Despite other spirits soaring in cachet, vodka has weathered all types of trends, and is becoming increasingly popular, as our expert judges found out at this year’s taste test. Vodka came under the spotlight in our latest blind tasting Showing that good things do indeed come in threes, Nykur’s vodka, hailing from the Faroe Islands, was the third and final bottle in the Organic round deemed worthy of Masters medal. In the Eastern Europe round two medals were awarded: a Gold award went to “vibrant, fresh” Kreskova Vodka, while a Silver was given to Von Est Sangaste Rye Organic Estonian Vodka. Koskenkorva Vodka Original showed all the qualities needed to bag a Master medal in the Scandinavia segment. Carruthers said the vodka was “extremely drinkable”, and detected notes of “lemon, pine and sweetness – very smooth”. Chambers added: “Compared with the rest, it’s very classy and elegant.” Smith said: “There are some real bargains to be had here, which means that quality can be affordable, but as with every category, not all vodkas are equal.” A single entry in the potato-based vodka round saw Nine Tines take a Gold, enjoyed for its “sweetness on the nose and palate, and nice balance – would be great sipped neat, or in a Martini”. Pulse Vodka won a Silver in the following flight, Vodka Base – Corn. Meanwhile, Pod Pea Vodka was the worthy recipient of a Master medal in the Vodka Base – Pea round. Chou particularly enjoyed this expression: “Expressive green, grassy, leafy, lactic notes on the nose. Very complex, with sweet caramel on the palate.”

All judges were in agreement of its tremendous quality, with high praise given in particular for its “lovely natural mango aromas” and ”very complex flavour profile’’. It was also described as ”juicy’, delicious and smooth”, bolstered by a “delicate peppery” undertone. In fact, it was enjoyed so much but the panel that it was awarded the prestigious title of Taste Master.

Winners

Winning five Master medals at The Vodka Masters helps us further position ourselves at the top bars – not just in London but in the world.”

The Best of Category Flavored Vodka, Distilled Spirit, is Heritage Distilling Company Lavender Flavored Vodka. Desi Daru’s Alphonso Mango-flavoured vodka has been making waves in the drinks world since its launch last July. And it impressed the global panel of judges so much, it claimed the top spot in the UK Flavoured Vodka category and then competed against the best from each country to win the coveted title of World’s Best Flavoured Vodka. This year’s Vodka Masters headed to the Hippodrome in London, where three panels of judges were tasked with dishing out medals to worthy entrants. Eastern Europe saw Dima’s Vodka from Ukraine grab a Gold, praised for its “lemon and green apple on the nose” and “nutty and savoury mouthfeel”. A Silver went to Flirt Vodka from Bulgaria.The purity of the water and the indulgent quality of the Alphonso mangoes we use, distilled rather than infused, creates a full and smooth flavour. We believe Desi Daru is a reflection of us, and we are proud to share our heritage with the world through this unique spirit.”

Among the international entries, Vodka – Residual Base Character, Distilled, the Best of Class Vodka was Republic of Freemantle Distilling, Signature Vodka. Republic’s vodka is distilled from a wine made with locally grown Verdelho grapes. Verdelho is a white grape variety widely grown in Portugal. It is used to make Madeira, as well as dry white wines. Republic of Freemantle also took the Best of Category award in its division. One judge was particularly hooked – detailing that it was “super easy going and easy to drink” and had an “excellent mouthfeel and lasting finish”. Stablemate Koskenkorva Vodka 7 Botanicals also lived up to the Master standard, with its “Asian‐style citrus and sweet notes; soft and balanced”, said Athavia. And also deemed Master‐worthy was Manchester Spirit Flavoured Botanical Vodka Grapefruit. Mohit Singh, the founder of Desi Daru, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Harvey Nichols and offer our award-winning vodka range to their discerning customer base. We believe our premium spirits will resonate with those who appreciate quality and innovation.” The distillery has been operating since 2020 and crafts its vodka from locally grown and malted barley. Barley malt produces an exceptionally rich, creamy vodka with a noticeable sweetness.

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Moving onto the Organic contingent, and a Master medal was bestowed upon Koskenkorva Vodka Organic. Rodriguez said of the entry: “A nice start on the nose with a clean neutral character. The palate has some weight to it, great body and touch of spice and heat.” A trio of Gold medals and one Silver were also awarded in this round. The spirit is 10-times distilled from cool-fermented organic Australian sugarcane and sits at 40% ABV.