The world loves vodka. Even as global sales declined slightly in 2018, the clear spirit claimed four spots on the world’s fastest-growing spirits brands last year.
Whether it’s mixed, sipped, or thrown back in an ice-cold shot, vodka is as ubiquitous as it is versatile. Lots of bottles on this list are a bar and household staples, but we guarantee there are a few you have yet to try. Read on to discover the world’s top 10 vodka brand.
1. SMIRNOFF
Created by a Russian serf named Pytor Smirnov, the world’s best-selling vodka has been sold since 1864. In 1886, Smirnov penned an exclusive contract to supply vodka to the Tsar of Russia. Today, Smirnoff comes in nearly 40 flavors and is sold in 130 countries.
2. ABSOLUT
Hitting the U.S. market in 1979, Absolut was a bit of an oddball thanks to its oddly shaped bottle and out-there marketing campaigns (you may remember Absolut Psycho from the 1990s). But Absolut — a Swedish vodka made with 100 percent wheat — was founded in 1879 by Lars Olssen Smith, who also invented fractional distilling.
3. KHORTYTSA
This Ukrainian vodka named for the eponymous island of Khortytsya is lesser known in the States despite being the third best-selling vodka in the world. The grain-based brand is smooth and fruity, and worth seeking out.
4. ŻUBRÓWKA
Along with making a great addition to your adult Easter basket, Żubrówka has a unique flavor profile, which can range from notes of woodruff and coconut to the signature Bison grass added to the bottle as a tincture. The Polish brand is widely available in the U.S.
5. KHLIBNYI DAR
This very affordable Ukrainian vodka brand is made from fermented cereal grains, and has notes of honey, bread, and a bit of fruit.
6. NEMIROFF
Another Ukrainian brand, Nemiroff showed 40.3 percent growth in 2018.
7. SVEDKA
One of the best vodkas for any budget, Svedka is versatile and smooth, with faint citrus notes. Charcoal-filtered and near flavorless when served cold, we recommend sipping it room temp or in a vodka Martini with a twist.
8. PYAT OZER
This excellently-rated Russian brand (better known as Five Lakes) is considered a sipping vodka. It has hints of dried fruit and spicy heat. It is unfortunately not available in the U.S.
9. MAGIC MOMENTS
Magic Moments saw 40.8 percent growth in 2018. Described as creamy and citrusy with a hint of spice, this triple-distilled Indian brand won the International Wine & Spirit Competition Silver medal in 2010 and 2008.
10. SOPLICA
This Polish vodka produced since 1891 comes standard and in various flavors, including walnut, strawberry, and plum. It’s base grain is rye, giving it a spicier kick than some other vodkas.
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