We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. It’s made in Newfoundland, using crystalline Canadian water, and it’s distilled four times and filtered through semi-precious Herkimer diamonds a total of seven times—making for a super-easy finish. Spirits snobs can groan about vodka all they want—the clear spirit has maintained its status as America’s most popular spirit since 1976. The bison grass infusion gives this vodka an aromatic taste which is smooth and fresh with a slightly herbal undertone. If you want a high quality vodka that you can either drink straight or mix up your favourite cocktail with, Belvedere is the one. Date Tasted: 3/21/2019 in our Chicago tasting lab - 97 points out of 100. Read Next: The Best Cocktail Books, According to Experts. “It’s earthy, funky, and vegetal with a rich character." Organic sugar cane grown on a family estate in Maui combines with desalinated water pulled from 3,000 feet below the depths of the Pacific Ocean for a flavor that's clean, easy, and long-lasting. Hangar 1 is a vodka that will please everyone at the party, from newbies wanting a sweet touch in their Cosmopolitans to seasoned imbibers looking for a rugged punch in their Gibson. From Grey Goose Martini’s to Russian Standard; we’ve rounded up the top 10 vodkas on the market right now to wet your whistle. Stolichnaya Elit Vodka (also known as Stoli Elit) is an ultra-premium vodka that is regarded by many critics as one of the best vodkas in the world—even earning a coveted five-star review from F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal. If you find yourself standing in the supermarket aisles umming and ahhing about which bottle to pop in the trolly, you can't go wrong with this one. But this bottle pairs best with cream-based cocktails, like the White Russian: stir it up with Kahlua and milk over ice, and you’ll see that its creamy texture and sweet vanilla notes shine. Contributor Chad Walsh writes about wine and other beverages frequently for Food Republic. 21 Best Bottles Of Vodka To Try In 2020. Whether you're taking … It starts with certified-organic Illinois winter wheat and rye, and, in a rarity for the vodka category, it’s milled, mashed, fermented, and column-distilled entirely in-house. So, if you’re someone who doesn’t like tend to opt for plain vodka because you find it a little tasteless, Ciroc's range of vodka flavours will keep you entertained. There are several factors that can affect quality and taste. As you might expect from the inclusion of milk, this vodka has a smooth creamy taste which works brilliantly in long drinks and on its own. © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. It is quadruple distilled, making it taste incredibly smooth and therefore a definite winner for both vodka novices and aficionados alike. However, if you are coeliac, it is important to note that Absolut isn’t gluten free like Ciroc is. With that said, how should you decide among them? Flavorwise, there are some vanilla and tropical notes, but they’re matched by a herbaceous savoriness that makes this vodka flexible for both citrus-garnished and dirty, two-olive martinis. America’s first craft vodka, Tito's from Austin, Texas, has been the choice for trendy cocktailians since it hit the market in 1997. 2020-08-02T13:35:45Z, Warm out, isn’t it? Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices. Right now there are a million and one different types and flavours to choose from, so how do you find the best vodka? Best Potato Vodkas; Best Russian Vodkas; Best Flavored Vodkas; How does cheap vodka taste? If you want a middle range vodka that tastes good but won’t break the bank, this is the one. and that’s what gives it such a pure taste. Crack open the skull-shaped bottle of the racy, Crystal Head vodka from comedian Dan Aykroyd. Booze Can Be Made from Honey. An unaged spirit distilled and filtered repeatedly to achieve smoothness and clarity, vodka has had a reputation for blandness. From vanilla to passionfruit, this unique brand of vodka has something for everyone. Made from corn, it’s distilled six times over, then filtered 15 times, so it’s smooth sailing in all kinds of drinks, including some of the canned cocktails that the distillery produces: Vodka Mule, Spicy Bloody Mary and Grapefruit Vodka Soda. There, a wheat-based, column-distilled vodka gets blended with vodka made from viognier grapes that have been run through copper pot stills. Related rankings. We doubt you saw in the New Year with it, and it’s not everyone’s first choice of spirit for sipping straight, but it makes a cracking cocktail or mixer. It’s so pure you can sip it neat, honestly. This is a unique vodka made from milk rather than the traditional potatoes, wheat or rye, and is made in the South of England. Distilled from whey and pristine aquifer and mountain water, this spirit has a floral honeyed character and a creamy, luscious body. It has a clean and neutral taste which not everyone’s palette will agree with as it can be a bit dry compared to other richer vodkas like Zubrowka. Organically-grown semolina wheat is the basis of this Tuscan spirit, made sans sugar or other additives in a small, family-owned distillery dating back to 1842. And he looks for creamy mouthfeel without a cloying glycerin texture, as well as a clean, mouthwatering finish. The options are endless when you’ve got the best vodka on your bar cart.. On the market are plenty of expensive vodka brands, including French vodka, Polish vodka, Russian vodka and American vodka.As one of the world’s most versatile spirits, a good, cheap vodka is a staple bottle while a top shelf vodka can be the perfect addition to a dinner party. review process here. Zubrowka Vodka is probably one of the most unique vodkas on the market. Served on the rocks, you might just find that this is a vodka you'll enjoy drinking straight...who would have thought?! Vodka. Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our Get our best cocktail recipes, tips, and more when you sign up for our newsletter. Last year, a consumer study revealed the top 5 vodkas preferred by American consumers , listing Grey Goose as the favorite. Made from Polish Dankowski rye, it’s the best-selling spirit in the vodka-loving nation—silky and smooth on the palate. However, if the strong kick of vodka is what you are trying to avoid, then avoid this. A traditional Polish Vodka; Belvedere has won numerous blind tasting awards and is considered of fine quality but without such a hefty price tag. You'll find it best in simple recipes like the vodka martini and vodka tonic. Her favorite way to drink vodka is in a Salty Dog, with fresh grapefruit juice in an iced highball glass with a salted rim. This vodka typically tastes best served as a long drink with lemonade or sparkling water or on its own is you can cope with the kick. Microdistilled in small batches in Austin, Texas, for a super crisp and clean finish, Tito's can certainly go toe-to-toe with any luxury vodka. It’s made from corn for a deep, rich flavor, and Abou-Ganim is a long-time fan. 8. In its round, blue bottle, Ocean Vodka exemplifies the beauty of organic spirits. Made with non-GMO grain, naturally extracted cucumber and mint essences, and no additives, this Dutch-flavored vodka is crisp as can be, but it’s also packed with personality. It might be named for a poisonous delicacy (the Japanese blowfish, or fugu), but there’s nothing dicey about this vodka from San Diego-based Cutwater. Sobieski Vodka. This organic corn vodka is not only kind to the environment, it arrives in an attractive “craft”- style bottle, costs less than $20, and, best of all, tastes great. 2019-01-01T15:28:32Z, From vodka to brandy keep your booze easily to hand with one of these lavishly hand tooled drinks cupboards, By Sarah-Jane Butcher • It is harvested by hand in Poland, where the continent’s only herd of bison can be found. KU:L Vodka. View rankings of best expensive vodka, vodka reviews, best vodka liquor, luxury vodka, fine vodka at bestofluxury.com Last updated: November 1, 2020 “It has a beautiful natural taste that is light and crisp with a smooth warmth to finish it off,” says Fred Flynn of Wilmington, N.C.'s Manna. Martinis on the brain? The Best Cocktail Shakers, According to Experts, The Best Cocktail Books, According to Experts. This vodka has very citrusy undertones which is generally why it is a bit easier to drink neat than many other vodkas out there. Proximo Spirits, which bought the brand back in 2010, still produces it at the old Naval Air Station Alameda on San Francisco Bay, albeit in a new distillery. Yet, there’s nothing overly sweet or cloying in there. Here are 15 great vodka makers to try. Joly likes the low-priced, CH vodka so much that he uses it in the Moscow Mule in line with his bottled mixed-drink, Crafthouse Cocktails. Walmart rolls out another Xbox Series X and PS5 restock this week, No more looking like you're in that video from The Ring on video chats – a light makes all the difference, Enhance the flavour of your vaping with the best e juice, e liquids and vape liquids for all your fruity cloud chasing needs, Give up smoking or enjoy the biggest clouds of fruity or herb-tinged vapour possible with the best vaporisers, Enjoy a wee dram with our guide to the best whiskies, We've rounded up the best gins on the market that are bursting with botanicals, By Sarah-Jane Butcher • Best Vodka, Top Rated Vodka, Top 20 Vodka. Slava Borisov of Travelle at The Langham Hotel in Chicago, calls this bottle of Ketel One “playful." Some vodkas are made from rice, soybeans, and even grapes. Vote up your favorite and vote down the vodka names that just miss the mark. Borisov also recommends keeping this bottle in the fridge and drinking it cold and neat, complemented in true Russian fashion with a small piece of rye bread and a pickled cornichon. But vodka has uses far beyond simply riling up the joyless prigs who pretend to prefer chartreuse. “There’s a grainy sweetness to it,” he says. Vodka brands are experimenting more than ever with how they’re making it, as well as infusing and distilling their spirits with unique flavors. For anyone looking to buy a gift for a gluten intolerant friend that enjoys a drink, this is spot on. To help you choose what the best vodka is for your personal tastes, we have created a ranking divided up into a number of sub-categories: Best Russian Vodka, Best Flavored Vodka, Best Potato Vodka, and Best Cheap Vodka. With cocktail culture spreading rapidly across the globe, vodka – Slavic for “little water” — is experiencing a renewed wave of popularity. Well, it depends. It is not the smoothest vodka around but, to be honest, if you're mixing it, it doesn't need to be. Prices vary from around £15-£50+, and the smoothness of the drink generally tends to be reflected in how much you spend. Plus, each bottle is hand-painted for a one-of-a-kind showpiece on your bar. By Katie Bourque and Kristin Salaky. Just make sure it’s been chilled in the fridge properly to get the best out of it. Premium Russian Vodka This is the second of only two bottles of vodka to earn a "Gold Outstanding" rating at the 2014 IWSC. Ciroc is a great vodka if you want to add flavours to your favourite cocktails. There is a taste of grain as well as smooth flavors that give a delicious drink. These are the best beers to put in it…, Often enjoyed with a slice of orange as an after-dinner drink, we’ve rounded up the best tequila on the market, By Sarah-Jane Butcher • However, there is a relatively new brand Polish Vodka called KU:L Vodka. Americans drink more vodka than any other spirit, although whiskey has been gaining ground in recent years. These Are the Ones to Buy. The most ubiquitous vodka brand in the United States, Tito's is the best vodka to keep stocked up at home for any sipping occasion. Still, it retains its grape-based character. You can drink this any way you like although it works particularly well mixed in a cocktail as this takes away a little of it's harsher bite. As Abou-Ganim points out, there’s been a return in the highball, a three-ingredient cocktail of spirit, bubbly water, and crucially, ice. Perfect for "light, refreshing spring and summer cocktails” enjoyed in the garden, the fragrant vodka mixes well with sparkling sodas, sparkling wines, and floral liqueurs. The vodkas were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at slightly above room temperature. While potato vodkas only used to come from Russia, the U.S. now produces outstanding versions of its own. Betsy Andrews is a freelance journalist specializing in wine, spirits, food, travel, and the environment. Best Domestic Vodka . Russian Standard Vodka is the ultimate premium tasting vodka without the hefty price tag, so if you like your vodka but don’t want to fork out on the likes of Chase and Grey Goose, this is your go-to option. No big marketing push here; just a fairly priced spirit. Poland may be best known for potato vodkas, but Sobieski Vodka (popularly called Sobi) is a great Polish rye vodka. Its pure, light taste, with a muted sweetness, works well with fresh fruit juices including coconut, mango, and pineapple. With the rise of food intolerances and health trends, gluten-free vodkas and even vodkas made from milk are now available quite widely, so if you have any special requirements, keep your eyes peeled for these options. 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." Vodka isn't exactly a darling of the mixology community, but in terms of overall popularity, the numbers speak for themselves. The base spirit for this spicy elixir is distilled from organic grapes sourced in California wine country, where the family-owned Hanson of Sonoma distillery is located. “It’s a beautiful, velvety liquid when it gets to that temperature, then it reveals itself as it warms up.” The go-to in his deep-freeze is this premium Swedish bottle. If you are looking for a vodka that is best served on the rocks with nothing mixed in, your best bet is to stretch your wallet a little and opt for a quadruple distilled vodka that is soft and smooth on the palette. He says it’s the vodka to reach for if you like your martinis big, bold, and garnished with a blue cheese–stuffed olive. However, this is a particularly fashionable choice for 2018, gracing the top shelfs of most swanky bars and clubs. Flavorful but approachable, this spirit delivers alluring, complementary notes: a big, soft serving of vanilla followed by a spicy, peppery kick. Visit our corporate site. Best E liquid 2020: set the vape juice loose, Best vape 2020: vape pens and e-cigarettes for the discerning vapeur, The best whisky 2020 (or whiskey if you're after an Irish), The best gin 2020: our pick of the top tipples, The best beers 2020: ales, lagers and wheat beers, The best tequila 2020: a spirit for every budget, The best bourbons 2020: old Kentucky's finest for juleps, old fashioneds, or just on the rocks, The top 5 best drinks cabinets: store your spirits and show off your style, The best gin: our pick of the top tipples, The best tequila: a spirit for every budget, Take your vodka on an adventure with our top picks of. It was even long defined as "without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color" by The Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). We have brought together our top 10 picks for the best vodkas you should be drinking right now. From bloody marys to classic martinis and cosmos, these are the best vodkas to stock your bar with. Beluga uses pure artesian well water from Siberia, and it triple filters its vodka through birch charcoal, a silver filter, and quartz sand. From big, bold, and spicy to smooth and sweet, or anything in between, there’s a vodka out there for every palate. “I love sipping vodka straight from the freezer,” says Tony Abou-Ganim, the author of "Vodka Distilled." To find the best vodka brands at every price, VinePair tasted dozens of spirits from different countries and base grains. Sarah-Jane Butcher Absolut is served in most bars and restaurants and tastes great in a range of cocktails. Freeze distillation is used when making the vodka. As I mentioned earlier in the article, I’m going to split up the final results into two different sections: Results where the brand reputation rankings are included. The flagship vodka forms the base for the brand's flavors, and all weigh in at 40 percent ABV (80 proof). See the list of the 15 best vodkas for 2019 now! To create this ranking, we assessed each spirit based on … How about a cool, golden beer in a frosted glass? Strict tasting rules were applied. Abou-Ganim’s top choice is this bottle from Colorado-based Woody Creek Distillers. The top rated, best Vodka top 20 lists change as new liquor reviews and liquor ratings are entered. The Tasting: The Fifty Best held a “blind” tasting of 8 imported vodkas with 10 members of The Fifty Best's spirits judging panel. He wants an aroma that hints at the raw material used to make the vodka, be it grapes, potatoes, or grain. It retains the character of the grain, but with a silkiness that buoys its booming flavor: nuts and vanilla, spices, and cream. It's distilled in small batches from European wheat, offering a crisp but silky taste. The best vodka 2020: 10 vodkas we recommend. Low-calorie and, at just 60 proof, light on the alcohol, it's a “smooth and friendly spirit for low-ABV drinks,” says Borisov. Distilled with glacial water sourced from the Alps and filtered through Italian marble, 2Nite has a lemony aroma and a fresh, broad flavor with just a touch of sweetness. Oct 12, 2020 Alyssa Gray. Courtesy. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. Some of these may be hotter than some of the more high-end brands and in the long run may not be worth the savings. Whether you are simply buying a bottle for after-dinner drinks at home or want to find a unique gift for someone, we’ve found a fantastic range of local and international brands that are changing the way we view vodka. #9 of 10 Best Vodka Labels of 2017 - Fris Vodka comes in a tall bottle that has a dark color. It tends to go with anything, is pretty drinkable and won't break the bank. The best vodka to buy. If you are a vodka lover who would like to try something a bit different, or if you have a gluten intolerance, then this is something a little quirky and different. Awards: 2019 Best Flavored Vodka $19.99 Best Buy » Read Full Review. Then, the spirit is left to rest for a month to relax its aroma. Below, we guide you through our top picks of the best vodkas 2018. ($25 at drizly.com) Abou-Ganim describes Belvedere, the quintessential Polish vodka, as “Big, bold, and robust.” It’s distilled three times from just Dankowski Gold rye and artesian well water, then filtered twice—a measured amount of refinement for today’s vodka standards. Made with single-estate winter wheat, it has a “sharp brightness,” he says, that “elevates all those malty, grainy flavors” in standard Absolut. Grey Goose is a beautifully smooth vodka which you can drink on its own or whip up a classic Grey Goose Cosmo or Vodka Martini with. Featuring vodka names from all over the world, these vodka rankings have them all! “It has notes of salted caramel, honeycomb, and white pepper,” she says. Clear color. Charles Joly, spirits tasting judge and founder of Crafthouse Cocktails, says “Most people want something relatively neutral, but that doesn't mean it has to lack character.” When he judges a vodka, he considers the quality of the distillate: “It shouldn’t have an aggressive burn." Skyy Vodka is one of the only vodka’s that is made purely from American grains. In 2002, St. George Spirits birthed this small-batch vodka in an old aircraft hangar in California. For those of you who want to try making a tasty drink at home, Absolut is one of the best vodka’s to keep in your drinks cabinet for when mates come over. We’ve put Belvedere at our top spot due to its palatable creamy vanilla taste with a slight hint of white pepper which gives it just the right kick. Make sure it pairs deliciously with food. This year, the lineup of new vodkas includes a pair of Pacific Northwest newcomers and a handful of refreshing flavored vodkas with plenty of fruity and citrusy appeal, including one from … Best Vodka for Shots: Russian Standard Vodka; The Short List Best Overall Vodka: Reyka Vodka. The Best Vodka Brands to Stock Your Bar Cart With. Vodka - like whisky, rum and brandy – is a staple for anyone who wants to take their home bar seriously. For those who love all things British, Chase Vodka is made right here on our very soil and is one of the top contenders for vodka on the market right now. The judges said the Russian vodka is … Betsy Andrews has been writing about wine and spirits for two decades. Top 10 Best Vodka Brands – 2020. Tall, cool, and refreshing, the highball is the drink of summer for home bartenders, and the New Zealand-based Broken Shed vodka works beautifully in the glass. The true test of a sipping spirit? Today’s best vodka is made in a variety of different ways, with more flavours than ice cream – and better still, there’s something for every budget. Strict tasting rules were applied. In April 2020, though, the bureau dropped the definition that held vodka back, acknowledging something that experts know: Vodkas are wildly diverse, distilled using everything from grains to grapes, milk to maple sap. 2018-01-13T14:53:17.120Z. A little bit of sweetness and a whole lot of spice mingle together for a complex, multilayered spirit with just the right flavor you'd want for an exemplary Bloody Mary. An unaged spirit distilled and filtered repeatedly to achieve smoothness and clarity, vodka has had a reputation for blandness. …the final rankings to determine the best vodka for cocktails. The result boasts a layered flavor profile that spans the divide between syrupy and savory, between subtlety and burns. By Lauren Hubbard. The Best American Vodkas, Ranked The Best American Vodkas, Ranked As strange as it sounds, the capital of vodka right now might just be the U.S. of A. Chad Walsh March 7, 2016. If you are on a tight budget you may want to buy one of the less expensive brands. “This vodka is the greatest combination of old traditions and contemporary chic,” says Borisov. This vodka thrives on the 300-year distilling legacy of the Dutch Nolet family. Best Vodka. So if you are on a budget, know that this means you will likely be settling for a vodka that is best mixed rather than sipped. Here are the ten best bottles of vodka, power ranked by the people. 5 Spicy Vodkas to Kick Your Bloody Mary Up a Notch, The 10 Best Japanese Whiskies to Drink in 2020, 8 Things You Probably Didn’t Know Vodka Could Be Made From, 5 Single-Estate Spirits That Will Totally Blow Your Mind, 6 Spirits Made with Ingredients You'd Never Guess, The 11 Best Rye Whiskeys to Drink in 2020. The vodka apparently owes its name to John III Sobieski, whose image was on the label for many years. Produced in a small craft distillery at Mullion in Cornwall, Curio has explored the idea of flavouring its spirits using some fairly unconventional flavours: cardamom, samphire and also Peruvian cocoa nibs, which bring a powerful, earthy, chocolatey note to the vodka. Best for Bloody Marys: Hanson of Sonoma Habanero, Best for Cream-Based Drinks: Cutwater Vodka, Best Potato Vodka: Woody Creek Distillers, The 12 Best Flavored Vodkas to Drink in 2020, The 12 Best Canadian Whiskies to Drink in 2020, The 8 Best Coffee Liqueurs to Drink in 2020, 7 Delicious Vodkas That Happen to Be Sustainable. If vodka and coke is your tipple of choice, give this one a try to change up the flavours. Razer's Kiyo 1080p webcam with built-in light is a working-from-home essential, and it's back in stock! Thanks to Tito’s corn-based earthiness, this gluten-free spirit pairs perfectly with the spicy profile of the ginger beer or ginger ale in a classic Moscow Mule. And if it’s vodka’s tasty cousin whiskey you crave, check out these lists of the best bourbon brands and best scotch brands . The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. Most vodka is made by distilling potatoes or cereal grains that have been fermented. This is a pure tasting vodka that has been double-distilled and quadruple-filtered through birch charcoal (everyone’s loving the benefits of charcoal these days!) Best Premium Imported Vodka . 2019-01-01T13:20:31Z. 2020-08-02T13:27:28Z, Bourbon is an all-American classic, and we’re here to help you swig only the best, By Carys Lowry-Carter • Reyka harnesses its proximity to volcanoes to distill an exceptionally clean and crisp vodka. Despite—eh, who are we kidding, because of—its mass appeal, vodka is disdained by most cocktail snobs, which is reason enough to celebrate its continued prominence. It's expensive, sure, but if you aren’t a fan of the harsher kick that many vodkas bring to the taste buds and you fancy a bit of a treat, then Grey Goose is one of the best easy-drinking vodkas you'll find on the supermarket shelves. Best for Martinis. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. 1. Curio cocoa nib vodka. Made in Chicago’s Pilsen District, it’s a small-batch, artisan product from sourcing to bottling. The Best Vodka in the World. Normally, a cheaper vodka means a cheaper taste, but this bottle from Skyy is sort of bucking that trend, offering a pretty smooth tasting vodka for a budget-friendly price. “After all that," Borisov says, "the final product is ‘clean like a tear,’ a common expression used to describe the highest quality vodka in Russia.". The Fifty Best held a “blind” tasting of 34 American-made unflavored craft vodkas with 11 members of our spirits judging panel. By Chris | September 19 2013 . All rights reserved. For many, vodka is either tasteless or the ultimate taste of regret we’d rather forget, but these days you can get a wide variety of different vodkas to cater to your palate and even dietary requirements. Bottoms up! Best Vodka for Cocktails Ultimat Vodka. If you like your vodka strong on the taste buds, then Stolichnaya needs to be in your drinks cabinet. It was even long defined as "without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color" by The Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Because the vodka is made in this way, more of the impurities are removed. If you like the sound of Ciroc’s flavours but don’t want to pay that much, then Absolut is an affordable alternative. The beverage is produced in Canada. This botanical vodka is a pretty smooth choice too, and whilst it hasn't got the same gentle touch on the palette as Grey Goose or Beldevere, it's unusual taste make it a must-try for any vodka lover. Walmart Xbox Series X, PS5 restock: consoles coming THIS WEEK! From Grey Goose Martini’s to Russian Standard; we’ve rounded up the top 10 vodkas on the market right now to wet your whistle, By It’s a versatile vodka that works in any number of cocktails (and even pasta), but it's also great on the rocks with a twist. Vodka is cheap, tasty, and everywhere. The bottle is distilled with grain grown near its namesake in Western Poland. Proof66 provides listings for our top rated, best Vodka. Flavor: Sweet, earthy, and spicy all at once — smooth and hints of flavor on top of a classic modern vodka Best In: Vodka … These are the world's best vodka brands. Vodka. Flavorful yet bright, it makes you want to go back for another sip. A long-time gin drinker, she first discovered how exciting vodka can be back in 2012 when she was working at Saveur magazine and edited a story on new American craft vodkas. Read Next: The Best Cocktail Shakers, According to Experts. T3 is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. For good reason, this crisp, clean spirit is the most-consumed spirit in the world. Great sipping vodkas, Abou-Ganim says, “cuts through caviar like a knife; it goes with pickled herring, stinky cheese, charcuterie, foie gras, gravlax—anything cured.". It’s distilled only once from Rio Grande spuds grown on the distillers’ own farm at alpine altitudes. He notes the superiority of both the water source and the filtration process—two key contributors to the vodka’s bouquet and flavor profile. Sweet and smooth with a fruity appeal, it’s a worthy bottle in and of itself, but infuse it with locally sourced, organic chiles—habaneros and half a dozen other varieties—and the resulting flavored vodka bristles with complex heat. Borisov raves about the Smogory Forest version, which is part of Belvedere's newest vodkas made with rye sourced from single estates. $55 Jean-Marc XO. This is one of the best vodkas for celiacs as it is made from potatoes only and is best served straight from the freezer for a cracking ice cold gluten-free martini. The process “leaves in a lot of the character of the potatoes,” says Abou-Ganim.