Top 10 Vodka Brands

While the United States is more known for their craft beers and wines, Hangar 1 stands out from the crowd. Initially brewed out of St. George’s Spirits in Alameda, California, the brand’s founder and distillers Jörg Rupf and Ansley Coale decided to tweak the method of making clear fruit brandy, known as eau de vie, and introduced Hangar 1 Vodka in 2002. This small batch vodka is made using a combination of American wheat and Viognier grapes, giving it a refreshing fruity flavor. The varieties don’t stop at fruit though, as you can try many other experimental flavors of Hangar 1, such as chipotle and wasabi.

Move over America, here comes Russia. The oldest vodka brand on our list, Smirnoff began its rich history in Moscow thanks to distiller Pyotr Smirnov. The brand had been passed down through the Smirnov family, who eventually sold it to businessman Rudolph Kunett, and the production of Smirnoff vodka began in the United States. The brand has consistently won awards and continues to rank much higher than its younger competitors. Over its many years of existence, Smirnoff has experimented with a number of flavors, like green apple and espresso just to name a few. Want to try real Russian vodka? Try Smirnoff.

Need a limitless variety of vodka at your disposal? Look no further. Initially established in 1879, Absolut didn’t hit its major stride out of its native Sweden until its global release a century later! Absolut has a lengthy list of flavors and mixes, from the traditional blue label to hibiskus and even a signature city series, inspired by locations around the world. Since hitting the global market, Absolut has become the most internationally well-known spirit, not just as a vodka brand. Absolut proves that the Swedes can make vodka just as well as Russians can.

It is time to get back to basics. Originating in Finland and available in the United States, and Scandinavia since 1970, Finlandia is quite possibly the best unflavored vodka you’ll ever slide down your throat. The Altia Corporation, the Finnish distillers behind Finlandia, pride themselves on their ability to offer vodka in a pure form, combining alcohol with pure glacial water. Unlike our last entry, Finlandia limits itself to only a handful of fruit flavors, pushing its original formula over the different varieties. Hey, global vodka market, Finland has arrived.

Venturing back to North America, the United States is not the only country that can make great vodka. By far the youngest vodka on our list, Crystal Head vodka is filtered not once, not twice, but seven times, even filtering through Herkimer diamond crystals. To top it off, the unique bottle design definitely earns its place as a centerpiece for any bar. Fun fact: this Canadian-manufactured vodka boasts actor Dan Aykroyd as one of its co-founders.

If Poland knows plenty of anything, it is how to make vodka. Named after the Polish composer Frederic Chopin, this delicious potato-based vodka was introduced to North American in 1997. Chopin is made in particularly small batches, and is distilled four times, producing a clean tasting finish. Chopin vodka has won multiple awards since its introduction, particularly in the 21stcentury and is ranked among the best of its class worldwide. Poland, we will see you again soon.

For our next pick, it’s time to jump over to the Netherlands. Widely considered the most popular vodka out of the Western European country, if you have been a fan of vodka for any amount of time, you would recognize the Nolet Distillery’s unflavored flagship vodka. Unlike our previous potato-based vodka, Ketel One is distilled completely from wheat. It is then filtered through charcoal to achieve the optimal filtration level. While the original unflavored vodka is the most popular, Ketel One also distills flavors like Ketel One Citroen and Ketel One Oranje.

Oh we meet again, Poland. Produced exclusively in the Central European nation and introduced to the U.S. in 1996, Belvedere is considered the first super premium vodka. This is hard to argue, as this premium rye-based vodkacan be found on the top shelf in bars around the world. While the unflavored is by far the most popular, Belvedere does market flavored vodkas, such as mango passion and pink grapefruit. Unfortunately, Belvedere is no stranger to controversy when it comes to its advertising at least, but is has always risen above it and returned to its spot on the top shelf.

When many drinkers think of premium vodka, Grey Goose is often the first brand that comes to mind. Introduced to North America in 1997, the French luxury vodka immediately jumped to the top of the American liquor industry due to its rich flavor. In 2004, Grey Goose was bought by Bacardi, which further expanded the brand’s global influence. Fans and critics agree that Grey Goose is a top shelf choice, as it is often ranked as the bestselling and best tasting vodka in any given year. This wheat-based vodka proves that France doesn’t just make great wine, but superb vodka as well.

Before we consume our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Three Olives Vodka (1998)
United Kingdom

SKYY Vodka (1992)
United States

Cîroc (1993)
France

Snow Queen Vodka (2004)
Kazakhstan

Russian Standard (1998)
Russia

Tito’s Handmade Vodka (1997)
United States

No surprise here, as it is common knowledge that Russians make the best vodka. Stolichnaya, often better known as Stoli, is a unique blend of wheat and rye grains with delicious artesian water bringing us the flagship original vodka. You could argue about when Stolichnaya was actually created, as claims have its earliest origins dating back to 1901 when the Moscow State Wine Warehouse No. 1 was opened. But the exact year isn’t as important as this vodka’s taste and reputation. Need a break from the original? We recommend trying out Stoli Hot or Stoli Razberi for a change of pace. Regardless of which flavor you try, you will not be disappointed.

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