World’s Top Vodkas 2024 by Beverage Testing Association

In the Beverage Institute’s 2024 Vodka Review, two vodkas received platinum medals and 17 vodkas received gold medals.

The number one non-flavored vodka is elite vodka97/100 points.

Elit Vodka, also known as Stolichnaya Elit, is a super premium vodka produced at the Latvias Balzams Distillery in Riga, Latvia. Elit is made using winter wheat and pure artesian well water, using a proprietary freeze-filtration process that is said to enhance the purity and smoothness of the vodka.

Vodka is known for its extremely smooth, clean taste, with a hint of sweetness and a creamy texture. It is often praised for its versatility and ability to be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Elit Vodka is a consistent medalist at international spirits competitions.

The BTI Judging Committee described the characteristics of Elit Vodka as follows:

Aromas of vanilla, lemongrass, and fresh cotton on the nose. The palate features similar flavors with notes of crisp alpine air, lemon zest, and cotton. It’s hard to find a vodka that is cleaner, more neutral in taste and aroma, and free of distillation defects and alcohol burn.

Also, the person who won the platinum medal with 96/100 points was Nykur limited edition super premium vodka.

Nikur Vodka is a premium vodka produced in the Faroe Islands, Denmark. The name comes from Nikul, a horse-shaped mythical creature from the Faroe Islands that lures travelers into the water.

This vodka is made from a blend of Italian wheat and barley and water from the Faroe Islands, pumped from an aquifer miles deep beneath Kirvi Volcano. According to the company:

The geological structure of Kirvi Volcano, the water source, contains 12 layers of basalt that are 55 million years old. These volcanic rocks are rich in minerals and electrolytes. So, naturally, filtering through these 12 layers of basalt adds minerals, giving the water a smooth mouthfeel and subtle sweetness. With a pH value of 8.3, our water is naturally alkaline, which enhances the softness of our vodka.

The vodka is distilled multiple times to create a smooth, clean spirit with a crisp, clean taste, a hint of sweetness, and a smooth aftertaste.

The BTI review committee described vodka as:

Sharpie notes of fermented dough, lemon, and green apple fill your nose. The palate features similar flavors, with notes of Italian bread, crushed white flowers, and ginger. Beautiful, elegant, clean, with a hint of the sweetness of freshly baked bread.

A further 11 vodkas won gold medals. Winners included Dirty Devil Vodka (Canada), 93/100 points; Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka (UK), 93/100 points. Yacht Life Vodka (US), 93/100 points. Meili Vodka Batch 01 (US), 93/100 points. Crooked Tusker Distillery (USA), 92/100 points. Longleaf Distilling Company, Longleaf Vodka (USA), 92/100 points. Georgian Bay Vodka Batch No. 348 (Canada), 92/100 points. Tenjaku Japanese Vodka (Japan), 91/100 points. Smirnoff No 21 Vodka (US), 91/100 points. PUR Vodka (Canada), 91/100 points; Stateside Urban Craft Vodka (USA), 91/100 points.

The top two flavored vodkas are: Rush Creek Distilled Coffee Flavored Vodka and Sky Infusions Agave Lime Flavored Vodka. Both vodkas are produced in the USA and both have a score of 93/100.

The official BTI judging panel described Rush Creek Distilled Coffee Flavored Vodka as representing:

Aromas of caramel, medium roast, and mocha. The taste featured similar aromas, but with additional notes of mocha, vanilla, and chocolate in his Frappuccino. Sweet coffee flavors and aromas are accentuated by toasted nuts and a touch of milk chocolate syrup. Frappuccino drinks are waiting for you.

Skyy Infusions Agave Lime Flavored Vodka, on the other hand, has:

Aromas of lime, lemon and sea salt. The palate featured similar aromas with hints of lemon, lime, and lime zest. Its pleasant, sweet citrus aroma and flavor make it perfect for drinking, sipping, or making into cocktails.

Also winning the gold medal was Absolut Vanilla Flavored Vodka (Sweden) with a score of 91/100. Deep Eddy Ruby Red Flavored Vodka (US), 91/100 points. Deep Eddy Lime Flavored Vodka (US), 90/100 points. Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind Flavored Vodka (US), 90/100 points.

BTI reviews thousands of beverages each year and scores them out of 100. This activity makes it similar to a traditional wine or spirits competition. But the Chicago-based organization plays a dual role in the beverage industry. In its own words, the company also acts as a consulting company that utilizes:

With superior methodologies, proprietary tools, and decades of experience, we provide research, development, and marketing services that compete with large investments, enhance brand reputation, optimize market valuation, and attract consumers. Masu.

Such dual roles are unprecedented in the beverage industry. BTI’s reviews and advice are closely followed in the beverage industry by global wine and spirits companies, recently established craft spirits manufacturers, and consumers around the world.

The 2024 BTI Vodka Review featured an eclectic mix of vodkas, focusing on both well-established heritage brands and emerging craft distilleries. There’s a lot to discover in this short list of the world’s best vodkas. Is it time for a martini?

cheers