Though the spirits landscape continues to shift and change, vodka is still the go-to for many enthusiasts and casual imbibers. Recent tests conducted on various vodkas have unveiled a diverse range of flavors and distillation methods, showcasing unique ingredients and innovative production techniques. This article explores eight notable vodkas, highlighting their distinct characteristics, origins, and prices.
Eight Lands Organic Speyside Vodka is a cut above the rest due to its dedication towards developing high-quality spirits. Made with 100% Ukrainian winter wheat, it’s a unique mix of this winter grain with water from the region’s underground springs. The vodka is then put through a rigorous 11-stage filtration process using charcoal, silver and platinum that gives it an unmatched purity and refinement. At £34.25 at the Whisky Exchange, it’s a beautiful representation of that careful artistry that goes into every quality spirit.
This unique vodka incorporates honey collected from local hives. It’s deepened by over-wintering wheat production from our own contract farms and super-fresh water sourced from our local chalk aquifer. Distilled on-site in copper stills, Jo Vodka is committed to developing a product that truly reflects its surroundings and roots. The Jo Vodka Icon 101 the Purist retails at £49.99, in keeping with its craft spirit philosophy.
Chopin Potato Vodka has a deep pedigree. It is small-batch produced at an idyllic Polish distillery that has been staunchly adhering to the Polish vodka-making process for close to 130 years. Neat, this vodka has a tart mouth feel, opening with a creamy, full-bodied starch profile revealing a pleasing nuttiness. It is available for £32.75 at the Whisky Exchange, making it an accessible option for those wanting to experience traditional Polish vodka.
Spitfire Vodka gives the whole lineup a Caribbean angle, as it’s derived from sugarcane from beautiful Barbados. Spitfire Vodka continues to please the palate with a delectable, sweet and rich flavor profile. Its luxuriant texture embraces and comforts when enjoyed neat, coaxing a glow to your belly. This vodka adds a level of sweetness that sets it apart from its grain-based brethren.
Altamura Vodka, one of the category’s highest-rated and award-winning new entries, is another incredible success story. It’s produced from 100% Altamura grain and distilled in small batches. This incredible liquid magic has captured the attention at Britain’s finest establishments, including a place on the menus of exclusive bars such as the Dorchester, Nightjar and the Corinthia. It’s this uncompromising production process that guarantees each batch has its own unique personality and quality.
The vodka we chose to test in this article is Nemiroff De Luxe. While it does indeed deliver a more sophisticated drinking experience, we did not write about specific tasting notes in these preliminary tests.
Ramsbury Hot Honey Vodka goes a creative route by infusing classic vodka with hot honey. This rare combination creates an extraordinary flavor experience, pairing the smoothness of vodka with a burst of delicious sweetness and spice.
Dawn Davies, a noted expert in spirits, comments on the general perception of vodka, stating, “Too often people just buy the cheapest vodka as they believe it doesn’t have flavour.” Her thoughts serve as an important reminder to appreciate the artistry and complexity that goes into the production of premium vodka.
Jo Malone’s new vodka, Jo Vodka Icon 101 the Purist, is more than just a liquor. It represents a positive aspirational lifestyle and paints an exciting urban picture. This dimension addresses the shifting position of spirits in communal culture and individual experience.
The tests shown in the videos below are about more than just flavor. In fact, they’re loaded with different approaches and philosophies to creating vodka. At the same time, consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated about what they consume. In reaction, brands are working harder than ever to provide unique offerings that embody quality and heritage.