| Like everything else in life, we want to know | | | | in a Lemon Drop Martini. |
| which is the 'best' vodka. Which vodka is most | | | | The third among the most marketed brands is |
| superior to others. And like everything else in life, | | | | Absolut. This Swedish vodka has the one of the |
| we realize that there is no one single answer. For | | | | largest number of flavoured vodkas in the |
| example, I use the latest Intel Pentium Core Duo | | | | market. Its global marketing strategy seems to |
| Processor, as I require it to power my media | | | | have paid off in recent times and is considered to |
| center, on the other hand, my Grandfather still | | | | be a truly superior vodka in many places in the |
| uses a 11 year old IBM Thinkpad with 4 MB RAM | | | | world. Its neutral variety comes in blue and red |
| running Windows 3.11 with Wordpad! | | | | labels with increasing strengths. The red bottle (50 |
| Anyway, back to Vodka. Vodka is defined as a | | | | % vol) is a really smooth spirit with almost no |
| neutral spirit devoid of any distinct characteristics | | | | discernarable taste of its own. The blue bottle |
| such as odour, taste or colour. Considering the | | | | mixes extremely well with almost all mixers and |
| above definition all vodkas should be the same | | | | makes it great in most cocktails. The flavoured |
| and the brand shouldn't matter. This is true to | | | | varieties too are very good and for the |
| some extent, in the sense, that the final product | | | | adventurous there are no dearth of varieties to |
| of all the brands are more or less similar to each | | | | try from. |
| other and while mixed in a blood mary, there is | | | | Now, lets move onto the lesser marketed, |
| little or no discernable distinction between them. | | | | premium brands. I'll start with what most vodka |
| However, if you plan to have them as shots, on | | | | drinkers and experts consider a truly great and |
| the rocks or in a martini, then you are well | | | | 'almost perfect' vodka. Stolichnaya is what it |
| advised to consume a premium brand. | | | | claims to be "a true Russian vodka". It was |
| There are a lot of vodkas out there. And each | | | | founded at the Cristill Distillery in Moscow and is |
| one is trying to catch your eye, with refreshing | | | | now manufactured in ex-Soviet republics |
| marketing, stylish bottles and happening events. | | | | (Kazakhstan and Ukraine). It is quadruple distilled |
| This is because of the above noted fact, that the | | | | though quartz sand and finally passed through a |
| product is more or less same, and hence, | | | | woven cloth, to give you a vodka free from any |
| marketing plays a big role. | | | | flavours or odours. This one is great to have on |
| Okay. Now since we are clear about what vodka | | | | the rocks. |
| actually is, lets look at some of the brands. (If | | | | Next on the list is Belvedere. This is a Polish |
| you are interested more about the history and | | | | vodka. However, unlike other Polish vodka this |
| other nuances of Vodka, read my article 'All | | | | one is made from rye rather than potatoes. The |
| About Vodka') I am not affiliated with any of | | | | experts are always confused about this one. |
| them and I have no particular favourite among | | | | Many hold it in high regard, while others suggest |
| them either. So be assured that whatever is said | | | | that the other brands mentioned here, are far |
| herein is completely unbiased and in the best | | | | superior. For the record, I like it. Still one could |
| interest of vodka. | | | | argue that with so many different brands with |
| Lets start with the world best selling vodka. | | | | better marketing and “brand appeal”, |
| Remember, the phrase is 'best selling', it doesn't | | | | this vodka still leaves you with something to |
| make the best vodka on the planet. I guess | | | | desire more from. |
| every vodka drinker knows it. Smirnoff. Smirnoff | | | | Our last entry on this discussion would be |
| was the first American brand of Vodka, which | | | | Belvedere's sibling: Chopin. However, unlike its |
| was bought over from Vladimir Smirnov of | | | | sibling, Chopin is made from potatoes; the way |
| Russia. The Smirnoff No. 21 is the most widely | | | | authentic polish vodka should. Even though for |
| sold vodka in the world and is an extremely good | | | | many years, potato based vodkas have been |
| example of classical vodka. It has little discerning | | | | frowned upon by Russians as inferior, the truth |
| character, and does not pamper you with slight | | | | lies in the fact, that with the right distillery, |
| flavours or a mellow follow through. If you don't | | | | whatever be the ingredient, you can produce |
| like to think too much and are on a budget, this is | | | | superior vodka. And Chopin is a great example of |
| the vodka to go for. Have it chilled and | | | | the same. This vodka is crisp and has a sweet |
| experience the Russian in you. Smirnoff also | | | | and sour green apple tinge to it. It's the only |
| comes in blue and black labels which are of | | | | potato based vodka that is held with such high |
| increasing strength. It has also launched numerous | | | | regard and just for this sake, I urge you to try it |
| flavoured vodkas such as Green Apple Twist, | | | | at least once. Your Polish experience will definitely |
| Citrus Twist, Lemon Twist and many more. They | | | | be worth it. |
| are great to have in martinis and light cocktails. | | | | There are some other lovely vodka brands as |
| Next up, Grey Groose. Now this is on that has | | | | well. Vox, Ketel One, Three Olives and Jewel Of |
| had its fair share of Hollywood exposure. You can | | | | Russia are just a few to name. Vodka, like other |
| hear almost every celebrity asking for a Grey | | | | spirits, is full of tradition and variety. And to cover |
| Goose Martini. This vodka brand is truly a | | | | all would be an arduous if not impossible task. I |
| marketing brilliance. Winter wheat being distilled | | | | hope not to offend anybody with my views. |
| with natural spring waters in a French Distillery is | | | | They are mine and others may not agree. As I |
| surely going to make some heads turn. It is this | | | | always maintain wines and spirits are very |
| approach to vodka, that has made Grey Goose a | | | | personal in nature. The best wine or spirit is |
| brand to reckon with. But, nothing to be taken | | | | always the one you enjoy most! With that I |
| away, this is really great vodka to have in your | | | | humbly conclude this article. Hope you enjoyed it, |
| martini. It comes in three flavours: L'Orange, Le | | | | as much as I need writing it. |
| Citron and La Vanille. The Citron is great to have | | | | |