Vodka is derived from the Russian word for water, Voda. We’re not sure what the reasoning is behind this, but we have a sneaking suspicion it might have something to do with their ability to drink it like H2O. Hailed by the ‘Vodka Belt’ as the drink that “leaves you breathless” we thought what a better way to start our long running feature on alcohols than one of the most consumed forms of inebriation on the planet. While the origins of Vodka are not clear to anyone, it has long been held as one of the most multifarious drinks in existence – being used in almost any cocktail you could imagine. The rest is a long, hazy history. 

Models: Cassie Bennet, Gemma Barratt
Photographer: Andrew Deere
Thanks: Church’s Bar
 

Wyborowa

Made exclusively in its native Poland, Wyborowa don’t consider themselves Vodka but the rather peculiar brand name of Wodka. They say this because of their use of only local Rye grown around the Poznan region, which gives Wyborowa its distinctively sweet and creamy taste, leaving you with a pleasing after taste with a hint of nutty flavour. For the more passionate drinkers of Vodka (sorry... Wodka) this might go down best with nothing but ice.

Exquisite

A little off-shoot of Wyborowa is the audaciously name Exquisite. Originating as far back the 18th century, Exquisite was founded through a feud between two rival monasteries. The goal: who could create the finest Vodka... what a competition! This exceptionally smooth Vodka fills your mouth with flavour. Expect a spicy twinge too with a Rye bread taste. The finish is a definite cream, thick and refreshing. Served best with a little water to bring out some extra notes.

Absolut

One of the big dogs of the Vodka world. Absolut vodka has played a major part in a lot of cultural pieces, including collaborations with major artists in all their respective fields such as Laurence Gartel and Andy Warhol. Coming in a variety of different flavours, we chose to opt for the original blue label. A definite strong punch comes with this Vodka, followed by a little pinch in your throat as it goes down. This is a high quality Vodka with a neutral taste making it ideal for cocktails of any kind.

Snowqueen

Born in the far away land of Kazakhstan, Snow Queen Vodka is a visual delight. Presented in a striking iced glass with a blue and gold motif of the Snow Queen, it makes for one hell of a piece of eye candy. The Snow Queen is extremely smooth as it goes down – this is owed entirely to the production, being distilled five times, proving this icy maiden to be a high ranking elixir for either drinking neat or with mixers.

Blavod

“...And the sun became as black as sack cloth, and the moon became as blood.” Nothing comes blacker or with more chance of an apocalyptic night out than Blavod Vodka. The brain-child of San Franciscan Mark Dorman who thought: “If you can get a choice of black or white coffee, why not Vodka?” Receiving its black colouring from the herb black catechu you could be deceived in to thinking this a flavoured vodka – but Blavod retains its smooth pure taste, albeit with a slight liquorice twist. Quite the chic looking number to boot.