16 Best Vodkas to Drink Right Now
When thinking about the best vodka to drink, brands such as Grey Goose, Ketel One, and Absolute come to mind. However, with so many choices on the market, it can be overwhelming and tough to figure out the difference between great marketing and great product. We’ve cut to the chase and lined up only those worth drinking to help you get the best bang for your buck. Our list includes vodka options if you’re looking for something cheap, strong, or expensive, and we believe we’ve found the perfect vodka for every occasion.
Best Vodka at a Glance
Highlights from our list include the following options:
- Best overall: Grey Goose
- For value for money: Ketel One
- For Australian-made: Hunter Distillery
- For cocktails: Absolut
- For drinking neat: Chopin Potato Vodka
- For the best-flavoured: Van Gogh Vodka
Now that we’ve reviewed our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
RELATED: Looking for other low-calorie alcohol options? These are our expert’s favourites.
1. Grey Goose Original
Price: from AUD$68
Perhaps the most well-known vodka, Grey Goose is a French vodka made from the finest ingredients from France, including wheat from in and around Picardie plus pure spring water from Gensac in the Cognac region. Distilled once using a five-column distillation process and a single filtration process with cellulose and active carbon pads before bottling, this stuff is as pure as it gets. As it’s made from wheat, you can expect a slightly sweeter taste from Grey Goose.
- Manufacturer: Bacardi
- Country of origin: France
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
- Proof: 80
2. White Light Original
Price: from AUD$50
Finding 100% Australian vodka can be hard, and it’s one of the main reasons we love White Light Original. Super smooth, White Light Vodka is distilled from Riverina wheat and pure Victorian water. It is then triple distilled and triple charcoal filtered. This vodka is especially known for its light zesty notes and a touch of sweet vanilla on the nose.
- Manufacturer: White Light
- Country of origin: Australia
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 37.5%
- Proof: –
3. Stoli Vodka
Price: from AUD$48
All the way from a little European country called Latvia, Stoli Vodka is made from 100 per cent corn spirit and blended with pure water, before then being triple-filtered through quartz sand and a birch-activated charcoal column. The result is unlike anything else – it is slightly sweet with cracked black pepper notes,. hints of grainy aniseed, liquorice and, of course, charcoal.
- Manufacturer: Stoli Group
- Country of origin: Latvia
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 38%
- Proof: 75–80
4. Absolut
Price: from AUD$49.95
Since 1879, this leading producer of vodka brands worldwide comes from Sweden. Winter wheat is used in the mash and distilled using a unique method, which is evident in the vodkas. Absolut vodka is known for its various flavoured vodkas, like passionfruit and watermelon. This is ideal if you want classic vodka quality but want a new and exciting flavour.
- Manufacturer: The Absolut Company AB (Pernod Ricard)
- Country of origin: Sweden
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
- Proof: 100
5. Haku Vodka
Price: from AUD$75
This is best vodka to drink if you love all things Japanese. Haku is different to most vodkas, in that Haku uses distinctly Japanese methods. Haku Vodka is distilled from hakumai, which is Japanese white rice (the word ‘haku’ actually means ‘white’ in Japanese.) It is then twice distilled and filtered through bamboo charcoal. The result is a clear, clean and downright delicious vodka with a soft and subtly sweet taste. We’d definitely go all the way to Japan for this if we couldn’t get it over in Australia.
- Manufacturer: The House of Suntory
- Country of origin: Japan
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
6. Kastra Elion Premium Vodka
Price: from AUD$129.99
In a very Greek fashion, this vodka is literally distilled from Greek olives. Artisan-crafted in Greece, Kástra Elión uses olives that are hand-picked, cold-pressed and blended with carefully curated grains. The flavour is unique, with notes of ripe olives, peppery undertones and a buttery finish. If possible, sample a small amount before purchasing to ensure the taste is smooth with minimal burn.
- Manufacturer: Kastra Elion
- Country of origin: Greece
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
- Proof: 80
7. Ketel One
Price: from AUD$75
One of the best vodkas out of the Netherlands, Keter One combines modern and tradition with ease to create a crisp vodka everyone loves. The vodka is distilled from 100 per cent wheat in copper pot stills (Ketel is Dutch for pot still), filtered over loose charcoal and rests in tile-lined tanks until ready. The result is a citrus-honey smell and a subtle, fresh tang. We especially love how classic and subtle this vodka is.
- Manufacturer: Nolet Distillery
- Country of origin: Netherlands
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
- Proof: 80
8. Belvedere
Price: from AUD$67
With a proof of 100, this stuff means business. The best vodka to drink when you want something strong with a clean and silky mouthfeel and hints of vanilla, this is your guy. Belvedere is made from Polska rye and purified water and then distilled by fire. Yes, fire. It is then filtered through cellulose particle filters. We can not fault its creamy, vanilla taste.
- Manufacturer: LVMH
- Country of origin: Poland
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
- Proof: 100
9. Beluga
Price: from AUD$58.99
If you have a soft spot for Russian vodka, Beluga is one of the world’s most famous premium brands. Beluga comes from a distillery in the heart of Siberia and uses the region’s natural honey, vanilla, and oatmeal to infuse the vodka. The finished product is a unique, elegant blend with a deeply rich taste that transcends other vodkas.
- Manufacturer: Noblewood Group
- Country of origin: Montenegro
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
- Proof: 80
10. Hangar 1
Price: from AUD$58.99
One of the few American brands on the list, Hangar 1 gives the nation sublime representation. Located in Alameda, California, the brand centres on small-batch production using pot-distilled viognier grapes and column-distilled American wheat. The finished product exudes floral and honeysuckle notes, providing an exotic edge to the traditional vodka flavour.
- Manufacturer: Proximo Spirits
- Country of origin: United States
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
- Proof: 80
11. Chopin Potato Vodka
Price: from AUD$79.95
The best vodka to drink if you like classic Polish and/or potato vodka. The vodka is distilled four times, and it takes approximately five kilos of potatoes to make each bottle. Somehow, the flavour is not potato-ey at all. You can expect notes of vanilla and green apple, with an earthy undertone.
- Manufacturer: Polmos Siedlce
- Country of origin: Poland
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
- Proof: –
12. Smirnoff Red Label
Price: from AUD$44.90
It’s a classic option to pull from the shelf, and for good reason, Smirnoff Red Label never disappoints. It is made from grain-neutral spirit before being distilled three times and filtered through charcoal ten times. The result is subtle and crisp, with faint black pepper and peppermint notes. It wins every time.
- Manufacturer: Diageo
- Country of origin: Russia
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 37%
- Proof: 80
13. White Claw Premium Vodka
Price: from AUD$67.99
This American vodka is made with 100 percent American grain, which is distilled five times using a pressure equal to a 10-metre wave. This produces a smooth and balanced drop. The flavours are typical of most typical vodkas, with notes of citrus and a clean finish.
- Manufacturer: Mark Anthony Brands International
- Country of origin: USA
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
- Proof: –
14. Crystal Head Vodka
Price: from AUD$99.99
Bottled up in the iconic skull, Crystal Head Vodka is always the first vodka to catch our eye on the shelves. Flying a flag for the Canadian vodka on the list, this vodka was created by actor, musician, and comedian Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander. It is made from locally sourced Canadian corn, Aurora, English wheat and Onyx, crafted with Blue Weber agave. It is distilled four times into a neutral grain spirit and blended with water, then filtered seven times through layers of crystals known as Herkimer diamonds. The flavour speaks for itself – expect neutral grain aromas, a touch of citrus and a vanilla finish.
- Manufacturer: Globefill Inc
- Country of origin: Canada
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
- Proof: 80
15. Ciroc
Price: from AUD$85
The best vodka to drink if you usually like alcohol from the French, Ciroc is made from French grapes including Mauzac Blanc, Ugni Blanc, and Armagnac grapes. They are then distilled three times in a traditional copper pot and four times filtered. The result is a smooth, crisp taste with a little hint of citrus, just perfect for an afternoon tipple.
- Manufacturer: Diageo
- Country of origin: France
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
- Proof: 80
16. Archie Rose Native Botanical Vodka
Price: from AUD$69
Australia’s favourite innovative distillery, Archie Rose and gone and done it with their botanical vodka. The vodka celebrates native botanicals, which are distilled in copper vacuum stills using a cold distillation process. Ingredients include lemon-scented gum, sunrise lime, peach, Roman chamomile and Orris root. It’s a true flavour experience.
- Manufacturer: Archie Rose Distilling Co
- Country of origin: Australia
- Alcohol volume (ABV): 40%
Alternatives to These Vodkas
- Polmos Spirytus Rektyfikowany (from AUD$89.99): Polmos Spirytus Rektyfikowany is a classic Polich vodka you can’t miss. If you like your alcohol strong, this brand has an extreme ABV of 95%, not for the faint-hearted! Because of its strong alcohol content, we recommend trying it in an infusion or as a base for liqueurs, as it definitely wouldn’t go down well drunk neat!
- Svedka Rose Vodka Liqueur (from AUD$35): If you’re new to vodka, perhaps Svedka is an excellent place to start. The vodka brand produces a range of flavours that are colourful, fruity and fun. Think Cherry limeade, Mango Pineapple and Citron. The brand stocks a combination of flavoured and infused, but they sell classic unflavoured vodka, too. Our favourite is the Svedka Rose, a delicious blend of wine and vodka.
- Hunter Distillery (from AUD$67): What would a list of the best alcohol brands be without an entry from yours truly? Hunter Distillery is Australia’s only certified organic distillery in the Hunter Valley wine region, and the vodka they produce is some of the tastiest in the world. European methods inspire the vodka, which has a signature sweet, vanilla finish. It only comes in 100-millilitre bottles—too strong to handle, the Aussie way!
- Van Gogh Vodka (from AUD$59.99): Unsurprisingly, Van Gogh is one of the vodka brands from the Netherlands. If you favour smooth and pure vodka, Van Gogh Vodka will do nothing but please. The European wheat is distilled multiple times to provide a smooth, refined, well-balanced taste. Their flavoured spirits are infused twice for a vibrant flavour to get you hooked.
- Stillhouse Classic Vodka (from USD$17.99): Still a bit of a new kid on the block, Stillhouse Classic is making its mark in the vodka world. Known for its whiskey, the brand has released a classic vodka. As its one-of-a-kind stainless steel can, the brand sets itself apart with an all-natural and gluten-free vodka distilled from 100% estate-grown corn and limestone water. Stillhouse won’t disappoint if you’re in the mood for something fresh and slightly different.
How Man of Many Chose This List of Vodka
Man of Many’s experienced teams of drinks writers and reviewers collated this list of the best Scotch vodka brands. In addition to tasting every vodka on this list, we also turned to the wider public for their overall ratings. Our list takes into account three major perspectives to determine the overall rating. In addition to our opinions, we consider reviews via alcohol retailer Dan Murphys and the most popular spirit drinks forums.
What is Vodka Made From?
Many people think vodka is made from potatoes, and it can be, but more specifically, vodka is made from any source of starch or sugar, plus yeast. Because starch is just a long chain of sugars, it can be broken down into sugar with added enzymes. The primary starch sources used to make vodka include wheat, rye, corn, rice, potatoes, barley and soy. Common sources of sugar include sugar cane, molasses, sugar beets, honey, maple syrup and fruits such as grapes and apples.
Whisky expert Gandar revealed that vodka can be made from any source of converted starch or sugar. With access easier than ever, base spirits are improving, giving way to more premium releases.
The quality of the base spirit is also better than ever, with many companies deciding to bring out some top-quality vodkas as part of their ranges,
How is it Made?
How on earth do these ingredients combine to make something so delicious? The actual process is pretty simple. The starch, of which rye is the most common, is mixed with water and heated. Yeast is then added to this pulp, which allows fermentation and converts the sugars into alcohol. The next stage is distillation. To test whether the liquid has been distilled to the desired extent and has alcohol present, you put a light on it, and if it doesn’t light up, the substance is too weak and needs to be distilled again. The substance returns to its liquid form when cooled and then proceeds to be filtered. The final alcohol content of the liquid is 40 per cent.
Types of Vodka
Like all spirits, there are several different types of vodka. Each has its pros and cons, but for the most part, they are subject to taste. Here are four different types of vodka:
- Plain: Plain vodka has the highest alcohol content. It is the perfect base drink for other cocktails and has little to no taste when enjoyed on its own. However, the taste of plain vodka varies based on the type of alcohol used to make it. If the quality and smoothness of the vodka are up to par, plain vodka can be the perfect standalone drink without any mixers needed.
- Infused: Some types of vodka come infused, usually with fruit or certain herbs. Producing an infused vodka takes a long time, but the infused flavours make the final product rich in flavour and extremely delicious. The fruit blend is infused with the alcohol for up to three weeks, and the rind is filtered. The longer the ageing process after the fruit has been fermented, the better the flavour, just like a fine wine.
- Flavoured: Flavoured vodka has increased in popularity over recent years, as it is easy to drink and doesn’t require much effort, as you don’t have to use mixers. Flavours are also highly varied, which means you can mix it up. You may think flavoured vodka sounds the same as infused vodka; however, they are very different. Flavoured vodka is made similar to plain vodka, with added sugar increasing to around 40% during fermentation. Any flavour can be fermented within the vodka.
- Grain: Grain vodka starts from 96% concentrated alcohol of pure rye mixed with water. The taste is, therefore, quite potent. Usually, grain vodkas are sold in countries with long winter seasons. You can flavour grain vodka without taking away from the rich alcohol content by adding lemon or lime skins, for example.
The Rise and Rise of Vodka
While the foundations are simple, vodka is a spirit that has continued to grow in popularity over many years. In the 21st century, the implementation of new brands and the experimentation of batch brewers are pushing the industry in new and exciting ways, similar to how gin has taken off.
With such a massive boom in craft Gin over the past five years, Vodka has grown in popularity. The fun thing about Vodka is its ability to be malleable and adapt to different flavours,” Malcolm Gandar, masterclass host and brand ambassador for Cocktail Porter & The Whiskey Mill, tells Man of Many. “Due to this, there have been some innovations in barrel aging and infusing vodkas, which has produced some amazing products.”
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