Vodka

Vodka is one of the world’s most versatile and widely consumed spirits, celebrated for its purity, adaptability, and ability to shine both neat and as the foundation for countless cocktails. Traditionally associated with Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Poland, vodka has evolved into a truly global spirit, with producers from Scandinavia to the United States crafting their own interpretations.

Origins and History

Vodka’s history stretches back several centuries, with its name derived from the Slavic word “voda,” meaning water, a nod to its clarity and neutrality. Early vodka was often rustic and unrefined, used both as a drink and for medicinal purposes. Over time, advances in distillation technology transformed it into the smooth, high-purity spirit we know today.

While Russia and Poland both claim to be its birthplace, each country has contributed distinct traditions:
• Russian vodka tends toward a clean, crisp style, often distilled from wheat or rye.
• Polish vodka frequently uses rye or potatoes, giving a richer, more rounded mouthfeel.

In recent decades, vodka has expanded far beyond its Eastern European roots, with premium producers emerging in France, the UK, Japan, and North America.

Production and Ingredients

Vodka can be made from almost any fermentable raw material, though grains (wheat, rye, barley) and potatoes are most common. Increasingly, distillers experiment with alternative bases such as grapes, corn, rice, and even sugar beets.

The production process typically involves:
1. Fermentation — converting starches or sugars into alcohol.
2. Distillation — often multiple times, to increase purity and remove impurities.
3. Filtration — through charcoal, quartz, or other media to refine texture and flavour.
4. Dilution — with pure water to bring the alcohol content down to the typical 37.5–40% ABV (higher for some premium or craft bottlings).

Flavoured vodkas — infused with fruits, herbs, spices, or botanicals — have also gained popularity, offering a ready-made twist for cocktails.

Flavour and Style

Although vodka is often described as neutral, quality examples have subtle differences:
• Wheat-based vodkas — soft, light, and slightly sweet.
• Rye-based vodkas — spicy, dry, and crisp.
• Potato-based vodkas — creamy, full-bodied, and earthy.
• Grape-based vodkas — smooth, floral, and aromatic.

Premium producers focus on mouthfeel and minerality, with some using unique water sources such as glacial meltwater or deep artesian wells.

Vodka in Cocktails

Vodka’s clean profile makes it a bartender’s essential. It forms the base for classic cocktails such as:
• Martini (vodka version) — elegant and crisp.
• Bloody Mary — savoury and spicy.
• Moscow Mule — refreshing, with ginger beer and lime.
• Cosmopolitan — fruity and vibrant.

It also works seamlessly in contemporary creations, where its neutrality allows other ingredients to shine.

Our Selection

Our Vodka range covers everything from classic Russian and Polish bottlings to innovative craft distillations and luxury, ultra-pure expressions. Whether you’re looking for a smooth sipping vodka, a mixable all-rounder, or an artisanal small-batch bottle, our curated collection celebrates the diversity of this global spirit.

From crisp, chilled shots enjoyed in the traditional Eastern European style to refined, high-end vodkas that rival the complexity of aged spirits, there’s a bottle here for every taste and occasion.