This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Feature
The Vodka Masters 2024 results
While there were many first-class vodka expressions in this year’s competition, the ones in the highest-priced category particularly impressed the judges.
Reliable and unassumingly versatile, vodka enjoys a loyal fan base around the world. It remains one of the globe’s biggest spirits categories. While enthusiasm for vodka might be somewhat muted in comparison with the loud excitement shared for other categories, the sales figures speak volumes.
In the US alone, in 2023 vodka accounted for 30% of all spirit volumes, generating US$7.2 billion in sales, making it the nation’s best-selling category, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the US.
Globally, vodka has been relatively stagnant since the Covid-19 pandemic. IWSR Drinks Market Analysis data shows vodka’s volumes dipped by 0.3% from 2017 to 2022, while value sales rose marginally, by 0.4%.
Clearly, the category continues to resonate with consumers – despite minimal growth. What exactly, then, is keeping vodka drinkers coming back for more?
Range of styles
The Vodka Masters 2024 explored a broad range of vodka styles, spanning price points, raw materials, regions, and flavours. The common denominator our judges were looking for was quality.
Three panels of experienced spirits judges met at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel in London to assess the 2024 entries. Nicola Carruthers, deputy editor of The Spirits Business, chaired the first panel, which comprised: Will Meredith, co-founder of beverage consultancy Daisy Age Drinks; and Matt Chambers, spirits writer and co-founder of the Whisky For Everyone blog.
David T Smith – spirits writer, consultant and co-founder of the Craft Distilling Expo – led a second team. He was accompanied by Rosie Milsom, spirits judge, and Sara-Jane Eichler, founder of Negroni Club UK.
Antony Moss MW, spirits judge and consultant, Steph DiCamillo, of Such and Cocktails by Mail, and Ruchira Neotia, independent drinks consultant, formed the third panel, which was chaired by Bryan Rodriguez-Curtis, wine and spirits judge and professional.
Starting with the most affordable vodka bottles, those priced up to £10 (US$13), the competition got off to a positive start. A Gold medal was celebrated in this opening round: Zoladkowa de Luxe Vodka. The vodka was described as “clean, smooth, with a hint of citrus” on the nose, leading to “a slightly sweeter profile” on the palate. A Silver medal was awarded to Bialy Bocian. “Considering the price, they were both pretty decent,” said Chambers. “It shows that even for that price, you can get a decent product.”
From there, the price bracket increased as the Premium vodkas were presented. These bottlings retail for anywhere from £11 to £20 – and two were deemed to be deserving of the top Master award. First, Bellingshausen Vodka received a Master medal for “doing exactly what it needs to do, and well”. Tasting notes included “clean and crisp with a hint of dried pepper”, and “very mineral”.
Second, Master-winning Broken Bones Vodka presented “floral” notes on the nose. The judges enjoyed the vodka’s “creamy mouthfeel”, enhanced by flavours of “orchard fruit and a peppery finish”.
A trio of Gold medals were also awarded in this round to “well-balanced, slightly nutty” Ellison Ultra Premium Vodka, “clean, crisp and sippable” Sirin Vodka, and “creamy, good entry-level” Omu Vodka. Five Silver medals concluded the flight. Eichler noted: “There are definitely some bargains to be had in this category.”
A Master medal was also unearthed in the Super Premium flight, which looked at vodkas costing between £21 and £30. The top award was given to Bravada Vodka, enjoyed for its “clean, soft nose”, which led to “a very neutral and crisp character, with just a touch of warmth on the finish”.
A plethora of Gold medals gave the flight a boost, with winners including “characterful, rich and creamy” Meili Vodka, co-founded by actor Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson. Tasting notes included “fudge, vanilla and a posset-like sweet note”. Additional Gold winners included comedian and actor Ricky Gervais’s recent investment, Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka. This spirit was described as being “vibrant, with an eau-de-vie quality to it – very tasty”. Three Silver medals completed the flight.
“A great variety of styles with some phenomenal products – definitely worth exploring as a category,” said Milsom.
The highest price point, Ultra Premium, presented vodkas retailing for £31 and above. The judges were delighted to see the quality jump in the flight, with five Master medals awarded. Ukiyo Japanese Rice Vodka was one of the top scorers, praised for being “very indicative of rice character; fruity and dry, rather like shochu – cleanly distilled”.
Master winner Hawkridge Victorian Honey Smoothed Vodka was celebrated for its “underlying cereals and green fruits” on the nose, leading to “butterscotch, a hint of vanilla pod, and warming peppery spices” towards the finish. Also in the Master ranking was Luchino Vodka, which delivered a “luscious texture – absolutely superb”. Eichler described this as a “delicious, well-balanced, fantastic spirit – great integration”.
The fourth product bestowed with a Master award was Royal Mash Vintage Vodka. “Lovely sweetness, very well made,” noted Smith. “Incredibly robust, flavourful. It would make a decent Martini.”
Kiyokawa Vodka won a Master medal in this round, thanks to its “very clean nose, oily, viscous texture, and excellent finish”. Neotia said: “It was like mountain water; incredibly fresh and intensely mineral. Insanely smooth. An exquisite vodka.”
Smith added: “This is really where vodka can go in with a particular profile with amazing results, the connoisseurs’ choice.”
Seven Gold medals and three Silvers were also dished out in the Ultra Premium round. Gold winners included Norrbottens Vodka Brändö Destilleri, and Last Call Chardonnay Vodka. Milsom enthused: “There were some great surprises in this category but with some fabulous innovation.”
Feel the base
The flights then looked at vodkas according to their base materials, beginning with wheat vodkas. Mailroom Premium Vodka collected a Gold medal in this round after the judges found it to have a “classic nose” with “fruit on the palate, some berries, and a clean finish”.
Ren Ultra Premium Vodka’s “delicate and approachable” quality secured it a Gold medal in the corn-based vodka heat, while Barkeep Vodka picked up a Silver medal.
The Vodka Base – Potato/Sweet Potato round delivered double Gold. The first Gold medal went to “smooth and extremely drinkable” Le Freak. Meanwhile, it was the “expressive, sweet-savoury” flavour profile that secured D1 Potato Vodka Gold.
The aroma of Master-winning Kyrö Vodka really drew the judges in during the Vodka Base – Rye flight. “The palate is very smooth, almost cream like, with chocolate, fudge, dessert-like qualities,” enthused Rodriguez-Curtis. “Stunning, and one for Martinis.”
Wyborowa won a Gold medal in this flight, which delivered “little malty sweetness” on the nose and “a soft texture and rye character” when sipped.
Good character
In the Vodka Base – Grain Blend contingent of the competition, two Golds and one Silver medal were awarded. Meili Vodka collected its second Gold medal in this flight, while Grain Ice Vodka secured the award for its “stony-like character, good character and smoothness”.
Anora Group gained two medals in the Vodka Base – Other Grain heat. The company’s Koskenkorva Vodka won a Silver medal, while Koskenkorva Vodka Climate Action achieved Gold. Tasting notes for the Gold medallist described the vodka as “well-rounded, with clotted cream notes, and a touch of spice”. In the Vodka Base – Sugarcane heat, Fellow Vodka won a Silver. Progressing to the Vodka Base – Fruit flight, and Cobalte Vodka also collected a Silver medal.
The Smooth flight looked for precisely that adjective from the entrants – how smooth is the vodka? Three Golds left lasting impressions on the judges, alongside a respectable Silver. The Gold winners were: “classic, green” Misty Isle Pure & Smooth Vodka; “earthy, bready, very smooth” Mutiny Island Vodka; and Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, which one judge said “smells like Brighton Pier in the summer”, with its candied aromas.
Meili Vodka upped its medal tally in the following flight, Microdistillery, where it secured another Gold award. Cheshire Vodka walked away with a solid Silver.
Beautifully balanced
A large flight of Organic vodkas followed – with a fresh Master medal to add to the league table. Good Hands was found to be deserving of the Master award due to being “very well made and beautifully balanced”, the judges agreed. Seven Gold medals and two Silvers made for a strong set of results. Among the Gold winners were Drylaw Organic Chardonnay Vodka, which allowed the “Chardonnay to really come through – enjoyable”. Mikolasch The Farmer also secured a coveted Gold award, after the judges praised its “nice balance of citrus and grassiness on the nose; feels very traditional”.
Vodkas were then split into categories based on regions, beginning with vodkas from Europe. Shabo Company had a strong run in this heat, not only securing four Golds but two Master medals. The producer’s Grape Vodka and Grape Vodka Riesling both received the top accolade. The Riesling expression offered a “really characterful nose, with big fruit hits like an eau-de-vie mixed with Granny Smiths”.
Moss said: “Such a delectable, fruity plate that just keeps going and leaving you wanting more. Characterful floral pops scatter throughout as well.” Four Gold medals were also awarded to European vodkas not owned by Shabo Company, such as “smooth and clean” The Standard 1894.
Zernoff Beverages had a stellar flight in the Eastern European heat, where it collected a Master medal, five Golds, and one Silver. The top award was given to Petrovskaia, whose profile was “very delicate and subtle, with a touch of jasmine and camomile”.
The “lovely rich grain aroma” of Meili Vodka helped it win another Gold award in the Rest of the World flight. Additionally, a Silver was presented to Eiko.
There is no denying that flavoured vodkas can divide opinions. However, done right they can be incredibly flavoursome, complex and, importantly, loved by consumers. The Flavoured/Infused Vodka flight was the biggest in the competition – resulting in 12 Silver medals, and six Golds. Absolut Vanilia was agreed to be worthy of a Gold medal because of its true vanilla flavour. The taste and aroma conjured memories of “clotted cream and vanilla icing”.
Furthermore, Vantza Coconut collected a Gold medal for being “creamy and deliciously rich”. Rodriguez-Curtis said: “White chocolate shines through and reminds me of Raffaello sweets.”
While the medal winners impressed, the judges largely agreed there needed to be more authentic flavours in the category. Meredith said: “The only way to improve is if the base level improves and shows some integrity.” Smith and his team concurred.
He said: “When done well, the vodkas can be sublime. But it’s easy to cut corners and quality.”
As the teams approached their last few flights, pleasant surprises continued to create excitement. In the Organic Vodka Spirit Drink heat, a respectable Silver was given to Psycho Love by Vamprose, described as a decent mixing spirit.
The Absolut Group took home three medals in the Flavoured/Infused Vodka Spirit Drink round, including a Silver medal for Absolut Nights Smoky Piña, and two Golds – one for Absolut Nights Orange Peel and Absolut Nights Nordic Spice. Tasting notes shared for Nordic Spice included flavours of “cardamom, sweetness, and a touch of acidity”.
Closing The Vodka Masters 2024 was the Vodka Liqueur round, which delivered a solid Silver medal for Damson No.12.
After resetting their palates, the judges revisited the Master winners from the day to determine which product should take home the most sought-after award: The Vodka Taste Master 2024. After careful consideration, that title was bestowed upon Kirker Greer Spirits-owned Ukiyo Japanese Rice Vodka, loved for its “silky, soft and gentle palate”, and for being a “great example of a rice spirit”.
It’s widely accepted in the spirits trade that price and quality do not necessarily correlate. Interestingly, the opposite was true in this year’s Vodka Masters, where ultra-premium vodkas found the greatest success – showing there is much to be excited about at the higher end of the category.
If producers around the globe can continue to distil at this level of quality, it will not be so surprising to see vodka remain among the world’s biggest spirits categories in the future.
Taste Master – Ukiyo Japanese Rice Vodka
A vodka from Asia took this year’s coveted Vodka Taste Master title, beating 12 other products for the award.
This year’s winner, Ukiyo Japanese Rice Vodka, is made with a harvest of locally grown white rice, and is triple-distilled in traditional pot stills.
With an ABV of 40%, judges praised the product for being fruity and dry with sweet and floral notes.
Ukiyo is produced by Kirker Greer Spirits and is available to purchase for an RRP of £35 (US$46).
The Ukiyo range also includes three gins: Tokyo Dry Gin, Yuzu Gin, and Blossom Gin.
| Standard | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Stock Polska | Zoladkowa de Luxe | Gold |
| Polmos Bielsko Biala | Bialy Bocian | Silver |
| Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Liviko | Bellingshausen Vodka | Master |
| Broken Bones | Broken Bones Vodka | Master |
| Ellison Brewing Company | Ellison Ultra Premium Vodka | Gold |
| Ghanshyam Beverages | Sirin Vodka | Gold |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | Omu Vodka | Gold |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | Alexander Vodka | Silver |
| The Absolut Group | Absolut Original | Silver |
| Stock Polska | Stock Prestige Vodka | Silver |
| Glsb | Pulse Vodka | Silver |
| Wyborowa | Ostoya Vodka | Silver |
| Super Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| World Spirits | Bravada Vodka | Master |
| DJ Limbrey Distilling Company | D1 Potato Vodka | Gold |
| JA Frey & Co Distillery | Vodka | Gold |
| Meili Holding | Meili Vodka | Gold |
| Liviko | Hôbe Mild | Gold |
| Discarded Spirits Co | Discarded Grape Skin Vodka | Gold |
| The Absolut Group | Absolut Elyx | Gold |
| Naud Distillery | Naud French Vodka | Gold |
| The Community Spirit Vodka | The Community Spirit Vodka | Gold |
| Round 2 Spirits | Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka | Gold |
| Ellers Farm Distillery | Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka | Gold |
| TSI | Tovaritch! Vodka | Gold |
| Gattertop Drinks Company | Vodka No.1 | Silver |
| Stock Polska | Amundsen Vodka | Silver |
| La Martiniquaise | Busnel Vodka | Silver |
| Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Kirker Greer Spirits | Ukiyo Japanese Rice Vodka | Master & Taste Master |
| Kiyokawa Co | Kiyokawa Vodka | Master |
| Hawkridge Distillers | Hawkridge Victorian Honey Smoothed Vodka | Master |
| Luchino International | Luchino Vodka | Master |
| Royal Mash Vodka | Royal Mash Vintage Vodka | Master |
| Brändö Destilleri | Norrbottens Vodka Brändö Destilleri | Gold |
| Brancaster Drinks | Brancaster Vodka | Gold |
| Loyal Vodka | Loyal Vodka | Gold |
| Mallard Point | Last Call Chardonnay Vodka | Gold |
| The Store Oxford | The Store Vodka | Gold |
| The Quintessential Yachtsman | Yacht Life Vodka | Gold |
| Slab Ventures | D’yavol Vodka | Gold |
| Au Vodka | Au Vodka Original | Silver |
| Knight Farming | Motte & Bailey Vodka | Silver |
| Cripps & Co | Cripps Vodka | Silver |
| Vodka Base – Wheat | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Topikos Spirit and Beverage Co | Mailroom Premium Vodka | Gold |
| Vodka Base – Corn | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Ren Beverage Company | Ren Ultra Premium Vodka | Gold |
| Barkeep Vodka | Barkeep Vodka | Silver |
| Vodka Base – Potato/Sweet Potato | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Weinbrennerei Jacobi | Le Freak | Gold |
| DJ Limbrey Distilling | D1 Potato Vodka | Gold |
| Vodka Base – Rye | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Kyrö Distillery Company | Kyrö Vodka | Master |
| Wyborowa | Wyborowa | Gold |
| Vodka Base – Grain Blend | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Meili Holding | Meili Vodka | Gold |
| Grainotch Industries | Grain Ice Vodka | Gold |
| Grainotch Industries | Grain Ice Vodka Mango | Silver |
| Vodka Base – Other Grain | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Anora Group | Koskenkorva Vodka Climate Action | Gold |
| Anora Group | Koskenkorva Vodka | Silver |
| Vodka Base Sugarcane | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Dylan Alexander | Fellow Vodka | Silver |
| Vodka Base – Fruit | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Champagne Gosset | Cobalte Vodka | Silver |
| Smooth | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Isle of Skye Distillers | Misty Isle Pure & Smooth Vodka | Gold |
| Mutiny Island Vodka | Mutiny Island Vodka | Gold |
| Ellers Farm Distillery | Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka | Gold |
| Duh u Boci | Old Pilot’s Vodka | Silver |
| Microdistillery | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Meili Holding | Meili Vodka | Gold |
| Weetwood Ales | Cheshire Vodka | Silver |
| Organic | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Dylan Alexander | Good Hands | Master |
| Anora Group | Koskenkorva Vodka Organic | Gold |
| Drylaw | Drylaw Organic Chardonnay Vodka | Gold |
| Hammarby Sjostad Destilleri | Organic Vodka | Gold |
| Fabrika Mikolasch | Mikolasch The Farmer | Gold |
| Alcools De Luxe Et Associes | Le Philtre Vodka – Edition Limitee | Gold |
| Unikorn | Unikorn | Gold |
| Blackleaf Organic | Blackleaf Organic Vodka | Gold |
| Alcools De Luxe Et Associes | Le Philtre Vodka | Silver |
| Drylaw | Drylaw Organic Muscatel Vodka | Silver |
| Europe | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Shabo Company | Grape Vodka | Master |
| Shabo Company | Grape Vodka Riesling | Master |
| Shabo Company | Grape Vodka Gold | Gold |
| Shabo Company | Grape Vodka Sauvignon Blanc | Gold |
| Shabo Company | Grape Vodka Chardonnay | Gold |
| Shabo Company | Grape Vodka Muscat | Gold |
| Ursus Brands | The Standard 1894 | Gold |
| Ellers Farm Distillery | Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka | Gold |
| I AM Drinks | I AM Vodka | Gold |
| BBC Spirits | Vantza Smoked | Gold |
| Eastern Europe | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Zernoff Beverages | Petrovskaia | Master |
| Zernoff Beverages | Petrovskaia Premium Platinum | Gold |
| Zernoff Beverages | Zernoff Silver | Gold |
| Zernoff Beverages | Zernoff Original | Gold |
| Zernoff Beverages | Mendeleev | Gold |
| Zernoff Beverages | Zernoff Na Moloke | Gold |
| Zernoff Beverages | Zernoff Bar Edition | Silver |
| Rest of the World | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Meili Holding | Meili Vodka | Gold |
| BBC Spirits | Eiko | Silver |
| Flavoured/Infused Vodka | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Manamira | Rosa Vodka | Gold |
| Anora Group | Koskenkorva Vodka Vanilla | Gold |
| The Absolut Group | Absolut Vanilia | Gold |
| BBC Spirits | Vantza Watermelon | Gold |
| BBC Spirits | Vantza Coconut | Gold |
| BBC Spirits | Vantza Peach | Gold |
| BBC Spirits | Vantza Green Apple | Silver |
| BBC Spirits | Vantza Mango | Silver |
| BBC Spirits | Vantza Pineapple | Silver |
| BBC Spirits | Vantza Red Berries | Silver |
| Anora Group | Koskenkorva Vodka Lime | Silver |
| The Absolut Group | Absolut Hunni | Silver |
| The Absolut Group | Absolut Wild Berri | Silver |
| The Absolut Group | Absolut Citron | Silver |
| Loyal Vodka | Loyal Bubblegum Vodka | Silver |
| Gattertop Drinks Company | Botanic No. 7 | Silver |
| MOA Spirits | MOA Vodka | Silver |
| Cripps & Co | Cripps Amalfi Lemon Vodka | Silver |
| Organic Vodka Spirit Drink | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Vamprose | Psycho Love | Silver |
| Flavoured/Infused Vodka Spirit Drink | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| The Absolut Group | Absolut Nights Nordic Spice | Gold |
| The Absolut Group | Absolut Nights Orange Peel | Gold |
| The Absolut Group | Absolut Nights Smoky Piña | Silver |
| Vodka Liqueur | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Gattertop Drinks Company | Damson No.12 | Silver |
Related news