
Russian vodkas are renowned for their smoothness and purity, reflecting centuries of distilling tradition. Crafted from high-quality grains or potatoes, these vodkas offer a wide range of flavors, from crisp and clean to subtly sweet or robustly spicy. Whether you’re a vodka connoisseur or a casual imbiber, there’s a Russian vodka to suit every palate. The rich history and cultural significance of Russian vodkas make them a fascinating subject for enthusiasts of spirits and history alike. So, if you’re curious about exploring the world of vodka, Russian vodkas are definitely worth delving into.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Zyr
Zyr uses only the finest Russian ingredients to make its award-winning vodka. The brand never rushes perfection, applying its signature 9-5-3 rule to every bottle of spirits. Each number in 9-5-3 represents a stage of the distillation process. Zyr filters pure water from Northwest Russia nine times, removing all impurities. The company then distills a blend of wheat and rye five times. Finally, three separate tastings determine whether or not the vodka is up to Zyr standards. This formula ensures the smoothest possible vodka experience. The drink is mild, creamy, and just a little bit sweet.
Beluga
Beluga vodka is a branch of the Beluga Group, a company whose goal seems to be world domination. The vodka branch does its part by crafting meticulous spirits. Beluga distills its vodka carefully and with precision. The company makes eight varieties of vodka:
- Noble
- Noble Night
- Celebration
- Transatlantic Racing
- Transatlantic Racing Navy Blue
- Allure
- Gold Line
- Epicure
More than 100 countries and 264 airports sell Beluga’s vodkas.
Russian Standard
Russian Standard vodka rivals Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky as representatives of their home country. The St. Petersburg-based distillery uses all Russian ingredients to craft the ideal vodka. Russian Standard employs chemists to ensure it uses the best formula for the drink. The spirit relies on three steps- distillation, filtration, and relaxation-to create a smooth, clean sip. Russian Standard makes four vodkas:
- Russian Standard Classic
- Russian Standard Gold
- Russian Standard Platinum
- Russian Standard Imperia
Roustam Tariko founded the company, which now appears in over 80 countries globally.
Jewel of Russia
It takes a lot of confidence to proclaim your vodka the Jewel of Russia. However, this meticulously crafted spirit honors the country’s tradition with its smooth, delicious flavor. Jewel of Russia is a mild vodka that mixes well in cocktails. However, the spirit tastes wonderful, sipped ice-cold and straight. Jewel of Russia produces four vodkas:
- Classic
- Ultra
- Berry Infusion
- Wild Bilberry Infusion
The brand has won multiple Critic’s Choice awards.
Husky
Husky vodka thrives in the frozen climate of Siberia. The brand takes advantage of the region’s pure waters and hearty ingredients to craft a clean, delicious, and uniquely Russian vodka. The company distills its spirit five times, ensuring no impurities survive to taint the drink. Fifty-six countries sell Husky Vodka globally.
Stolichnaya
Stolichnaya moved from Russia to Latvia without abandoning its roots or commitment to excellence. The vodka’s history is rife with litigation and international debate, but the recipe remains pure and simple. Stolichnaya-shortened to Stoli-uses classic, high-quality ingredients. The company produces fourteen varieties of Stoli vodka, offering several flavored options. Stoli is one of the world’s most trusted and recognized vodka brands. The spirit sips well alone but mixes beautifully into a cocktail as well.
Mamont Siberian Vodka
Mamont Siberian Vodka immediately draws drinkers in with its usual bottle design. The spirit comes in a tusk-shaped vessel designed to conjure a sense of adventure and exploration. The vodka itself is made with Siberia’s finest ingredients, creating a smooth, clean sip. The company’s recipe garnered critical acclaim; Mamont Siberian Vodka claims six gold medals as of 2022.
Polugar Classic Rye Vodka
Polugar honors the original vodka distilling methods outlawed by the Czar in 1895. Boris Rodionov was so committed to using the classic copper stills to create genuine Russian vodka that he moved the entire operation to Poland. The Russians call Polugar “bread wine” owing to its taste and smell of rye bread. The brand uses the 1745 vodka recipe held in the Russian National Museum.
Green Mark
Green Mark wears its quality proudly. The vodka owes its name to the Russian government’s official seal of approval. The government only bestowed the green seal on the best vodkas produced to the highest standards. Green Mark crafts its spirit using the best Russian wheat and the purest well-water. The vodka tastes of bread and pepper and drinks smoothly and easily.
Smirnoff Vodka
Smirnoff is one of the most recognized names in vodka. Pyotr Arsenyevitch Smirnov created his distillery in Russia, but the company moved home bases many times over the years. The globe-trotting company produces various products, ranging from classic vodka to flavored vodka to malt beverages. As of 2014, Smirnoff is the number one selling vodka globally.
Imperia
Russian Standard produces Imperia vodka for the discerning drinker. The brand meticulously crafts the spirit from the purest, soft waters from North Russia. Imperia distills its vodka eight times, ensuring the best possible sip. The resulting spirit is pure, crisp, and incredibly smooth. While the spirit makes a lovely cocktail, the sublime vodka is made for sipping on the rocks.