Vodka has proved to be an international drink that is produced all around the world, from Africa to the United States to Latin America to Japan. But it’s Eastern Europe that is considered to be its cradle, with both Russia and Poland claiming to be the first one to mastermind this universal liquor. Given that Russian brands account for just 3% of all vodka consumption in Europe, allow us to introduce you to 6 other European spirit producers across the continent and their best renditions of the clear spirit.
Finland: Finlandia Classic Vodka
Finlandia’s exceptional purity reflects the pristine Finnish scenery. The suomi barley used contains very little oils and lessens the grainy flavor, resulting in a distinctive crispness, while glacial spring water gives the vodka its smoothness and mild peppery tone. It is best served with tonic, but can also be enjoyed with lemonade and grapefruit juice in Finlandia Fresca, with ginger beer in a Helsinki Mule, or as bubbly Six Row Fizz.
Learn more at finlandia.com
Ukraine: Dolha Small Batch Vodka
This Ukrainian craft vodka is produced under the careful supervision of generations-old artisans using the best durum wheat and water from artesian wells. Over 150 years worth of distillation history started with the famous Bachewski family that exclusively supplied it to Imperial and Royal Court and preserved their secret recipe to this date. This bright, citrusy vodka can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails – try it in a Vodka Martini or Cosmopolitan.
Learn more at dolha.vodka
France: Mont Blanc Vodka
Then this top-notch vodka drinks like a dream. Its silky smoothness from champagne limestone-filtered water in Cognac makes it a top sipping vodka in Europe. Fresh and citrusy on the nose with hints of almonds, spices, and chalk. A bit peppery on the palate. This balanced and complex vodka is best to be enjoyed neat.
Learn more at montblancvodka.com
Holland: SirDam Vodka
SirDam is a premium wheat-based vodka that is distilled five times using 100% Dutch ingredients. The bottle itself can be considered a piece of art with its fine gilded outlines of the city, but the spirit in no way concedes to it! A vibrant and smooth flavor that can only come from Amsterdam. It is a match for a Vodka Gimlet or other classic cocktails.
Learn more at sirdamvodka.com
Austria: Monopolowa Vodka
Remeber the Bachewski family from Ukraine? Monopolowa originally started with them with production in Poland. Now it is being produced in Austria with a potato base. You have probably seen the price for good potato-based vodka and this bottle shuns that, with a very wallet-friendly price. Clear and smooth, with mild aromas of buttercream, citrus, and anise, this vodka is great for Martinis, Greyhounds, and Vodka Spritzers.
Poland: Belvedere Vodka
Vodka’s perceived quality is inextricably linked to its neutrality, but Belvedere has always championed the signature savory note that comes from rye. It is distilled by fire to create an ultra-premium aromatic spirit with low-key sweetness, grassiness, and spiciness as well as velvety texture on palate which makes it perfect for a classic Martini or sipping over ice. Or, channel your inner James Bond with a Vesper.
Learn more at belvederevodka.com
