Vodkas

Perhaps the most commonly found spirit around the globe; vodka has become THE staple that every liquor cabinet must have. With a seemingly endless selection of brands and types, vodka has become the most versatile ingredient to the everyday cocktail.

Vodka can be made using grains such as corn, wheat or rye. Some distilleries even use potatoes when producing their vodka. With so many different methods to create this spirit and such a large market segment in the industry, there are countless companies attempting to stake the claim of most popular vodka. Still, with all of the competition in the industry, a select few stand above the rest in the quest for the world’s most popular vodka.

Belvedere

Widely considered as one of the finest rye vodkas produced, Belvedere Vodka has been around for over 600 years. Produced in small batches in Poland, the distillation process utilized is said to make Belvedere one of the smoothest and most versatile grain vodkas in the world.

Recent additions of citrus varieties of vodka showcase Belvedere’s ability to adapt to market conditions. Currently producing eight varieties of vodka, Belvedere even has something for individuals with the most discerning tastes.

Absolut

One of the most commonly found vodkas in bars all over America; Absolut Vodka has put its mark on the creation of flavored vodkas.  With 17 different varieties ranging from Pepper to Ruby Red Grapefruit, there isn’t a mixed drink that can’t benefit from Absolut’s wide variety of options.

Produced in Sweden, Absolut Vodka is actually sold under the V&S brand which is owned by the Swedish Government. Its appeal is certainly international, as Absolut Vodka is sold in 126 countries and is the third most popular brand of alcohol in the world, trailing only Smirnoff Vodka and Bacardi Rum.

Grey Goose

Grey Goose Vodka is one of the younger brands of premium vodka, but it hasn’t taken long for the brand name to become known as one of the most elite types of vodka sold. Produced from French wheat in Cognac, France, Grey Goose was specifically created to be marketed as a premium brand in American markets.

As soon as it’s popularity sky-rocketed, the brand was purchased by Bacardi, who currently manufactures the vodka. While Grey Goose Vodka may rely on its premium vodka to thrive, it has also expanded it’s offerings to include four other flavors including vanilla and pear.

Chopin

Potatoes have been used to produce vodka for many centuries, but in recent years have taken a back seat to grain based vodkas. Typically produced in Poland, potato vodka is produced in small batches to ensure the smoothest taste and mixability.

Chopin Vodka is a fairly young brand, having been around for less than two decades. But in that time, the Polish based brand has been known worldwide as one of the finest potato vodkas produced. Chopin does produce rye vodka as well, but the potato based vodka that utilizes seven pounds of potatoes per bottle is clearly the money maker for this premium Polish brand.

Stolichnaya

You can’t mention vodka without speaking of the Russian influence that the spirit has grown from. With so many brands of vodka originating from Russia, it can be hard to decipher which is the best.

Produced from grains, Stolichnaya Vodka is clearly the most well known Russian vodka. Produced since just after the end of World War II, Stoli has expanded its reach beyond Russia to become one of the most prolific vodkas found on shelves today.

Producing 16 varieties of vodka ranging from apple to pomegranate, Stoli markets its brand to create the most unique martinis in the world. A recent addition to the Stolichnaya brand line, Stoli Elit has been marketed as“Ultra Luxury” vodka meant to compete with premium vodkas such as Grey Goose and Ketel One.