Vodka ranks second after whiskey among the best-selling spirits in the world. More than 126 million boxes are bought annually, not counting the moonshine. And in terms of strength, she has no equal at all. For example, the Polish brand Wratislavia Spirytus consists of 96% alcohol.
What is vodka?
In simple terms, vodka is diluted ethyl alcohol obtained from raw food materials. Today, vodka is produced and consumed all over the world and is used in a wide range of cocktails and mixed drinks. Due to its relatively neutral taste and aroma, vodka is also commonly used as a base spirit for flavored varieties and for making infusions. However, it is important to consume vodka in moderation, as excessive consumption can lead to adverse health effects.
Each country has its requirements regarding the basis of the drink. In Ukraine, alcohol is distilled from grain crops. Besides grain, potatoes are used in Belarus, while in Poland and Germany, only potatoes are used. In other EU countries and America, any raw vegetable materials are allowed. For example, in Minnesota, you can try beet alcohol.
The choice of raw materials affects the taste:
- Wheat makes the drink soft, with notes of bread and citrus aftertaste.
- Barley gives a feeling of fullness with an apple flavor.
- Corn – sweetness, and taste of flowers.
- Rye is spicy and has a vegetable undertone.
- Potato adds oiliness and earthy notes.
The requirements for the drink’s strength also differ in connection with the raw materials. In the CIS countries, it is 40-45%. Here there is the concept of fortified vodka with indicators of 50-56%. In the European Union, the figure starts from 37.5% and has no final bar. This allowed Wratislavia Spirytus not to breed potato and grain raw materials.
The cooking process is approximately the following:
- The fermented base is subjected to rectification or distillation when pure alcohol is separated from impurities. As a result of repeated evaporation and condensation, a product with a strength of up to 96% is obtained.
- Alcohol is mixed with previously prepared water.
- The resulting composition is filtered.
- Add flavored spirits (infused with herbs, pepper, honey, and rye bread).
Finally, the fully finished product is again filtered and bottled.
Ideally, pure alcohol and water, when mixed, give a slightly sweet substance that is soft to drink. The presence of aftertastes, bitterness, and pungent odors in vodka depends on the following:
- Degrees and methods of cleaning.
- Adding flavored alcohol.
Taste judges the quality of a brand. Each manufacturer has secrets for obtaining alcohol, purifying water, and a water-alcohol mixture.
- Alcohol
There are five types of rectified alcohol. They all have a strength of 96.3% but differ in the number of impurities of methanol, esters, free acids, and fusel oils. Impurities impair taste and can be harmful to health.
The most “contaminated” is the highest purity alcohol. Based on it, they make cheap vodka. Premium drinks are made from Lux and Alpha alcohol. The first is made from grain and potatoes, and the second is made only from grain and is thoroughly cleaned. It is Alpha that is part of the best brands. In the middle price category, products made from Extra alcohol.
- Water
Mixing water is obtained either from natural sources or filtered ordinary. The second is called “corrected” or “specially prepared.”
The first option is added to the premium drink. The composition of the waters of mountain springs and wells contains calcium and magnesium salts, which improve the taste. Sometimes special water is added to vodka, better than from natural sources. Then the product becomes ultra-premium. For example, Iceberg vodka is made from alcohol and melted iceberg, and 42Below is produced from the purest water on the planet, mined in New Zealand.
Some manufacturers take water from wells and pass it through quartz sand, achieving the purest possible liquid. This also affects the quality of the product.
- Filtration
When mixing alcohol and water, unhealthy impurities are again formed. They are removed by filtration. Sand filter, activated carbon, processing with silver, pearls, and milk – each manufacturer chooses their option.
For example, a small amount of ether is formed when passing through coal, which removes a sharp alcoholic smell. The reactions’ activity increases if a little silver is added to the coal particles’ surface. Milk also binds and precipitates unwanted impurities.
The more degrees of purification, the softer the taste of the product.
To summarize: good quality vodka is a product made from Alfa and Lux alcohol, diluted with natural water, and filtered to the maximum.
Absolut (Sweden)
The distillate is in the top three bitter and is sold in 120 countries. At one time, the sale of the state-owned manufacturer to the Pernod Ricard concern made it possible to cover the country’s external debt. The first drink appeared at the end of the 19th century and was distinguished by continuous multiple distillations.
The logo in large letters with a dot speaks of the fullness of taste and dominance over competitors. And the bottle is the basis for various artistic additions that decorate the drink. Dried fruits and grains at the heart of the alcohol bouquet are supplemented with artesian water.
Armenia Pomegranate (Armenia)
Of the appearance and taste of the Armenian composition from Armenia Wine, it isn’t easy to immediately understand whether it is wine or vodka. In the production of Lux alcohol, they insist on the peel of pomegranates, which gives the liquid a unique color and taste. And the addition of sugar syrup changes the organoleptic even more. Such vodka is considered a fruit. It is soft, sweet, and slightly tart. Alcohol is almost not felt, and the aroma of pomegranate is clearly expressed. The color of the drink is transparent with a raspberry tint. The pomegranate logo emphasizes the unusual composition of vodka.
Beluga (Russia)
A line of malt vodka. Alcohol, after distillation, is mixed with Siberian water from an artesian well 300 meters deep. A three-month settling helps to form strong combinations and aromas. Sand and silver filtration guarantees maximum safety. The inclusion of honey and milk thistle is good for health and reduces the alcoholic aroma.
The design of the container and the logo go in the same vein as the name – on the bottle, there is a beluga fish, an inhabitant of the northern seas.
Belvedere (Poland)
Polish rye drink has a sharp, structured taste. Alcohol, after distillation, retains notes characteristic of cereals. Artesian water is purified eleven times, making it one of the purest waters used in the industry. The logo shows the oldest distillery in the city of Zirarduw, where the brand has been packaged since 1993. The brand belongs to the LVMH family of luxury brands, so its quality and advertising are given special attention.
Belver Bears (Poland)
A bear bottle is a great gift if you have $7,000 to spare. This is how much elite alcohol costs in an unusual bottle with blue illumination. It was created specifically for the VIP rooms of the Cannes Film Festival. Therefore, the main thing here is the entourage. Otherwise, elite alcohol meets all the usual standards. A nice bonus is an insistence on citrus fruits.
BlaVod (England)
The first black vodka is unique among its transparent counterparts. Appeared in 1996. Her feature is black acacia dye. The taste is alcoholic, velvety, and spicy. The black logo with a red inscription fits perfectly into the image of unusual alcohol.
Chambord (France)
Much more famous is the raspberry and blackberry liqueur of that name, which was drunk by the French kings. The company’s vodka is a similar product based on blackberries and hibiscus, just with more strength. The logo in the form of a seal with a crown confirms the antiquity of the drink worthy of the table of monarchs.
Chase (England)
English spirit with an orange flavor is ideal for a festive table. To see how vodka is made, visit the brand’s page, where all the processes are demonstrated live. The brand’s logo is fresh, modern, and elegant, as is the approach to creating an image.
Ciroc (France)
Cold fermentation of French grapes from the village of Cordes-sur-Ciel creates a unique basis for vodka production. Copper small stills for distillation retain the aroma as much as possible. Refined large blue letters of the logo indicate a grape bouquet of strong alcohol.
Cristall (Russia)
In 1987, the well-known Moscow plant, where Stolichnaya was developed and the Moscow Special was bottled, passed into private ownership and received the name, Crystal. This date can be considered the year of birth of the line, which includes five types of drink: Crystal, Pure Crystal, Crystal, Moscow plant Crystal Premium and Old Moscow. In 2016-18, the plant and the recipe underwent a complete update.
The taste of the flagship drink CRISTALL is strong and quite sharp. It is considered a vodka classic. Grain alcohol has no additives and is distinguished by a grain-alcohol flavor with a slight bitterness. Alkosfot is added to the composition – an additive with lactulose with a protective effect, reducing the hangover’s strength.
The design focuses on the crown of the Russian Empire. It is depicted on the cap, label, and logo and is visible on the transformed top of the bottle. The emblem tells about the centenary history of the manufacturer, which appeared in the time of Emperor Nicholas II.
Crystal Head (England)
It is impossible to pass by a bottle in the form of a skull indifferently. And the logo is similar to the inscription of the times when decapitation was a common event. However, the whole entourage has nothing to do with a very subtle recipe. Canadian alcohol consists of fermented sweet corn and local water. It is distilled, filtered in the traditional way, and then through 10,000 semi-precious stones and then through an additional filter. It turns out to be kosher alcohol with a creamy, slightly citrus flavor.
Danzka (Denmark)
Durum wheat varieties, after fermentation, undergo Scandinavian distillation through 6 columns. The manufacturer, for a long time, had a monopoly on the Danish market, so its products were the face of the country. And DANZKA was developed in such a way as to absorb all the features and flavors of Denmark. Highlighting the logo in red is an attempt to indicate that the drink is the heart of the homeland. And although it no longer belongs to the local distillery, it still includes the best Danish technologies and production secrets.
Diva (Scotland)
Triple distilled Scottish wheat drink. The main highlight is the filtering of crushed gems through the sand. It is believed that such purification is superior to coal and gives the drink a special taste. To draw attention to the premium quality of vodka, the manufacturer adds some valuable pebbles to the bottle. This greatly raises the price of the drink and makes the designed royal. The elegant inscription on the logo emphasizes the sophistication of the drink.
Finlandia (Finland)
The pretentious name embodies the recipe that is typical for most vodkas from Finland: six-core barley and glacier meltwater. Hence the softness and purity of taste which has been valued since the 1970s. Another pleasant surprise is the absence of a hangover. Deer and a red sun are also common logos for Nordic products.
Five (UK)
The number in the name refers to the number of distillations in the Penderyn cube, giving a strength of 43%. One of the ingredients is malt alcohol, which adds fruity sweetness to the sharp rye aftertaste. The product has a laconic design – a black bottle with a Roman numeral five.
Grey Cardinal (Lithuania)
Bitter is produced in Lithuania at a factory opened in 1906. Technologies and raw materials were borrowed from different parts of the world. Organic wheat is grown in Italy, water is extracted from the purest European sources, the packaging is made in France, and linen filters are developed in Lithuania. The result is a very balanced drink. The keys with the royal symbol in the logo “opened” the door to universal recognition of vodka.
Grey Goose (France)
The French brand is made from wheat, so it is considered one of the best. The line includes classic and flavored versions with lemon, orange, ripe pear, and nuts with chocolate. There are six varieties in total. The main product is transparent and oily with an aftertaste of macaroons.
Despite the French registration, the brand’s founder is a native American. He specially came to the Cognac province to make the best vodka for the USA. The department produces water from the Alpine mountains and grows all kinds of grains, which is ideal for the production of strong alcohol.
Blends from winter wheat are taken into production. The sorting is distilled five times and passes through copper filters for softening. The original bottle with a large image of a goose is closed with a real cork to preserve all the flavors of the drink. The logo with a flying bird is consistent with the brand’s style.
First appeared in 1996; a year later, Grey Goose was recognized as the best vodka in the world. Therefore, the large corporation Bacardi bought the brand.
Hlebnik (Poland)
The logo in the form of a coat of arms with the capital letter P is the trademark of the drink’s creator, Boris Rodionov, who came up with the recipe in 1866. Alcohol is produced in bottles molded to look like old pharmacy vessels for storing medicines and herbs. This emphasizes the age of the product.
The recipe is similar to the production of polugars – a special type of distillate from malt, which was the ancestor of Russian vodka. Three times distillation in a copper cube adds volume to the organoleptic of alcohol. Malt, linden honey, bread, and spices are felt with a long warm aftertaste.
J.J. Kurberg (Estonia)
One kind of Estonian drink cheers up. The bright yellow-orange color is warm and pleasant. It warms and promises a rich flavor bouquet. A pharmacist developed the recipe at the end of the 19th century. The medicine is made with herbal infusions, of which hops prevail. Therefore, the drink calms, improves sleep, and normalizes the emotional state. Alcohol is considered organic.
Vodka was given a name in honor of the inventor. Production is still going on in the estate bought by KURBERG. But modernized in a modern way and called Mine. The label with the logo looks like an old pharmacy prescription. Vodka J.J. KURBERG is produced in a limited edition, so the cost per liter is above average.
JJ Whitley Artisanal (England)
The hot drink is worthy of close attention, as it is made from Alpha alcohols, which not every manufacturer offers. Another plus of the drink is the 18th-century recipe, one of the oldest. Apple infusion is added to wheat alcohol. After which, the product rests before bottling. An apple tree in bloom on the embossed bottle and logo. The dark green shade brings the emblem to life.
Ketel One (Holland)
Alcohol has an unusual way of preparation. Wheat vodka wort is first distilled in a column, and then part of it is distilled in special 19th-century copper pots, after which the drink is named. After both parts are combined, brought to 40 degrees, and filtered, it turns out a composition with floral notes and slightly tingling mucous membranes. The Dutch masterpiece was originally developed for cocktails, but it is perfectly drunk in its pure form. The ancient inscription on the logo indicates the venerable age of the recipe.
Koskenkorva (Finland)
Barley distillate with spring water is named after the part of the city where the Altia Group produces it. In terms of popularity among Finnish vodkas, it ranks second after Finland. It takes 18,000 grains to make one liter, and the strength is increased in 250 stages. It should be noted the closedness of the cycle and maximum self-sufficiency. The company has fields, pumping stations, and barley husks that are burned to generate energy for internal processes. The pretentious logo is made in an unusual font that demonstrates the originality of the drink.
Krolewska (Poland)
The brand saw the light in 1994 at the Polmos distillery. The product is based on luxury alcohol from rye grains collected in the cleanest regions of the country. The wort is triple distilled. This gives a softer, almost creamy flavor that is different from regular rye products.
A gracefully elongated bottle with an extended base, a bright red stopper, and a label make the design elegant and elegant, as the name suggests. The label depicts a very ancient St. Mary’s Church located in Krakow. This stunning place of truly royal beauty has absorbed the city’s spirit.
Laplandia (Finland)
Real northern vodka is not just premium but super-premium class. The reindeer and the golden sun on the logo confirm this assessment. The idea for creation was the purity and virginity of Finnish nature. It contains water from a lake that undergoes natural purification through layers of thousand-year-old sands. Alcohol is obtained from wheat grown by organic family farms. The wort goes through a sevenfold rectification cycle. After mixing, the drink is infused for a month and filtered with cartridge filters.
Moses Date (Finland)
The frosted bottle with the image of Moses praying, before which the waters of the Nile parted, makes the brand a work of art. The plot’s choice signals the Jews about the kosher nature of the product, which was developed for the celebration of Passover. Jewish holiday for the Israelites to leave Egypt.
The strength of alcohol is lower than usual – 32%, and it contains not only ethyl alcohol from wheat but also cane sugar. The latter gives the composition a date flavor.
Neft (Austria)
Looking at the design of the distillate, you immediately understand that this is an unusual drink. The alcohol is poured into miniature oil barrels painted black with a similar logo. This gives the entourage of the feast, in the barrel, crystal clear grain vodka with an aftertaste of meadow herbs and bitter almonds. The liquid undergoes rectification within 50 hours, which is reflected in the shades’ versatility. The line also includes red and white oil with the appropriate packaging design.
Nemiroff (Ukraine)
Ukrainian honey-cumin vodka, known on five continents, has been produced for over 150 years in the city of the same name. Her modern recipe was introduced in 1997 and 10 years later recognized as one of the best in the world. In the line, there are varieties of vodka, where honey with herbs or with pepper. The alcohol is filtered through birch charcoal. The unusual design of the embossed bottle and the logo in the form of a wing indicate the originality, lightness of the drink, and the mild taste characteristic of products with honey.
Nordic (Finland)
The bottle’s design with snowflakes and snow landscapes indicates the drink’s production in Finland’s cold lands. It complements the impression of a logo with a compass and the signature “Northern Cold.”
The distillation is based on barley alcohol from six-core grain varieties. Long-term rectification gives up to 200 cleanings. Water is taken from a glacial spring in a remote Finnish village. The drink gets a very light barley flavor with a hint of licorice.
Pincer Shanghai Strength (Scotland)
The strongest drink at almost 89 degrees. The Scots produce it for the Chinese market. Of course, you can not drink it undiluted. The black design of the logo is just about this, and the pattern with dried thistle indicates the use of the plant extract in the composition.
Purity (Sweden)
Since its introduction in 2007, the drink has received more than 200 awards. What is so special about PURITY vodka? First, organic. Alcohol is produced from raw materials grown without the use of chemicals. Secondly, distillation on special equipment makes the taste of the product special.
The Swedish blend master Thomas Kuuttanen worked on the development of the technology. He founded a distillery based on an old castle near a healing spring and took water for production from its artesian wells.
Wheat-barley alcohol is distilled in copper and gold distillation columns up to 51 times. The process is slow and takes up to 3 days, forming a rich aftertaste. The logo of multi-layered letters speaks about this process. After mixing alcohol with water, the sorting is not filtered since both components are pure. The final mixture is slightly viscous and sweetish.
The brand offers three products with different degrees of distillation. It is recommended to use diluted with pure water and with the addition of zest or juices.
Rain (USA)
The unique shape of the teardrop bottle immediately draws attention to the American product. The logo with drops and water inscription completes the impression of crystal clearness and transparency.
The corn base, characteristic of strong drinks in the United States, is present in RAIN vodka. Alcohol passes sevenfold distillation, which eliminates the taste of alcohol as much as possible. The sorting is filtered with coal dust and diamonds, achieving perfect purity.
Reyka (Iceland)
The distillery that produces vodka belongs to the well-known producer of Scotch whiskey – William Grant. The company’s products are always unusual, and REYKA is one of them.
A rich, versatile taste with smoky notes of anise flavor from tarragon characterizes the Icelandic product. The name fits perfectly. REYKA means smoke. Water for the product is extracted near an active volcano. Hence, the smoke from the hot springs’ evaporation, the smell of smokiness, and the constant hanging in the air not far from the distillery. Water, filtered through lava, acquires a useful composition and is purified.
Alcohol is made from Scottish barley and wheat grains. Distillation takes place in a copper apparatus of a special design. This is followed by filtration through crushed lava. After mixing with water, vodka is bottled. The result is unique alcohol, and gastronomic tourists do not pass by without tasting it.
The drink’s logo is simple and clean, as are the ingredients.
Russian Standard (Russia)
Water from the sources of Lake Ladoga and winter wheat put the drink on par with most premium alcohol. And four filtrations and 2nd purification through carbon filters guarantee ease of use. The line has four varieties: Original, Gold, Platinum, and Empire. The latter is the most luxurious, with 8x distillation. The bear and the eagle on the logo are the symbols of Russia, known worldwide.
Russo-Baltique (Russia)
The most expensive brand, the gift with which comes a machine, and the vessel are made of bulletproof glass with a yellow and white gold finish. The machine medallion logo completes the image.
SKYY (USA)
In America, this brand ranks first in sales and in the world – fifth. Unlike the usual US corn vodkas, SKYY is made from wheat, which is why its taste stands out so much. The classic composition passes four times distillation and three times filtration. The water from the bay gives the alcohol an American flavor. The drink bottle is as blue as the sky, and the name and logo are like clouds floating in it.
Smirnoff (England)
Raw materials for producing the best vodka in the world are purchased in Scotland, and birch coals are used to filter it. The beginning of the recipe goes back to the dawn of the 19th century when the Smirnov family owned the factory. It is to them that the world owes the appearance of a masterpiece. Russia lost the rights to the recipe due to the revolution when Smirnov left the country and sold his secret abroad. Now the brand is owned by the Diageo concern. And only the logo remained from the historical past. The double-headed eagle, as if carved from ice and silver and crowned with a victorious red ribbon, testifies to the greatness and celebrity of the drink.
Soplica (Poland)
Polish organic vodka has been made at the Gniezno factory since 1888. Its name is taken from a poetic work and is the protagonist’s surname. The founder, Pan Kasprowicz, tried to put the Polish spirit and history into the drinks of the line. The logo has an old manor and a signature about preserving the traditions of generations. The bottles are specially embossed as protection against fakes.
The classic version of 40% is prepared on cereal alcohol. The rest of the drinks in the line come with additives on fruits and herbs and are more reminiscent of tinctures and liqueurs with a degree of 28. Molasses and alcohol juices are introduced into their rectification. The full recipe is kept secret.
Stolichnaya (Russia)
There is a serious struggle for the right to own the Stolichnaya trademark because this is the most famous brand of Russian drink abroad, the history of which dates back to the times of the USSR. Now vodka is produced at a private factory Crystal. The label is decorated with gilding, adding elitism to alcohol, and the logo rising up indicates the quality improves every year.
According to the recipe, Lux alcohol is filtered with coal and quartz sand. The final version contains refined sugar, which removes the harsh taste of alcohol.
Summum (France)
The province of Cognac in France turned out to be ideal not only for producing the drink of the same name but also for a whole range of premium alcohol. The name of vodka, translated as “top,” speaks for itself – the drink is one of the best on the market. Rectified wheat alcohol is mixed very slowly with two-week breaks with water from a clean source. The process makes the drink airy and silky with vanilla and wheat flavors. There is bitterness in the aftertaste, like most strong grain varieties.
In addition to the classic, there is lemon vodka and pepper in the brand’s arsenal. The logo exudes sharpness, coolness, and crystal clearness.
Svedka (Sweden)
The taste of this vodka contains notes of the softest grain alcohol, ocean breeze, and sweet citrus fruits. The raw materials for creating a masterpiece of the master took in the south of Sweden and subjected to five distillations. The largest consumer of the brand is the United States, where it is valued for its pleasant flavor bouquet. The large logo is designed to highlight the drink on the counter, like a truly Swedish one.
Three Olives (England)
Vodka appeared in 1998 in London. The logo with a crown immediately shows the country of production and the excellent taste of alcohol. A drink made from winter wheat undergoes a four-fold distillation, softening the taste and adding mineral shades. Water for production comes from Lake Wales. The line for cocktails has flavored options with a strength of 35%.
Vermont Spirits White (USA)
This brand of vodka embodies the spirit of Vermont. It is handcrafted from state-sourced Vermont maples. Maple must is used for vodka, which is already unusual among the prevailing grain spirits. Distillation units for distillation are made to order. The tree logo is recognizable and memorable. He points to an unusual raw material.
Vincent (Holland)
The vodka is named after a famous artist. Its brushstroke logo is reminiscent of the Starry Night element. It is based on a blend of the best wheat spirits from France, Germany, and Holland. On the palate, notes of wheat with a mineral aftertaste.
The collection includes a classic version of the drink and a range of products with fruit flavors (apple, berries, orange, pineapple) for various experiences. Products are the basis of all kinds of cocktails.
Vox (Holland)
The drink is prepared at the old distillery, which opened in 1828. Vodka from the Netherlands is distilled five times to obtain a mild taste. The logo’s tall, elongated letters indicate the container’s shape and the production of alcohol from the best ingredients. A mixture of wheat alcohol and pure water is considered a classic for vodka products, so the bread taste and a slight bitterness will pleasure connoisseurs of a natural drink.
Benefits of Vodka
Drinking alcohol in small amounts is beneficial for health due to the properties of alcohol and raw materials.
Antiseptic
As an antiseptic, vodka acts only externally. She can treat wounds. This will get rid of the infection and cause the death of microbes. When taken internally, the drink does not affect viruses and bacteria directly. However, a small amount, especially together with pepper, increases the activity of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and sweating. This speeds up recovery. For colds, ear pain, and inflammation of the joints, alcohol is suitable for rubbing or compressing, helping due to the warming effect.
Painkiller
Ethyl alcohol is similar in the mechanism of action to endorphins – substances that cause pleasure. Mood and tone rise, as does the threshold of sensitivity. Because of this, even serious injuries do not cause acute pain.
Soothing, relieving stress, and improving sleep
Small doses of alcohol have the same mechanism of action as antidepressants. Ethyl interacts with neurotransmitter receptors, causing relaxation and stress relief.
Circulatory stimulator
The activation of blood movement occurs due to the improvement of the heartbeat, the expansion of capillaries, and the thinning of the blood. That is why a person in the cold warms up after a glass of alcohol.
Appetite regulator
Ethyl alcohol activates the brain neurons responsible for appetite and promotes good digestion of food. Therefore, it is ideal for drinking alcohol during plentiful feasts.
It should be noted that alcohol has the listed positive properties when consumed in small quantities. Frequent and excessive drinking can backfire and become addictive.
Some statistics
The best-selling vodka
According to the WHO, which collects statistics for all countries of the world, the most ethyl alcohol per capita is in Moldova and Lithuania (15 liters per year), followed by European countries. They drink the least in Africa and the Muslim world. For a year here, a person consumes from 0 to 2 liters of alcohol.
The two largest vodka markets are consistently located in Russia and the USA. But by 2022, Poland has become the largest producer of spirits. Her innovation in terms of improving the taste and adding herbal notes to the drink has led to the great popularity of the country’s brands. The market will change even more in the future as the world’s leading alcohol producer Diageo leaves Russia. Namely, he produces the world’s most popular and best-selling vodka, Smirnoff.
More than 25 million cases of Smirnoff leave the shelves every year, which is significantly superior to other competitors. Sweden’s Absolut, which is in second place, sells just over 11 million cases. Also in the top four are Khortytsya and Polish Zubowka.
It is interesting that if the volume of sales of other types of alcohol fluctuates, then vodka has its stable consumer. For example, in Russia, it is chosen by 17% of alcohol buyers, and this figure is not affected by any cataclysms.
The cheapest vodka
The cheapest vodka of the popular Smirnoff can be bought in Lebanon, followed by Latin America and Africa. The cost of 0.7 liters of drink will be 2-4 dollars. In the US, the price is almost $10, while in Ukraine, this figure is $12. Of course, there are enough little-known manufacturers in the post-Soviet space whose products can be purchased much cheaper. But it is difficult to judge the quality of this alcohol.
The most expensive vodka in the world
Since vodka is made from alcohol and water, making it very expensive is difficult. Therefore, manufacturers add value through additional materials, specially decorated packaging, and surprises that come with the kit. Like an SUV!
Russo-Baltique vodka is sold for 1.3 million through a bottle of bulletproof glass, a gold monogram smelted from old coins (the same adorned the brand’s real cars of the early 20th century), and corks made of ordinary and white gold. But the main addition to the drink is the Dartz Prombron SUV.
The most expensive is the Scottish brand Diva. Its contents are filtered through precious stones crushed to sand. And a stack of small pebbles is placed inside the bottle. Here the amount of payment depends on their price and quantity. The minimum option is $ 3,700; the maximum is more than 1 million.
However, this is not the limit. In 2015, buyers were offered the Billionaire brand worth 7.2 million for 18 liters. It was not only filtered through diamonds but the bottle was also decorated with diamonds in gold.
The Hong Kong “Dragon’s Eye” is slightly behind it. A container with a glass bas-relief of the beast, studded with precious stones, adds $5.5 million to the cost.
The most unusual vodka
- Flavored vodka Chombord delights with pink color and aroma of hibiscus with blackberry, but without sweetness.
- However, in the list of “unusual,” it is inferior to O2 vodka soda, which is poured from a siphon. The drink is great to drink and even good for health.
- Vodka “Chinggis Khan” doesn’t seem strong at all, like drinking regular milk. This is milk obtained by distilling a fermented goat product. And it’s 38 degrees.
FAQ
What is the difference between good vodka and “bad” vodka?
Good vodka differs from bad vodka in the presence of harmful impurities. Fusel oils and methanol are poisons. There are many of them in unrectified alcohol; therefore, such raw materials are prohibited for vodka production. However, some manufacturers falsify the drink by introducing poorly purified alcohol into its composition. This leads to poisoning, severe hangovers, and the drink’s sharp, unpleasant taste.
The ingredients of good vodka: what to pay attention to?
To understand how good vodka is in front of you, it is important to be able to read labels. On the bottle, the ingredients are placed in descending order of concentration. Therefore, in the first place is water (55-62.5%), then ethanol, preferably with an indication of the class, then the rest of the additives. Of these, flavored alcohol is acceptable.
A quality drink should not contain soda (bicarbonate) and glycerin. These elements are not harmful to health but often soften the taste of poorly filtered alcohol.
Flavors and dyes should also raise questions. Quality vodka is clear, even with additives. In special vodkas, aromatization is permissible only due to aromatic alcohols, but they are also transparent as they are distilled. Dyes are needed only for tinctures since, over time; alcohol discolors the color of the base.
To improve the taste, citric acid or sugar is added to the composition. These are also undesirable additives since, during storage, they cause the formation of harmful substances. It is better if ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or honey is used for organoleptic purposes. They have the same effect but without subsequent troubles.
How to choose a quality vodka: what to pay attention to?
On the shelves of stores, there is a huge selection of vodka products. How to choose an original product and avoid counterfeit and unscrupulous manufacturers?
- Buy the product from a specialty store or, at the very least, in the supermarket. They don’t sell alcohol without a license. The hard liquor store is nice to have a consultant to help.
- Make sure that there is an excise stamp with holographic elements and stripes of various types and that the heat-shrink cap fits snugly on the neck.
- Look at the label and bottle. A simple shape and a thin paper label stuck on it somehow is not the best choice. Standing brands always care about the product’s appearance, adding embossing or embossing. Intricate containers are harder to fake. The label is made on thick paper, readable, sometimes with metal threads and drawings.
- Examine the contents. Flip the bottle, and face the light. Any inclusions, flakes, or texture heterogeneity should be alert.
- Read the composition.
It is better to give preference to products of well-known brands, as they care more about the methods of protecting the goods and the quality of the content.
How to serve vodka?
Before the feast, the drink is left to lie down in the freezer. Chilled vodka is easy to drink. Low temperature removes odor and taste. If the brand and composition are good, but you don’t like the taste at all, you can add honey or horseradish to the drink and let it brew. The ingredients will soften the alcohol.
Drink vodka with snacks. Meat, sausage, pickles, and smoked fish are ideal.
The signs of premium vodka?
- Carefully crafted design. A good brand has a recognizable style.
- As part of alcohol Alpha or Lux, blended or spring water from specialized sources, several degrees of purification.
- The price is above average, as a worthwhile product requires costs.
