Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Ketel One has been in the spirits business for over 300 years — it has even witnessed historical events, including World War Two and the Prohibition Period.
Still, the business stood strong, and at present, it still delivers the same crisp, sophisticated flavors it was always famous for. More on Ketel One Vodka price range and interesting facts below.
Ketel One Vodka: A Brief History
Nolet Distillery in Schiedam, Netherlands, has been producing spirits since 1691. Johannes Nolet, a French refugee, founded the Dutch distillery. The company began with producing jenever (gin’s forefather) and has remained in the family for centuries.
Johannes worked hard to make a mark in the country. His hard work soon paid off when the city became “the capital of spirits,” [1] and along with it, his signature concoctions.
In 1794, the fifth heir in the line named Jacobus built “The Whale,” a windmill that processed grains for the entire city. The Dutch Nolet Distillery subsequently grew, and they decided to expand their business to the United States.
Just 18 years later, eighth-generation Johannes was forced to close the distillery they built in the United States and move back home due to the Prohibition Period. Plenty of their competitors did under-the-table businesses, but the family didn’t want to risk their image and legacy.
The business is run by the tenth generation successor named Carolus and has liquor giant Diageo as a business partner. He took control of the business in 1979 and began an odyssey to America to finish what his great-grandfather started. His experience regarding US vodkas was they had quite a sharp taste.
He got to work on his version of a higher quality vodka drink when he moved back to the Netherlands, and thus Ketel One Vodka was born in 1983. Carolus named it after their original copper pot still called Distilleerketel # 1.
How It’s Made
In the intricate process of crafting Ketel One Vodka, the utilization of the original Distilleerketel #1, a copper pot still traditionally associated with rums and scotch, sets it apart. This unconventional choice imparts rich flavors to the vodka, deviating from the typical taste associated with this spirit.
By combining the copper still with the more conventional column distillers, Ketel One achieves a distinctive and nuanced flavor profile, characterized by its smoothness. Additionally, the vodka is meticulously crafted from 100 percent non-GMO English wheat, highlighting the brand’s commitment to quality ingredients.
To ensure the highest standards, each batch undergoes scrutiny from a Nolet family member before reaching the bottling stage. This meticulous attention to detail contributes to Ketel One’s reputation for producing a premium and refined vodka.
Popular Varieties
Flavored Ketel One Vodkas
Despite the boom of flavored vodkas in the market, Ketel One didn’t ride on the hype and instead focused on perfecting two citrus fruits flavors: orange and lemon, or Ketel One Oranje and Ketel One Citroen, respectively.
Ketel One’s approach to citrus fruits is quite average, though, much like other brands like New Amsterdam.
Botanical Vodka
In 2018, the Ketel One brand released something the world has never seen before: the Botanical Vodka line. Diageo, British conglomerate and Ketel One’s newest business partner, claimed that a bottle of it had fewer calories than traditional vodkas. They referred to the Ketel One Botanical Vodka as “diet vodka.”
Flavors in the line include Orange Blossom, Cucumber, and Mint – all great for mixing with soda water.
Plain Ketel One
The original drink variant is the recipe that Carolus Nolet perfected. It is crisp and clean, with a slight sweetness taste from the wheat and a spicy finish that resembles black pepper. And just like most brands, it has an ABV of 40 percent.
For a slightly lower price, a Ketel One Vodka 750ml can rival most higher-priced vodka in the market.
Special Offerings
For their 325th anniversary, the brand released a limited edition line. Although it was the same vodka formula, the item came in a beautiful copper bottle — an homage to their original copper pot still. The price was also slightly higher than their regular vodka.
Common Ketel One Prices
| Type | Size | Proof | Average Price |
| Ketel One Vodka | 750ml | 80 | $19.99 – $21.99 |
| 1L | 80 | $29.99 – $34.99 | |
| 1.75L | 80 | $34.99 – $44.99 | |
| Ketel One Oranje | 750ml | 80 | $19.99 – $21.99 |
| Ketel One Citroen | 750ml | 80 | $19.99 – $21.99 |
| Ketel One Botanical Peach and Orange Blossom | 750ml | 80 | $19.99 – $21.99 |
| Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose | 750ml | 80 | $19.99 – $21.99 |
| Ketel One Botanical Cucumber Mint | 750ml | 80 | $19.99 – $21.99 |
| Ketel One 325th Nolet Anniversary | 750ml | 80 | $29.99 – $34.99 |
Compared to Other Brands Prices
Stoli
Vodkas are one of Russians’ simple pleasures in life. The Stoli Vodka is a well-known Russian brand and is made from wheat, rye, and artesian water, ideal for mixing with soda water. It has a slightly sweet flavor that comes from the grain ingredient which is distilled four times and has an ABV of 40 percent.
Prices for 750ml bottles of Stoli start at roughly $15.
Ciroc
Instead of grains, the Ciroc Vodka is made from grapes, which gives the stuff a distinctive taste. The French Ciroc Vodka is distilled five times. Don’t expect a grape juice drink flavor, though — this vodka is surprisingly nuanced with citrus and star anise, which makes it stand out from all other available vodkas.
Prices for Ciroc Vodkas start at around $26 with an alcohol content of 40 percent.
Grey Goose
It’s hard to believe that a mere 17 people make all of the Grey Goose products available worldwide. This French company has a five-time distillation process and uses calcium-rich water. Grey Goose goes down smoothly as well, unlike many other vodkas out in the market. Find out more about the differences between Grey Goose and Ketel One here.
Prices for Grey Goose bottles start at about $32 and have an ABV of 40 percent.
Also Read: Western Son Vodka Guide
Popular Ketel One Cocktail Recipes
Your favorite bartender may already be using Ketel One products in your favorite drinks.
Cosmopolitan
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces Ketel One Citroen or Ketel One Oranje
- ¾ ounce cranberry juice
- ¾ ounce lime juice
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- Lemon twist for garnish
Directions:
Pour all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and combine well. Strain and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with one lemon twist.
Spring Garden
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces Ketel One
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- 2 ounces apple juice
- Mint leaves for garnish
- Raspberries for garnish
- Fresh ice
Directions:
Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with a raspberry and mint leaf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What kind of vodka is Ketel One?
Ketel One is a premium quality vodka that infuses both the modern and traditional styles of making liquor.
How do you serve Ketel One botanicals?
Ketel One Botanicals can be served and drunk neat, straight, on the rocks, or mixed.
Is Ketel One a good vodka?
Yes, Ketel One is generally regarded as a good vodka. It is known for its smooth and crisp taste.
Is Ketel One Russian vodka?
No, Ketel One is not Russian; it is a Dutch vodka. It is produced in Schiedam, Netherlands.
Is Ketel One the same as Grey Goose?
No, Ketel One and Grey Goose are different vodka brands. They have distinct recipes, production processes, and flavor profiles.
Where is Ketel One made from?
Ketel One is made from 100% non-GMO European wheat.
What vodka is the smoothest?
The perception of smoothness varies, but vodkas like Grey Goose, Belvedere, and Ketel One are often considered smooth due to their quality and production processes.
What is the world’s best vodka?
Determining the “best” vodka is subjective. Some highly regarded vodkas include Beluga, Stolichnaya Elit, and Chopin.
What are the top 10 vodkas?
The list of top vodkas can vary, but some often mentioned include Grey Goose, Belvedere, Ketel One, Absolut, and CÎROC.
Why is it called Ketel One?
The name Ketel One is derived from the Dutch word “ketel,” meaning pot still. The number “one” signifies that it was one of the first copper pot stills used by the distillery.
What does Ketel One Vodka taste like?
Ketel One is known for its smooth, crisp, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of citrus. It has a clean and neutral flavor profile.
Why is Ketel One so good?
Ketel One is often praised for its high-quality ingredients, meticulous distillation process, and commitment to producing a smooth and refined vodka. Its clean taste and versatility in cocktails contribute to its positive reputation.
Is Ketel One a premium vodka?
Yes, Ketel One is considered a premium vodka due to its quality and craftsmanship.
What makes Ketel One so good?
Ketel One’s reputation for quality is attributed to its use of 100% non-GMO European wheat, continuous column distillation, and a commitment to traditional craftsmanship. The result is a smooth and well-balanced vodka appreciated by many consumers and mixologists alike.
Key Takeaways
It’s obvious that the Ketel One brand is loved by family — the passion is seen through its projects and creations.
Generations have witnessed the growth of the brand. Take a sip out of a 300-year-old tradition by buying a Ketel One Vodka bottle today.
Reference:
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/exploring-schiedam-gin-capital
