Vodka of the year, according to the International Wine and Spirits Competition

The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) has released its 2024 Vodka of the Year, a diverse collection of 10 top-ranked vodkas that its jury has carefully selected. These vodkas, originating from different corners of the globe, offer a unique taste of the world’s best vodkas, each with its own distinct and intriguing flavor profile. Below you’ll find tasting notes on these vodkas and insightful comments from David Smith, a member of the IWSC Spirits Judging Committee and chair of its Vodka Panel on current trends in the vodka industry.

Created in 1969, the IWSC is one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world. Its rigorous judging process, which includes blind tastings by a panel of esteemed judges with unrivaled expertise, ensures that only the best spirits are awarded, building confidence in the credibility of the awards.

Current Trends in the Vodka Industry

According to Smith, “vodka sales are clearly increasing in many markets,” offsetting weakness in the American and European markets.

From a judging perspective, Smith notes, the IWSC is seeing a “steady increase in the quality and quantity of entries.” Judging is also improving, Smith says, “with juries able to assess the base material and purity of the distillation when making awards.” medals. »

A major trend identified by Smith is the growing demand for potato-based vodkas from Poland and rice-based vodka, with Japan being a region particularly to watch for the latter.

Likewise, Smith notes, “the days when unflavored vodka still had no taste are over.” Juries are increasingly looking for vodka with different and intriguing aromas and taste profiles.

“Flavored vodka is also emerging from the shadows with a new perspective and distance from the birthday cake and glazed donut varieties of the past,” Smith observed. New production techniques are being explored, focusing on more realistic and appealing flavors.

IWSC Vodkas of the Year 2024

Maison Solignac Initiale Vodka

Initial Vodka is the IWSC Vodka of the year. The IWSC jury described the top-ranked vodka as including:

A rich tapestry of flavors: biscuity sweetness, honeyed warmth and fragrant meadow notes. Balanced with subtle nuances of fennel and caramel. A silky, creamy texture leads to a slow, warm finish.

Desi Daru, Mango Vodka

Desi Daru is the IWSC Flavored Vodka of the Year. Maison Solignac and Desi Daru were the highest-ranked vodkas in their respective categories and the only two to achieve near-perfect scores of 99/100 points in the IWSC judging.

The IWSC jury described Desi Daru Vodka as expressing:

Such beautifully fresh aromas of real mango. The mango character continues to shine through and linger on the smooth, vibrant palate alongside the peppery vodka notes and perfectly integrated alcohol. Enjoy in any cocktail or enjoy on its own.

Eight other vodkas, each with a unique character and flavor profile, made the Vodka of the Year list, promising a diverse and exciting tasting experience.

Clever Scottish Distillers, 24 Seven Vodka

24 Seven was the highest-ranked Scottish grain-based vodka. The IWSC jury described the wheat-based vodka as having:

A pronounced and fragrant offering with charming aromas of sweet white flowers. The palate displays subtle floral notes with tropical sweetness on a savory wheat base. An exceptional spirit with a wonderfully round and smooth mouthfeel and a spicy crescendo.

Discarded Spirits Co., Discarded Grape Skin Vodka

THE Vodka with discarded grape skins was the other highest ranked Scottish vodka. Vodka is made from grape pomace, similar to grappa, but uses a completely different production process, resulting in an aromatic and fruity vodka. The IWSC jury described the vodka as highlighting:

Velvety creaminess, delicate mineral nuances and a whisper of citrus create a beautifully balanced profile. A luscious finish of fruity berries and a touch of white pepper lingers elegantly on the palate. A delicious sip is reminiscent of an Eton Mess.

The Absolut group, Absolut Vodka

Absolute was the highest ranked of the major vodka brands. The IWSC jury described the vodka as comprising:

Creamy, light chocolate aromas lead to a palate of white pepper and stone fruit with herbaceous and floral notes. Apricots and peaches emerge alongside a buttery finish with white chocolate buttons. Generous, full of character and completely refined.

Spirit of Birmingham, Single Pot Alembic Vodka

Although not uncommon, still vodkas are unusual because they are much more expensive to produce than those distilled with a column still. The IWSC jury described the vodka as having:

Notes of melted chocolate fudge cake and exotic fruits greet the nose, followed by a rich, creamy palate of baked apples with a delicious, sweet and peppery finish. It’s a luxurious experience with a rich, characterful and satisfying mouthfeel.

Pleasant Land Distillery, Eve Vodka

The IWSC jury described Eve Vodka as expressing:

The velvety sweetness of caramel and cooked apples on the nose lead to a harmonious palate bursting with applesauce, apricots and vanilla custard. A well-balanced peppery tingle makes for the perfect finish.

Turku Distillery, Kaiho Gold Single Estate Organic Vodka

Turku is an important member of Finland’s growing craft distilling community. At 61.2% ABV, it was also the strongest vodka on the Vodka of the Year 2024 list. The IWSC jury described the vodka as showcasing:

On the palate, velvety notes of vanilla and caramel with a delicious touch of warm warmth. The integration is fluid and balanced, highlighting an impressive fruity character. The lingering finish is smooth and satisfying.

Anora Group, Vodka Koskenkorva Climate Action

The IWSC jury described the vodka as comprising:

Beautifully robust with notes of rich, grainy milk chocolate and a constant pulse of delicious peppery heat. A clean and versatile palate with incredible mineral and sweet vanilla nuances. Has a perfectly executed creamy cereal finish.

Desi Daru, Original Vodka

Desi Daru was the only distiller to place two vodkas on the IWSC 2024 Vodka of the Year list, a significant achievement for a new craft distiller and one that, in my opinion, quickly established them as the best craft vodka distiller in the world. The IWSC jury described the vodka as expressing:

A vibrant and inviting nose brimming with lush notes of fresh grass. The palate does not disappoint: expressive and full-bodied, it is creamy and multifaceted, crafted with expert precision. It is a harmonious offering with a fresh and delicious finish.

The IWSC Vodkas of the Year 2024 showcase some of the world’s most remarkable and intriguing vodkas produced today. These vodkas feature a fantastic range of aroma and flavor profiles, from virtually neutral to incredibly fruity and flavorful, with exceptional quality. Many of these vodkas push the boundaries of vodka in new and unexpected ways and redefine what vodka can be. If you like vodka, whether in a martini, a delicious cocktail or simply, there is something to tempt you on this list of IWSC Vodkas of the Year 2024.

Cheers