Russian Vodka

Discover Russian vodkas selected by chefs and sommeliers of Michelin-starred restaurants. A selection by credible and legitimate professionals to help you find your favourite Russian vodka.

We guide you towards the most attractive commercial and promotional offers online. You can buy the finest Russian vodkas with confidence thanks to a reliable and impartial directory.

Best Russian vodkas

With Bestwine • Online, the directory of the finest Russian vodkas:

Finest Russian vodka brands

Refer to the opinions of chefs, sommeliers and bartenders from Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide to discover the finest Russian vodka brands. A ranking and comparison of the most valued Russian vodka brands and bottles in starred restaurants by haute cuisine experts.

| Russian vodka brand | Origin | Alcohol | Restaurant | |---|---|---|---|

Russian vodkas suggested by chefs and sommeliers of fine dining restaurants.

Vodka in Russia

In Russian, the word vodka means 'little water'. It has been used by Russians since the early 20th century. Previously, vodka was called 'hot wine' or 'bread wine'.

Russia is the birthplace of the first vodkas. Originally, the earliest Russian vodkas were made from grapes, following a recipe imported from France. The first alcoholic beverage officially bearing the name vodka was produced in 1657 under the name 'Kizlyarka vodka'.

Vodka made from rye and other grains as we know it today was first produced in the 14th century, but its consumption really developed in the 19th century. For many years vodka was produced by the Russian state and could only be distributed in taverns. The generic name vodka first appeared in 1701 under the reign of Peter the Great.

Technically, Russian vodka can be produced from many agricultural products. The base remains grains such as rye, wheat or potato. Production may also use beet to create molasses, and fruits such as apple or plum. Vodka is obtained by alcoholic fermentation using yeast, followed by distillation or rectification.

There are two main categories of vodkas: pure and flavoured. Russian flavoured vodkas include caramel, orange, cherry, apple, plum, lemon, strawberry, raspberry and hazelnut varieties.

The Russian vodka market offers brands whose quality varies greatly. There are many low-end and standard vodkas. Premium and luxury vodkas are fewer on the Russian market owing to their higher price. Often, premium and luxury Russian vodkas are exported abroad.

Russia exports a great deal of vodka. As the largest vodka producer in the world, it supplies many countries. The countries that consume the most Russian vodkas are the United States, the United Kingdom and France.

In Russia, vodka is generally consumed as an aperitif. It is often drunk neat at room temperature, straight from the refrigerator or with a few ice cubes. Russians also enjoy vodka in cocktails such as the cosmopolitan, bloody mary or the aptly named black russian. Pure vodka is traditionally served in a shooter.

Premium and luxury Russian vodkas are found in Michelin-starred restaurants in Russia and at many other prestigious addresses worldwide. Vodka naturally accompanies dishes by chefs working with Russian cuisine. The vodka and caviar pairing is particularly sought after. Some chefs also prepare dishes using vodka. Flavoured vodkas, being sweeter, can accompany desserts more easily.

Taste-wise, vodka is known for a relatively limited aroma palette. However, experts can detect many subtle flavours within a vodka. Premium vodkas are fine beverages that appeal to chefs, sommeliers and bartenders of fine dining restaurants for their subtlety. Vodka, whether from Russia or elsewhere, has floral aromas. Experts can detect notes of pepper, honey, birch, cranberries, rowan berries, pine nuts, nettles or pepper.

Today, vodka has its own legislation. Under Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament, vodka is officially described as an eau-de-vie made from ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin, obtained by alcoholic fermentation with yeast and then distillation or rectification. Vodka produced in Russia has no specific certification.

Economically, vodka is very important in Russia. The country produces more than half of the vodka consumed worldwide. Vodka remains a popular spirit consumed by all social classes. Premium and luxury versions are mostly consumed in bars or restaurants.

Russian vodka brands

The vodka market is very rich in Russia. There are hundreds of brands and thousands of bottle references. The Russian territory has about 1,000 distilleries and as many different vodka brands.

Russian Smirnoff vodka is very well known. Historically, this brand became famous during the wave of Russian emigration to Europe and North America between the two world wars. Since then, Smirnoff has been one of the most popular Russian vodkas in the world.

Among the most famous Russian vodka brands: Belenkaya, Cristall, Eristoff, Exclusiv, Flagship, Pyat Ozer, Ikon, Imperia, Jewel Of Russia, Kauffman, Kremlevka, Mokovskaya, Nemiroff, Parliament, Poliakov, Royal Dragon, Snow Queen, Sputnik, Stolichnaya, Tovaritch, Ushba, Mamont and ZYR.

You can find these Russian vodka brands on the menus of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide.

For a luxury Russian vodka

Premium and luxury Russian vodkas are naturally found in bars, cellars and served at the most prestigious fine dining restaurants in the world. These establishments are often known and recognised for their excellence. Michelin-starred restaurants offer their clientele the best vodka brands and bottles.

To earn awards, restaurants, through their chefs, sommeliers and bartenders, must be rigorous in selecting the most flavourful vodka brands and bottles. Offering the most flavourful food and drinks contributes to their elite image.

Through the Bestwine • Online directory of the finest Russian vodkas, access a suggestion of delicious vodkas. Vodkas selected by taste professionals who have tasted, appreciated and recommended them. Benefit from their experience and knowledge to choose your bottle.

An authentic ranking and comparison to choose Russian vodka

Choose the finest Russian vodka for you:

1. Select one or more criteria for your Russian vodka based on your preferences. 2. Rank Russian vodkas according to your criteria. 3. Select your Russian vodka reference. 4. Buy one of the finest Russian vodkas online at the best price.

How are Russian vodkas selected on Bestwine • Online? Bestwine • Online references Russian vodkas found on the wine lists and in the cellars of the most renowned fine dining restaurants worldwide. Only Russian vodka references sold online are presented to allow you to buy them easily.

How is the directory of the finest Russian vodkas updated? It is updated daily by integrating new references from the wine lists of fine dining restaurants made available to us. We also update commercial and promotional offers.

— Gwendal