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What Vodka Is Made In Russia? (2024 Updated)

What Vodka Is Made In Russia

Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Vodka is to Russia what wine is to France — you can assume they do it better. The country has optimal soils for growing grains, and various accounts have proved that they were producing the liquor as early as the 14th century. 

According to the Distilled Spirits Council, just 1.3% of vodka imports in America come from Russia. So what vodka is made in Russia? Let’s find out! 

10 Vodka Brands Made in Russia 

1. Russian Standard

Russian Standard on desk

First on the list is called Russian Standard. Russian Standard is unabashedly bold and spicy, with a slightly oily texture. This Russian-made alcohol comes from locally-sourced winter wheat and soft glacial waters and is filtered quadruple times through charcoal. 

2. Zyr 

Zyr on desk

Zyr is one of the best vodkas for sipping cold and even better when it warms up to room temperature in your hands. This drink stays sweet, thanks to the Moscow-grown winter wheat and rye, unlike others with strong medicinal notes. 

3. Husky

Husky on desk

Siberia is home to the Husky: the famous dog breed and vodka. As one of the coldest regions globally, this brand uses a cold filtration process for its vodka. The brand uses crystal clear water from the Arctic Circle, lending to the liquor an incredible crispness that is impossible to replicate by the rest. 

4. Hammer + Sickle 

Hammer + Sickle on desk with cocktail

Hammer + Sickle is one of the rarest Russian-made products you can find in the country. The liquor is made from winter wheat grown from a region called “Black Earth,” famous for the soil’s high mineral content. Its finish is pure and crisp, with sweet vanilla and almond notes. 

5. Green Mark

Green Mark on table with shot glasses

Green Mark pays homage to the “green mark” the Russian government’s quality assurance agency, Glavspirttrest, bestowed upon great vodkas from the 1920s to the 1950s. It is made from Russian winter wheat and blended with artesian well water. It is quite malty, with notes of star anise and fennel fronds. 

6. Mamont Siberian 

Mamont Siberian on desk with cocktail

The Mamont Siberian brand is named after a mammoth specimen found in 2002 and takes its bottle shape from the tusk of the species. This is a proudly neutral vodka produced in small batches, making it a great base for cocktails. 

7. Beluga Gold 

Beluga Gold on table with box

Beluga from Russia is probably one of the most expensive vodka brands. It’s produced from the malted spirit and pure Getreidemalz Siberian spring water and rested for 90 days before being bottled to reach perfect harmony. 

8. Polugar

Polugar on desk with cocktail

Perhaps the vodka that holds Russian heritage near to its heart is Polugar. They recreated 18th and 19th-century copper pot stills for their distillery and used traditional washing and malting of grains — nothing else. Polugar isn’t something we associate contemporary vodkas with but rather an aromatic bread wine.  

9. Jewel of Russia

Jewel of Russia on table with cocktail

As the name suggests, Jewel of Russia is a gem amongst other vodka brands out in the market. This Russian-made liquor combines hard winter wheat and rye with water drawn from deep artesian wells to create a final spirit with a rich and full mouthfeel. 

10. Imperia

Imperia on desk with glass

Imperia is a luxury bottle from Russian Standard. It is made from winter wheat and distilled eight times before being filtered with quartz crystals. The result is a clean drink with a faint almond flavor, something neutral that you can easily blend into cocktails. 

5 Russian Sounding Vodka Brands That Aren’t Russian Made 

5 Russian Sounding Vodka Brands That Aren’t Russian Made 

1. Karkov Vodka

Karkov Vodka on table with shot glass and sashimi

While Karkov sounds like it should be from Russia, it isn’t. The Crosby Lake Spirits Company produces this brand in Minnesota. The spirit has a crisp and clean finish, perfect for mixing into a cocktail. 

2. Romanov

Romanov on desk with shot glass and pickles

Romanov is another Russian-sounding brand made in the United States. This Indian brand derives its name from the Romanov dynasty and is one of the most accessible vodkas (it has quite the reputation with college students!). We don’t advise drinking this one on its own because of the pungent ethanol burn. 

3. Stoli 

Stoli on table with shrimp cocktail

Stoli Vodka, formerly called Stolichnaya Vodka, used to be from Russia… that is until its owner Yuri Shefler was exiled from the country two decades ago. The reason? Shefler contests that he should have sole ownership of Stoli Group and its products as a private business, while the Russian government claims privatization was never fully effected. 

Today, all Stoli products are manufactured and bottled in Riga, Latvia. [1

4. Rachmaninoff

Rachmaninoff on desk with cocktail

Rachmaninoff is a German-produced vodka. Despite its inexpensive price tag, we can attest to this spirit’s caliber — after all, it has received both gold and silver awards from the International Wine and Spirit Competition! The liquor is triple distilled with a light, fresh taste, perfect for sipping, shots, or mixed drinks. 

5. Smirnoff

Smirnoff on table with cocktail

You’d be surprised to know that the largest vodka brand in the world, Smirnoff, is not actually from Russia — it is owned and produced by the Diageo company. Though the brand has Moscow roots, Smirnoff products haven’t been produced in Russia since the early 1900s. 

In terms of flavor, you can never go wrong with Smirnoff vodka— its super-smooth taste has been the basis for most vodka worldwide. 

Related Posts:

Non-Russian Vodka Brands You Should Try 

Vodka Alternatives You Can Try 

Absolut 

Absolut with vodka martini on desk

Absolut vodka hails from Ahus, Sweden. This imported vodka is made from distilling winter wheat and water infinite times to produce a rich and full-bodied liquor, yet still smooth and mellow. They are also known for using the same recipe from over a hundred years ago. 

Ciroc

Ciroc with cocktail on table

Ciroc, from France, uses grapes instead of grain. Fine French grapes are carefully handpicked and made into wine before being distilled five times in column stills to create vodka. As a result, Ciroc vodka veers away from traditional vodka by having a distinct fruity flavor.  

Grey Goose

The luxury vodka brand Grey Goose also has French origins. Before the vodka was materialized, an idea to develop a luxury vodka for the American market was formulated. To make the spirits, they sourced French-grown ingredients: soft single-origin winter wheat from Picardy and spring water from Gensac-La-Pallue. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Tito’s Vodka made in Russia?

No. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is not made in Russia. This vodka brand is America’s original craft vodka. It is produced from the deep heart of Austin at Texas’ oldest legal distillery.

Is Russian vodka made from potatoes?

No, Russian vodka is not made from potatoes. Russia makes use of mostly grains in vodka production today. While most vodka was originally made from potatoes, distillers noticed that spuds do not grow well in frozen ground and instead used grain as an alternative — which turned out great! 

Are Russian vodkas expensive?

Some Russian vodka brands are expensive, like Jewel of Russia and Beluga. However, it’s quite easy to find quality Russian vodka without breaking the bank. Russian Standard and Green Mark are relatively inexpensive while still maintaining sublime quality. 

Is Smirnoff a Russian made vodka?

Smirnoff vodka, although originally a Russian brand, is no longer exclusively made in Russia. It was first produced by Pyotr Arsenievich Smirnov at a distillery in Moscow in 1864. However, Smirnoff is now owned by British drinks company Diageo and is produced in various locations around the world. The brand has a global presence and is made in different countries to meet the demand of consumers worldwide.

Is Absolut Vodka Russian?

No, Absolut Vodka is not Russian. Absolut Vodka is a Swedish brand that was first introduced in 1879. It is produced in Åhus, a small town in southern Sweden. Absolut Vodka is known for its high-quality production process and iconic bottle design.

What is true Russian vodka?

True Russian vodka refers to vodkas that are made in Russia and adhere to traditional Russian production methods. These vodkas are typically made from locally sourced ingredients, such as wheat, rye, or potatoes, and undergo a specific distillation process. Some well-known Russian vodka brands include Russian Standard, Stolichnaya (Stoli), and Beluga.

Where is Absolut vodka made?

Absolut Vodka is produced in Sweden. The brand’s distillery is located in Åhus, a small town in southern Sweden. Absolut Vodka is known for its meticulous production process, which includes the use of winter wheat sourced from local farms and continuous distillation to ensure a consistent and high-quality product.

Where is Skyy vodka made?

Skyy Vodka is an American vodka brand that was first introduced in 1992. It is produced in the United States, specifically in California. Skyy Vodka is made from American grain and undergoes a quadruple distillation process for a smooth and clean taste. The brand is known for its distinctive blue bottle and has gained popularity for its quality and affordability.

What is the most popular vodka in Russia?

The most popular vodka brands in Russia include Russian Standard, Stolichnaya (Stoli), Beluga, and Smirnoff. These brands have a long history and are widely enjoyed by vodka enthusiasts in Russia. However, the popularity of vodka brands can vary depending on personal preferences and regional differences.

What is the best vodka in the world?

Determining the best vodka in the world is subjective and can vary based on individual tastes and preferences. There are numerous high-quality vodka brands from around the world that have gained recognition and acclaim for their craftsmanship and flavor profiles. Some renowned vodka brands include Belvedere, Grey Goose, Absolut, Ketel One, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Ultimately, the best vodka is a matter of personal preference and can differ from person to person.

What is Skyy vodka made from?

Skyy Vodka is made from American grain, specifically Midwestern corn. It undergoes a quadruple distillation process for a smooth and clean taste. Skyy Vodka is known for its high-quality production standards and offers a range of flavors to suit different preferences.

What is Tito vodka made from?

Tito’s Vodka, also known as Tito’s Handmade Vodka, is made from corn. It is produced in Austin, Texas, in the United States. Tito’s Vodka is distilled six times and is known for its smooth and clean taste. It has gained popularity for its handmade and small-batch production approach.

What is the smoothest vodka?

The perception of smoothness in vodka can vary based on individual preferences. Some vodka brands are known for their smoothness and refined taste. Belvedere, Grey Goose, and Ketel One are often praised for their smoothness and quality. However, the perception of smoothness can also depend on factors such as the production process, the quality of ingredients, and personal taste preferences.

What vodkas are from Ukraine?

Ukraine is known for producing several brands of vodka, some of which have gained recognition both domestically and internationally. One prominent Ukrainian vodka brand is Nemiroff, which has a long history dating back to the 19th century. Nemiroff vodka is crafted using high-quality ingredients and traditional distillation methods, resulting in a smooth and refined spirit with a distinct character. Another well-known Ukrainian vodka brand is Khortytsa, named after the Khortytsia Island in the Dnieper River, which is considered the heart of Ukrainian Cossack culture. Khortytsa vodka is made from locally sourced grains and pure artesian water, offering a clean and crisp taste that reflects the spirit of Ukraine’s distilling heritage. Additionally, other Ukrainian vodka brands such as Soplica and Stoli (Stolichnaya) also have a presence in the market, offering consumers a diverse range of options to choose from when selecting Ukrainian vodka.

What alcohol is Ukraine known for?

Ukraine is known for its production of vodka, which is one of the most popular and widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the country. Vodka has a long history in Ukrainian culture, with distillation techniques dating back centuries. Ukrainian vodka is renowned for its purity and quality, often made from locally sourced grains and filtered through charcoal for a smooth and clean taste. In addition to vodka, Ukraine also produces a variety of other alcoholic beverages, including brandy, fruit liqueurs, and horilka, a traditional Ukrainian spirit similar to vodka but often flavored with herbs, spices, or fruit.

What is the alcohol content of Ukrainian vodka?

The alcohol content of Ukrainian vodka typically ranges from 40% to 50% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is the standard strength for most vodkas worldwide. However, some specialty vodkas may have a higher or lower ABV depending on the production process and intended flavor profile. Ukrainian vodka is known for its purity and potency, with a strong and clean taste that reflects the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the distiller. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, Ukrainian vodka offers a versatile and enjoyable drinking experience for those looking to savor the spirit of Ukraine.

Is Absolut vodka made in Ukraine?

No, Absolut vodka is not made in Ukraine. Absolut vodka is a Swedish brand of vodka produced by the Swedish company The Absolut Company, which is owned by Pernod Ricard, a French multinational alcoholic beverage company. Absolut vodka is made from winter wheat sourced from southern Sweden and distilled using a continuous distillation process that results in a smooth and pure spirit. While Absolut vodka is not produced in Ukraine, it is widely available in markets around the world and is known for its iconic bottle design and premium quality

So, What Vodka Is Made In Russia?

Russia is the gold standard for quality vodka, and we shouldn’t expect anything less from them, seeing as how they consider this liquor their national drink. Whether at a wedding, funeral, child birth, holidays, or in bars, you can expect the Russians to have a bottle in their hands! 

Reference: 

  1. https://www.npr.org/2022/03/07/1085053999/stolichnaya-vodka-stoli-ukraine-russia
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