Despite a slight decline in volume sales and stagnation in value, vodka remained the best-selling spirit in the US in 2024, reported The Spirits Business. The category recorded a 1.1% drop to 74.1 million nine-liter cases and steady revenues of $7.2 billion. While the percentage changes may not seem impressive, vodka’s resilience at this level demonstrates its long-standing position. Building on this, The Vodka Masters 2025 competition set out to recognize the highest-quality and most innovative offerings on the market.

The judging panel, made up of three teams of beverage experts, gathered at The Singer Tavern in London to evaluate dozens of entries across different price ranges and styles. In the premium segment ($15–27), Three Sixty Vodka earned gold for its “clean and fresh aroma with dill and anise” and “substantial body, suitable for a variety of mixes.” The second gold went to Smirnoff No. 21 for its “creamy nose, soft taste, and well-integrated alcohol.”

In the super-premium category ($21–30), Kakira Vodka won a “Master” medal for its “elegant balance with notes of brioche, citrus, and delicate sweetness.” In the ultra-premium class (over $31), the panel awarded six vodkas the prestigious “Master.” Among them were Król I Luxury Organic Vodka — praised for its “pure and engaging aroma” and “creamy, velvety texture with herbal and citrus accents” — as well as Kiyokawa Vodka, recognized for its “strong flavor, silky mouthfeel, and notes of vanilla.” Chopin Family Reserve Vodka was described as “exceptionally creamy and elegantly sweet.”

Other impressive entries included Drylaw Organic Garnacha Vodka with its “Mediterranean character,” and Shroton Fair Vodka – 13 Botanicals for its “fruity flavor with dates and raisins.” Jo Vodka – The Purist, created by perfumer Jo Malone, won with its “smooth, classic, and refined structure.” A total of 16 gold medals and 6 silver medals complemented this category.

The panel noted that producers are “pushing boundaries” and restoring “personality” to vodka without sacrificing its elegance. This was also reflected in the special categories — from corn- and wheat-based, to rye and rice, to organic and microdistillery vodkas. Sawasdee Jasmine Rice Vodka was awarded “Master” for aromas of “caramel popcorn and lightly chocolate-toasted rice,” while Khaohom Jasmine Rice Vodka won gold for its “perfect balance.”

In the “Organic Vodka” section, the judges awarded four gold medals, including to Cashmir Vodka for its “smoky note and white peach aroma.” In the “Smoothest” category, Newport Vodka won “Master” with its “heavy and dense body with a buttery-smooth taste.”

In the regional categories, Lithuanian Vodka Gold by MV Group received “Master” for its “exceptional minerality and precise finish.” In the “Rest of the World” segment, Vodka Innit was recognized for its “balance between sweetness and fresh citrus.”

In the flavored and infused vodka category, Absolut dominated with three “Master” medals — for Hunni, Nights Orange Peel, and Nights Smoky Piña. They impressed with their “honeyed expressiveness,” “juicy orange,” and “tropical sweetness with a hint of bitterness.”

In the final taste-off for the title Vodka Taste Master, the winner was Król I Luxury Organic Vodka, recognized as the ultimate example in the ultra-premium segment.

“After a decade of gin’s rise, vodka is once again returning to the spotlight — and rightly so,” the panel concluded. | BGNES