But Frank chose a place specifically against tradition - as in, not Eastern Europe.
As vodka is made by stripping alcohol of most of its congeners and funky flavor compounds, it can be made almost anywhere. Grey Goose is distilled in Picardy, France, but not because of any specific regional interest. Frank simply aimed to fill a gap he noticed in the beverage market: high-end vodka. There wasn’t a particular recipe or method that drove the creation of Grey Goose. Grey Goose’s creator was all about French decadence and luxury. Frank had actually come up with the name first, and the rest - including the actual vodka - followed. The brand preceded the booze.īefore a single drop of Grey Goose had been distilled, the brand was already in the works. With a little help from a squadron of liquor ladies dubbed the “Jägerettes,” Frank brought us all the pleasure of knocking back shots of a rich, dark German liqueur in far too large a quantity. It wasn’t overnight, but Frank saw some promise in the stuff, and by the mid ‘80s, so did college kids. Among his first product successes? Jägermeister. Sidney Frank, the same guy behind the “Grey Goose” concept, started his importing company in 1972. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.The “French” vodka - which is currently produced in France - was originally the brainchild of American businessman Sidney Frank, billionaire founder of the Sidney Frank Importing Company. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. Voucher codesįor the latest discounts on spirits and other alcoholic drinks, try the links below:įancy taking a tipple to your next picnic? Try our best canned cocktails, from seltzers to classic G&Ts All three come with bucketfuls of flavour, and are shining examples of what great vodka tastes like in 2021. It really just goes to show that the old cliché is correct: Russian vodkas really are some of the best in the world.Īnd if you’re seeking something produced a bit closer to home? It’s a tricky toss-up, but from a first-rate roster of British bottlings, our favourites were Copper Rivet Distillery’s vela vodka, Isle of Wight Distillery’s mermaid salt vodka and Chapel Down’s chardonnay vodka. But if you want something that’s going to bring flavour to desert-dry martinis and complex mixes alike – and come in at a reasonable price point too – then we’d buy the Beluga noble Russian vodka. For example, a French 76, with a twist of lemon and Chapel Down’s own chardonnay-based Brut NV sparkling wine, is a no-brainer.
Lighter, fruit-forward cocktails work too. It’s pretty splendid neat, though it also makes a fine dry martini (just don’t overwhelm it with too much vermouth, and hold the olive). If you find most vodkas to be overly spirity, or even too creamy, the way this pour dances across the tongue will have you seeing the drink with fresh eyes. The result is a super smooth, velvety and light vodka with a real fruitiness – green grape, fresh-cut granny smith apple and peach notes included. It’s triple-distilled by head winemaker Josh Donaghay-Spire, who uses a dash of the estate’s own fine chardonnay grapes in the mix along with English wheat spirit. There’s more to love about this vodka, from English winemakers Chapel Down, than its stunner of a bottle – part frosted glass, part crystal cut. Best for BrewDog groupies – Brew Dog rogue wave vodka: £20,.Best for citrussy cocktails – Cove vodka: £39.50, .uk.Best for espresso martinis – Turncoat molasses vodka: £25,.Best big brand – Grey Goose vodka: £35, .uk.Best on the rocks – Sipsmith sipping vodka: £28.50,.Best for richer cocktails – Black Cow pure milk vodka: £22, .uk.Best for whiskey lovers – Eight Lands organic speyside vodka: £29,.Best for dirty martinis – Oxford Rye organic vodka: £34.95,.Best for wine lovers – Chapel Down chardonnay vodka: £29.55,.Best budget buy – JJ Whitley artisanal Russian vodka: £15.75,.Best for feel-good sipping – Fair quinoa vodka: £29.99, .uk.Best potato vodka – Chopin potato vodka: £37.95, .uk.Best for bloody marys – Isle of Wight Distillery mermaid salt vodka: £35.84,.Best grain-to-glass – Copper Rivet Distillery vela vodka: £26.99, .uk.Best overall – Beluga noble Russian vodka: £32.95,.