Ology: How We Select Test And Rank The Best Vodkas
Vodka has kept its title as one of the most popular spirits in the world for many years, which means there are hundreds of different brands to choose from. However, while there are more brands to sample than we could ever reasonably sip, there are a handful that are known for being consistently excellent.
When we put together this guide of the best vodka brands, we looked at all of the new vodka brands that have joined the market in recent years as well as those that have kept their title of success for a longer period of time. We looked at the process used for distilling the spirit, the number of times each bottle was distilled as well as any unique factors included during this process.
We took into account the quality of the grain, potato or other base product used by each brand as well as its sustainability and whether or not the alcohol was produced locally. Then, we factored in the price of each bottle, its purpose and versatility, and its range of flavours and aromas.
What Is Vodka Made From Is It Really Potatoes
byAugust 24, 2021, 12:55 pm1.5k Views
Vodka is popularly known to contain potatoes, but it is also created using other high starch or sugar plant matter combined with yeast.
This article explores what vodka is made from, and how it is made.
We also look at popular vodka brands like Smirnoff, Grey Goose, Absolut Vodka, and Ketel and we share some delicious vodka cocktail recipes.
Introduction To Grey Goose Vodka
If you have ever been to a fancy club, bar or restaurant or even have a swanky friend, it is likely you have heard of the quality Vodka brand Grey Goose but have you ever wondered what makes it so elite?
The label was founded in the summer of 1996 by businessman Sidney Frank with his recipe expert François Thibault, in the French commune of Cognac. The intention was to create a luxury vodka brand for the US market.
Grey Goose, produced with water derived from the natural springs in Cognac, is filtered through limestone & made from winter wheat grown in Picardy.
The Beverage Testing Institute named Grey Goose the best-tasting vodka in the world in 1998, and in 2004, the company sold to Bacardi for $2.2 billion US dollars. That same year, the company sold over 1.5 million cases, making it the best-selling premium vodka brand in the United States.
So, we ask, what contributed to the brands grandiose success?
We will touch on the unique distilling techniques shortly, however, an interesting perspective is given in the economist, Thomas J. Stanleys, well-researched book Stop Acting Rich .
Stanley describes Grey Goose as a preference drink to the Americans he terms as aspirationals .
He claims that the explosive growth is partly due to it being perceived as a drink of the economic elite even more so than Rolex or Mercedes Benz.
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Grey Gooses Creator Was All About French Decadence And Luxury
There wasnt a particular recipe or method that drove the creation of Grey Goose. Frank simply aimed to fill a gap he noticed in the beverage market: high-end vodka. Grey Goose is distilled in Picardy, France, but not because of any specific regional interest. As vodka is made by stripping alcohol of most of its congeners and funky flavor compounds, it can be made almost anywhere. But Frank chose a place specifically against tradition as in, not Eastern Europe. He wanted a vodka American consumers would immediately associate with luxury. And whats more posh than France, the home of Champagne and Burgundy?
What Is A Vodka Martini Straight Up With A Twist
With a Twist is number five on the list. Just how you want your martini garnished is all that this is about. Classic martinis are either garnished with an olive on a skewer or with a little twist of lemon peel to give a touch of citrus to the drink for an extra burst of flavor. To specify your preference, simply tell the bartender with a twist for the lemon peel or with an olive for the olive.
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Is Ciroc Better Than Grey Goose
Although most vodkas taste very similarly, some people with keen senses or rich experience will swear that Ciroc vs Grey Goose have different aromas and flavors.Ciroc vs Grey Goose.CirocGrey Goose- Smooth and sweet taste, doesnt require a chaser- Smooth and bitter, doesnt really need a chaser3 more rowsNov 12, 2018
Production Types And Recipes
Grey Goose is a premium brand of French wheat vodka. Its name is synonymous with quality vodka, and the bottle is prominent in bars and liquor stores worldwide. The brand’s naturally-flavored vodka portfolio includes citrus fruits, melon, and vanilla, and their cherry and pear vodkas are the most impressive you will find. No matter the flavor, each is reminiscent of the clean, smooth taste found in the original clear vodka.
Considered one of the best, Grey Goose is often used as a benchmark when comparing other brands. Whether or not it really is the best or smoothest vodka is a matter of opinion. Yet, if you’re looking for a quality vodka that is reliable and at a reasonable price, then this is an excellent option. It’s a nice one to keep in your bar to create clean, smooth vodka cocktails.
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What Is Better Absolut Or Grey Goose
While Absolut has a larger worldwide market share, Grey Goose frequently ranks among the finest vodkas on VinePairs list of the greatest vodkas and is seen as a symbol of wealth and luxury. Despite the fact that both are well-known vodka brands with significant market shares, they provide drinkers with a distinct option in terms of both style and production process.
What Is Grey Goose Vodka Made From
GREY GOOSE® Vodka is made from just two ingredients: soft single-origin winter wheat from Picardy, France, and spring water from Gensac-La-Pallue in France. Only GREY GOOSE® Vodka ever touches the inside of a GREY GOOSE® bottle. Learn more about the story of GREY GOOSE® from crop to cork, and how to taste vodka to truly sharpen your vodka knowledge.
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What Is Kirkland Vodka Made From
Kirkland vodka is considered one of the best bargain vodkas in America because Kirkland vodka is roughly half the price of premium vodkas but tastes just as good, if not better.
If you are thinking of switching to Kirkland Vodka, you will want to know first what Kirkland Vodka is made from. I looked into it, and here is what I found!
Why Grey Goose Vodka Is Primarily Sold In America
Although Grey Goose was and still is initially made in France, the creator was an American. His idea was to make vodka for Americans. Therefore, he set out to come up with luxury vodka that suits them. He created the Grey Goose Vodka, and to him, vodka that came from France gave off a luxury aura. The decision to have the distiller in France was for the reason that France has a significant culinary history. The brand also aimed at differentiating itself from other vodka made in Eastern Europe.
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The Most Expensive Bottle Of Vodka Retails At $3750000 Usd
Leon Verres Billionaire Vodka is the most expensive vodka in the market. The vodka is made from an old Russian recipe. The processing of its raw wash is also quite exquisite.
It also goes through THREE particular distilling processes the first one is through ice, followed by a Nordic birch charcoal, and the final stage is with crushed diamonds.
Made In France For A Reason
François believed that to create the best spirit, he needed full control of his ingredients. And we have only ever used two: soft winter wheat from Picardie and spring water from our own well in Gensac-la-Pallue. Unlike many vodkas available, he refused to buy in an existing spirit and re-distill it. Grey Goose is made from scratch we do not refine someone elses raw grain spirit. The entire vodka production process from milling the wheat to distilling our vodka is carried out in only one place.
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What Is Costco Kirkland Vodka Made From
Costcos Kirkland Vodka has two types: Kirkland Signature American Vodka and Kirkland Signature French Vodka.
Both the American and French Kirkland Vodkas are made from grains and spring water, but they taste different due to the small nuances in their production.
Additionally, Kirkland vodka does not disclose its recipe and the exact source of Kirkland vodkas grain and water.
There Are Many Variations Of Grey Goose
Aside from the classic Grey Goose vodka, there are also fruit-infusions: LOrange, Le Citron, La Poire, Cherry Noir, and Le Melon. As Carly Wray pointed out, all of these fruit flavours are from actual fruits, and all , are from France.
They also have another drink, Grey Goose VX, which has a hint of cognac mixed in with the vodka.
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Distillation & Production Process
Titos vodka is made from yellow corn, and the distillation process is repeated six times for an even smoother finish. On the other hand, the wheat-borne Grey Goose vodka is distilled five times, explaining the somewhat bitter taste.
Nonetheless, the mixability and the various flavored beverages of this vodka brand help mask the traces of its bitterness. All you have to do is check for countless recipes and mix-and-match each flavor!
Is Absolut Vodka Better Than Grey Goose
The comparison between Absolut and Grey Goose sees the former leading in the overall impression scores getting a rating of 94 compared to its competitors number of 82. Drinkers rating for Absolut is at 4.2 stars in a 5-star scale while the other brand is rated at 3.2 stars. Both have an ABV of 40%.
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Which Vodkas Are Grain Free
Here are the best gluten-free vodka brands:
- Titos Handmade Vodka. Courtesy of Drizly.
- Crystal Head Vodka. Courtesy of Drizly.
- Ciroc Vodka. Courtesy Reserve Bar.
- Grey Goose Vodka. Courtesy Reserve Bar.
- Cold River Vodka. Courtesy the Whiskey Exchange.
- Ocean Vodka. Courtesy Mel & Rose.
- Dixie Vodka. Courtesy of Dixie Vodka.
- Chopin Vodka.
. Also asked, what flavored vodkas are gluten free?
Heres a short rundown of some brands that are gluten-free and perfect to serve at your next cocktail party.
- Iceberg Vodka.
- Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka.
- Boyd & Blair Vodka.
Also, what alcohol is grain free? Some people who cant consume gluten react to liquor thats made with gluten grains, including vodka, whiskey, bourbon, and gin. Look for liquor that is distilled from something other than wheat, barley, or rye. Most plain rum and tequilas are gluten-free.
Similarly one may ask, is rice vodka gluten free?
Yes! Vodka is alcohol distilled from grainsincluding corn, sorghum, rice, wheat and rye. The National Celiac Association considers distilled spirits glutenfree, even if theyre made with gluten-containing grains. So, all kinds of vodka should be safe for people who cant eat gluten.
What grain is Skol vodka made from?
Vodka is traditionally made from potatoes or cereal grains. However, today many vodkas are made from other food items, including fruits, corn, rice or wheat. Skol Vodka specifically is made with 100 percent grain-neutral spirits.
Grey Goose Or Titos: Which Is A Better Vodka
The better choice boils down to whos tasting it as both vodka brands bring something unique to the table. Titos vodka uses yellow corn as a base which results in its subtle sweetness. The slightly sweet taste also makes it ideal even when drunk straight when compared to Grey Goose.
Grey Goose, on the other hand, beats Titos in variety. This is also considered one of the most mixable vodkas. Essentially, each vodka brand caters to a specific crowd.
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What Vodka Is Made With Potatoes
Potato Vodka BrandsKarlssons Gold Vodka. This Sweedish potato vodka is fairly unique among its peers. Woody Creek Colorado Vodka. US residents should have no problems getting their hands on this all-American potato vodka. Vesica Vodka. Claremont Vodka. Grand Teton Potato Vodka. Luksusowa Vodka. Chopin Vodka. Cape Cod Vodka.More itemsSep 23, 2020
It Was A Decisive Move By Grey Goose To Fly Into Its Own Super
*This feature was first printed in The Spirits Business August 2014 issue.
Back in the 1970s the late liquor baron, Sidney Frank, was building his empire in the States. Within his stable was a sugary German Liebfraumilch a beverage that bridged the gap between soft drinks and wine for a generation of Americans. Liebfraumilch faded like many fads from the decade taste forgot, but Frank had registered his brand name worldwide and was clearly attached to it. There was always something about the name that had magic with the consumer, he later said.
It sure did, prompting Frank to keep hold of the Grey Goose name and eventually pass it onto the iconic vodka that created the super-premium category almost single-handedly. Grey Goose Vodka was distilled from thin air in the summer of 1996 as a concept with no distillery, no bottle and no spirit. Eight years later, with sales somewhere north of 1.5 million cases, it was bought by Bacardi for a reported US$2 billion. Two thirds of this staggering sum went straight into Franks back pocket, though sadly he suffered a fatal heart attack on his private jet two years later. Since then every budding spirits entrepreneur has dreamed of emulating Sidney Franks success.
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How To Make A Cocktail With Grey Goose
What kind of drink pairs well with Grey Goose?
- Cocktails made with fruity vodka and Grey Goose Cosmopolitan. This tart, fruity classic is usually a success when served during a get-together. Martini with pomegranate juice. This Cosmopolitan version makes use of pomegranate juice, which imparts an unique tart, somewhat flowery flavor that contrasts well with the sweetness of Grey Goose vodka. Caipiroska. Gimlet made with vodka. The sea breeze.
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What Vodka Makes The Best Martinis
The best vodkas for making a Martini
- Belvedere Single Estate Rye Smogóry Forest is a beautiful place to visit. When it comes to a Vodka Martini, the basic Belvedere vodka is a great choice, but this particular expression is for the aficionado. A few examples include: Chopin Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, Haku, Ketel One Vodka, Koniks Tail, Reyka Vodka, Stolichnaya elit, and others.
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Prune Juice & Grey Goose Vodka
Prune juice is made by boiling or forcing water through dehydrated plums. It is one of the more nutritious fruit juices and is traditionally believed to have a mild laxative effect.
It is also a greatly underappreciated mixer.
The piledriver is a simple vodka cocktail popular along the American Renaissance Festival circuit. It uses three parts prune juice to one part vodka. Several brands of prune juice are available in single-serving cans, so you dont have to open an entire bottle.
What Is & Who Owns Grey Goose
Grey Goose is a type of vodka consisting of many variations. The vodka boasts of fruit infusions such as Le Citron, La Poire, among others. Sidney Frank created the Grey Goose brand in the 1990s. Francois Thibault then composed the recipe. In the year 2004, Frank sold the brand to Bacardi after its success in the American market .
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What Is The Highest Rated Vodka
With the help of our experts, below youll find a curated list of the best vodkas to get right now.Best Overall: Hangar 1. Best for Sipping: Absolut Elyx. Best Flavored: Ketel One Cucumber & Mint. Best for Bloody Marys: Hanson of Sonoma Habanero. Best Polish: Belvedere Smogory Forest. Best for Moscow Mules: Titos.More itemsApr 19, 2021
What Was Vodka Originally Made Out Of
There isnt a definite nor proven account of where it was first created. There is a DIVIDE as to where it comes from.
Among a number of countries claiming the birth of Vodka there are two that are highly plausible: RUSSIA and POLAND.
Lets look at the etymology of vodka. The Russian word voda means water. Meanwhile, Poland has woda which translates to the same word.
Historians suggest these are possible ways of how the word VODKA came about.
Discovery and Spread of Vodka
Although the history of vodka suggests it can be traced back to the 1300s or even earlier, this alcoholic drink hasnt been widely known until the 1900s.
The Russian Revolution in 1917 paved vodkas popularity in Europe which may also be the reason why most would allude this drink to the Russians.
Russian families and groups migrated to parts of Europe. This started the proliferation of vodka across the continent and to the world.
Why Did People Start Making Vodka?
The main ingredient of this drink is actually POTATOESwho wouldve guessed?
Originally, vodka was made from the humble spud and only averages 14% alcohol content. It was drunk for MEDICINAL PURPOSES.
The natural fermentation process of vodka makes it a good antiseptic or disinfectant.
In some movies, you might spot some characters pouring vodka over a knife to disinfect it before they perform a crude operation. It is a reference to how people used this to sterilize the equipment before cutting into a humans skin.
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Potato Vodka Vs Grain Vodka: Whats The Difference
Vodka is a very popular spirit worldwide. The main ingredient of it is either from potato or grain hence why theres potato vodka and grain vodka. Although both variants are types of Vodka, they have several differences, especially in their taste.
Grain vodkas are excellent choices for cocktail drinks because it does not contain a distinctive taste. This means that it can blend well with other liquors and create a whole new flavor for your cocktail. Some of the popular examples of grain vodka are Ketel One, Stolichnaya, Smirnoff, and Grey Goose.
Meanwhile, potato vodka has a more distinctive taste. This makes it an excellent option if you want a vodka with more character on its own. Chopin Vodka, Karlssons Gold Vodka, and Luksusowa Vodka are some popular brands of potato vodka.
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