Choosing Your Best of Vodka

It depends on a combination of personal preference, intended use, and understanding some key factors that differentiate vodkas.

Here are some tips to guide you:

1. Taste and Smoothness:
– Neutral vs. Character: Some vodkas are designed to be as neutral as possible, while others have distinctive flavours. Decide if you prefer a clean, smooth vodka or one with more character.
– Smoothness: Higher-quality vodkas tend to be smoother with less burn. This is often achieved through multiple distillations and careful filtration.

2. Ingredients:
– Base Ingredients: Vodka can be made from grains (wheat, rye, barley), potatoes, corn, or even fruits. Each base ingredient imparts a different subtle flavour profile. For example, potato vodkas often have a creamier texture, while wheat vodkas are smoother.

3. Distillation and Filtration:
– Distillation: More distillations can mean a purer product but not always better. Some brands boast numerous distillations, but the quality of the distillation process is more important than the number.
– Filtration: Vodkas are often filtered through charcoal, quartz, or other materials to remove impurities. The method and number of filtrations can affect smoothness.

4. Brand and Price:
– Reputation: Established brands with good reputations are often a safer bet, but many smaller, craft distilleries produce excellent vodkas.
– Price: While price can indicate quality, it’s not always the case. There are excellent vodkas at mid-range prices, and some high-end vodkas may not be worth the extra cost for everyone.

5. Intended Use:
– Cocktails vs. Neat**: If you plan to mix the vodka into cocktails, you might prioritize a clean, neutral flavour that blends well. For sipping neat or on the rocks, you might prefer a vodka with more character.

6. Personal Preference:
– Tasting: The best way to determine your favourite vodka is through tasting. Attend vodka tastings or try small bottles of different brands to see which you prefer.

7. Reviews and Awards:
– Critic Reviews: Look for reviews from trusted sources or vodka enthusiasts.
– Awards: Vodkas that have won awards at spirits competitions often indicate quality, but personal taste is still paramount.

By considering these factors, you can find a vodka that suits your taste and needs.

Enjoy 🥂