exceptional spirits and long-standing history have made Smirnoff a favorite among vodka enthusiasts worldwide.
Russian Standard
Roustam Tariko, a Russian entrepreneur, founded the premium vodka brand Russian Standard in 1998. Inspired to establish a new benchmark for Russian vodka, the brand is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia. Russian Standard is renowned for its unwavering dedication to utilizing traditional Russian distillation techniques and top-quality ingredients.
Russian Standard Vodka uses winter wheat and glacial water from Lake Ladoga, which undergoes filtration through charcoal and quartz sand to create a pure and smooth taste. The vodka is then distilled four times to ensure consistent quality.
Again, Russian Standard offers a range of vodka varieties, including their flagship Russian Standard Original and flavored varieties, such as Russian Standard Gold and Russian Standard Platinum. The brand has also expanded into other alcoholic beverages, such as ready-to-drink cocktails.
New Amsterdam
New Amsterdam is a premium vodka brand that was first introduced in 2011. The brand is based in Modesto, California. Its dedication to using high-quality ingredients and innovative distillation techniques is well-known.
Further, New Amsterdam vodka is crafted by blending grains and water. They undergo five distillations to achieve a velvety and refined flavor profile. In addition, the distillers further treat the vodka by passing it through charcoal to purify it of any residual impurities and give it a refreshing and polished finish. New Amsterdam’s vodka collection features various flavors, including their signature New Amsterdam Vodka Pink Whitney. Also, there are fruity versions such as Mango, Peach, and Raspberry. The brand also provides a diverse assortment of gin selections.
New Amsterdam has garnered acclaim and accolades for its emphasis on excellence and groundbreaking techniques. The brand’s reasonable pricing and dedication to creating top-notch alcoholic beverages. As a result, that has made it a preferred option for vodka aficionados seeking a premium drink from the liquor shop.
Platinum 7x
Crafted from high-quality grains and pure water, Platinum 7x vodka undergoes a meticulous seven-time distillation and charcoal filtration process, resulting in a pure and crisp taste with a velvety-smooth finish. This premium vodka brand is highly versatile and perfect for mixing various ingredients to create a wide range of cocktails. In addition to its classic variant, the brand offers an array of flavorful varieties. For example, they use raspberry, peach, and blueberry, which add an extra dimension of complexity to cocktails.
Thanks to its dedication to producing high-quality vodka without breaking the bank, Platinum 7x has gained a loyal following among vodka enthusiasts. They use only the finest grains and pure water and subject them to a seven-time distillation and charcoal filtration process. Thus, the brand has achieved a vodka that boasts a smooth and sophisticated taste. That makes it a versatile addition to any cocktail or a delightful sipping experience.
Ciroc
Introduced in France in 2003, Ciroc is a high-end vodka brand recognized for its distinct manufacturing approach. It involves distilling grapes instead of conventional grains or potatoes in vodka production.
The makers of Ciroc Passion vodka craft it by meticulously fermenting a blend of Ugni Blanc and Mauzac Blanc grapes. The brand carefully distills them five times to achieve a smooth and refreshing flavor. After that, they blend the vodka with pristine spring water. That creates a high-grade vodka with an intricate and full-bodied taste. Also, Ciroc offers an assortment of flavored vodka options, such as Coconut, Peach, and Red Berry. They are infused with natural fruit extracts for a distinctive and pleasurable drinking experience.
Ciroc’s distinctive production process and unwavering commitment to crafting first-rate vodka have resulted in a multitude of honors and awards. They include the coveted Double Gold Medal at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. As a result, the brand remains a favored option among vodka connoisseurs seeking an exceptional and one-of-a-kind drinking experience.
Conclusion
Choosing a vodka brand from a liquor shop can be daunting, as each has distinctive traits, production techniques, and flavor nuances. Nevertheless, armed with information on the most in-demand vodka brands and their recommended cocktail pairings, you can easily navigate the vodka world and select the ideal brand for your next beverage.
