Ketel One Vodka

Nose: Clean, soft grain, faint vanilla, mineral water, mild ethanol burn. Palate: Salted vanilla, sweet soft grain, grapefruit zest, black pepper, mineral water, mild to moderate alcohol bite. The finish is medium-short and oily, with notes of vanilla, citrus, and clean grain. Well, a new front-runner has emerged in this vodka tasting series. The nose is very clean and neutral, with just a hint of vanilla and some minerality. What stands out most is the softness of the grain character, undoubtedly a result of the wheat's distillate quality. It's certainly inoffensive, even leaning towards pleasant. The palate is where I feel this vodka truly excels compared to others I've sampled so far. There's a distinct arrival! It presents discernible vanilla and citrus flavors, followed by that same soft graininess and a hint of what I perceive as black pepper. It's clean and neutral, yet possesses noticeable qualities on the palate worth mentioning. Overall, this is quite good, as far as vodka goes. It's clearly superior to Tito's, Skyy, and Smirnoff, and costs a few dollars more per bottle. Now for the crucial question: Would I prefer sipping this over Jim Beam Original? No, but it's getting very close, remarkably close. Close enough to rank it above the others on my scale.

Nose: Sharp ethanol softened by faint cereal and mineral scents. A lemon fragrance develops with continued sipping and smelling. Palate: A sweet, clean, almost watery arrival with just a hint of alcohol. This transitions to a touch of cracked black pepper, lemon zest, and a hint of anise. The texture is exceptionally smooth and silky. Finish: Medium. Clean, refreshing with a mild peppery tingle. The lingering aftertaste is creamy and sweet. Good heavens. I've discovered a vodka I can not only tolerate drinking straight but would happily choose as an aperitif. If you're like me, a whisky enthusiast who typically avoids vodka on principle because it's essentially characterless ethanol, give this another try. You won't be disappointed. It also makes a vodka martini that will redefine your standards. Vodka with character. Who would have thought? “Excellent”: 88/100 (4.5 stars)

Ketel One is my preferred vodka for cocktails. While it might not match the smoothness of Stolichnaya Elit or Absolut Elyx, it comes close and is available at almost half the price. Its aroma offers lemon zest and a touch of wheat. The palate is light, with subtle vanilla and grain notes, and a hint of sweetness. The finish is brief, with a slight peppery note, but generally very smooth. In my area, Ketel One is often even more economical when purchasing the 1.75L size, making it my first choice for cocktail preparation. The only vodkas I might consider as alternatives are Absolut or Sobieski. Those two are slightly less expensive in their 750ml bottles, but I don't often find the larger sizes. Regardless, any of those three are solid choices.

The aroma is nonexistent. The taste is fairly neutral (not unpleasantly bitter) with a somewhat thick texture and some pleasant sweetness. There's a hint of minerality and definite alcohol that isn't overpowering but does bring some bitterness. The faintest hint of fruit is present. There's a nice richness and a little spice (but not too much). The thickness is pleasant. Overall, I value the richness and sweetness along with the grainy (wheat) character. The bitterness is somewhat disappointing, but it and the alcohol flavor are very minor. It's quite similar to Chopin Wheat. This is actually a very good vodka. There's surprising complexity of flavor for a vodka and it generally tastes good.

#5 in the vodka lineup. A very simple and muted nose, just a hint of vanilla. Flat, grainy palate, the vanilla is there, but more savory. This is not a sweet vodka, if you prefer that. The wheat component is still present, but comes across more like "wheat thins" than anything else. Good when you want vodka that is a little flavorful, but not sweet. Suitable for a dry martini? Character: Wheat thins. Smoothness: 3, Overall: 3

"It'll take a few Vodka & Tonics to set you on your feet again." I decided to test this claim with this vodka, and it proved to be the right choice. It has a full mouthfeel with little burn, and the wheat flavor is still present. It complements the bittersweet taste of Tonic perfectly. Ideal for those who appreciate complex drinks.