Belvedere Vodka vs Grey Goose: Compared (2023 Updated)
Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Lydia Martin
When Grey Goose won the title of the “Best Tasting Vodka” in a blind tasting room, Belvedere filed a complaint about the “disingenuous” decision. This incident might have started a rivalry between Belvedere vodka vs Grey Goose in 1998.
More than twenty years later, the world of spirits still has an undecided winner. So, our team of experts decided to serve you one.
Grey Goose or Belvedere: Which Vodka Is Better?
Grey Goose premium vodka is smoother than Belvedere; however, when it comes to price point, Belvedere is more expensive.
Although both top-shelf vodkas have lower-calorie alcohol and are among the healthiest vodka brands globally, Grey Goose has a more meticulous way of processing.
It uses French wheat and water 500 feet below its main facility, while Belvedere follows the strict rules of Polish vodka.
“Grey Goose costs way more than other vodkas.” -Seth Stevenson, Writer
Grey Goose considers France its home and is known for alcoholic beverages such as Cognac and Champagne.
And with more distillation processes involved, Grey Goose has a more biting finish than Belvedere.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Belvedere Vodka | Grey Goose Vodka |
| Origin | Poland | France |
| Distillation | Quadruple-distilled from Polish rye | Five times distilled from French wheat |
| Cost | Generally falls in the premium price range | Typically more affordable |
| Raw Materials | Made from Polish rye grain | Crafted from French soft winter wheat |
| Alcohol Proof | 40% ABV (80 proof) | 40% ABV (80 proof) |
| Best to Drink | Ideal for vodka shots and cocktails | Often enjoyed in upscale cocktail settings |
Key Differences
History & Country of Origin
The distillery of Belvedere has a long and illustrious history as it was built in 1910, making it one of the oldest in Poland.
Although the production of this top-shelf brand only started in 1993, it is still ahead of Grey Goose, which only began in 1997.
Sidney Frank has dreamt of creating Grey Goose as a premium vodka. Then he decided to market this with a story that this high-end vodka came from France.
But who owns the prestigious Grey Goose vodka now?
Branding
Belvedere and Grey Goose are the two most popular vodka brands. Belvedere is also under the luxury brand of LVMH like Hennessy, Ardbeg, and Dom Pérignon.
Phillips Millennium introduced this high-quality vodka to the United States in 1996, and in April 2005, LVMH officially acquired this company.
In 2004, Bacardi Limited set a record for buying Grey Goose at around two billion dollars [1].
The previous owner, Sidney Frank, believed that Bacardi would further advance Grey Goose’s strong reputation as a smooth vodka through this deal.
Alcohol By Volume Level
A classic good vodka in a liquor store in the United States has a minimum of 40% ABV, like Tito’s handmade vodka.
The same goes for both Belvedere and Grey Goose, although some exceptions exist. But how many vodka shots will get you drunk?
Belvedere Intense has 50% ABV, is a strong alcoholic drink, and is a limited-edition release. The Grey Goose’s Essences line has only 30% ABV, which falls under the flavored vodka category.
These two high-end brands created different varieties over the years, but Belvedere has consistently followed through with the standard 80-proof alcohol for classic vodka.
It launched the Belvedere Intense in 23, the first luxury brand with a 100-proof alcohol concentration.
On the other hand, Grey Goose launched a flavored product line that is only 60-proof.
The low alcohol vodka proof and fruity essence make each Grey Goose variety a sound mixer for a dessert-style cocktail.
Production & Distillation Process
Belvedere luxury vodka follows the strict rules of Polska Vodka, which means that the whole production process takes place in Poland.
It should not contain additives and go through four distillation processes to be considered the best vodka.
On the other hand, Grey Goose went through a five-column distillation process in Picardy, but the bottling process took place in the Cognac region of France.
Less than twenty people are behind the production of this drink, which adds to the brand’s exclusivity.
Find out if Grey Goose vodka is gluten-free here.
Raw Material
The materials used for producing Belvedere include specific Polish water and rye. This grain can withstand cold temperatures and gives a soft texture to the spirit.
On the contrary, Grey Goose vodka purchased winter wheat from the Picardy region of France as their main ingredient.
One kilo of this wheat and natural spring water is enough to make one bottle of vodka. But how long will vodka last?
Taste & Flavor Profile
Contrary to the tasteless drink many associate vodka with, distinctive flavors are present in the spirit that differentiates the brands [2].
Mouthfeel
In our blind test tasting, we noticed that Belvedere offers a silky mouthfeel that’s exceptionally smooth, making it glide effortlessly on the palate.
On the other hand, Grey Goose boasts a slightly richer mouthfeel, with a touch of creaminess that adds depth to its taste.
Aroma
Belvedere Vodka exudes a clean and neutral scent, with subtle hints of vanilla and soft, delicate notes.
On the other hand, we like the aroma of Grey Goose better as it offers a mild and fresh aroma with a gentle, crisp character, featuring light citrus, black pepper, black cherry, and almond undertones that create a pleasing fragrance.
Color
Regarding color, both premium vodkas are crystal clear and colorless. They maintain the classic, transparent appearance that is expected of high-quality vodkas.
Finish
Belvedere Vodka delivers a crisp and clean finish with a subtle sweetness that lingers gently on the palate.
Grey Goose, on the other hand, offers a smooth and refreshing finish that’s characterized by its mild citrus notes, leaving a satisfying and clean aftertaste.
Flavor Variations
Recently, Belvedere vs Grey Goose released a variety of flavored vodkas to compete in the market against Bakon Vodka, Cupcake Frosting Vodka, and the famous Smirnoff Green Apple Vodka.
However, these brands were considered the worst vodkas, especially Bakon Vodka, because they prefer their bacon in its chewable, fat-laden form.
Belvedere’s Maceration Line has eight available flavors, including the Belvedere Mango Passion, Bloody Mary Vodka, and Ginger Zest.
On the other hand, Grey Goose released the flavored varieties first. Grey Goose offers La Poire (pear), Le Citron (lemon), Le Melon, Cherry Noir, and other Grey Goose products.
Also Read:
Aging Process
It is doubtful for a neutral spirit like vodka to undergo an aging process, and the same goes for these two popular vodka brands.
The bottling process starts right after distillation, as purified spring water will help to tone down the high alcohol content instead of barrel-aging.
Grey Goose spends more time in this process because the main distillery is in Picardy, while the bottling facility is in Cognac, about 600km apart.
Price Point
Grey Goose and Belvedere are among the best vodka products from Europe, making them more expensive than domestically-made ones like Tito’s Vodka
The prices depend on the variety released by each company.
“Sip vodka, and let its smoothness take you on a journey of pure indulgence.” -Liquor Laboratory
Belvedere Original is available for around $29 to $50, with its Maceration line ranging from $30 to $40.
While the flavored line of Grey Goose is around $27 to $42, the original vodka’s price can reach up to $41.
*Average prices are based on Drizly online. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
FAQs
Which is smoother, Grey Goose or Belvedere vodka?
Grey Goose is smoother than Belvedere because wheat is the main ingredient.
Wheat makes vodka smoother than other grains and leaves an excellent taste in the spirit.
In what way is Belvedere vodka similar to Grey Goose?
Grey Goose and Belvedere are top-shelf vodka brands available to drink straight or on the rocks.
The two vodkas have the same alcohol concentration in their original variety, and they are under popular and respected companies such as Bacardi and LVMH.
Final Verdict
Although both are considered the world’s best vodka brands, our team chose Grey Goose vodka as the winner after blind test tastings and deliberation.
Grey Goose still took the winning spot with its exclusive ingredients and production process. It has a velvety texture and remarkable tasting notes that can be enjoyed in shots or cocktails.
Grey Goose prides itself on its exclusive ingredients that give the smell of black pepper and rye to their classic vodka. It crawls in the throat in a creamy but biting finish.
Belvedere smells of fresh grass and has a faintly sweet taste. It has a clean finish and mild spiciness.
While it is more expensive, it is worth considering when it comes to the creamy texture, distinct flavor profile, and unique bottle presented by the Polish Presidential Palace in Warsaw, Poland.
References:
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https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5256874
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https://www.winemag.com/2020/05/28/is-vodka-flavorless/amp/
In our house in Brentwood Ca. We prefer 1 Absolute 2 Kettle 3 Belvedere 4 Stoli 5 Grey Goose. Thank you for this article..SCGall