Rating of the best vodka in Russia for 2022

🔞The article is intended for persons over 18 years of age.

A rare holiday is complete without a libation of strong alcoholic beverages. In order for the celebration not to be spoiled, the quality of alcohol must be at its best. After all, this product can bring both joy and trouble, improve mood or increase depression - depending on the doses or frequency of use.

Currently, sales of strong alcohol in the world remain at a high level. Russians buy almost six million decaliters of vodka every month, so we can say that this is the best-selling product among alcoholic beverages. Such demand causes strict quality control, as well as the appearance on the shelves of many worthy brands of domestic and foreign production in various price segments - both budget and premium. The presented ratings will help you navigate among the variety of products in order to avoid mistakes when choosing.

General information

Vodka is an alcoholic drink of increased strength from a mixture of specially prepared water and purified alcohol with a characteristic taste and smell.

The optimal ratio of the mixture, adopted as a strength standard, is 38.5%. In Europe, a minimum figure of 37.5% is set, and in Russia, according to GOST 12712-2013, the norm for vodkas is 37.5-56.0%, for special vodkas - 37.5-45.0%.

In appearance, the classic product should be colorless transparent without sediment and foreign inclusions.In this case, you can add silver or gold particles (products) weighing no more than 3 grams, as well as ears or grains specially prepared according to technological instructions. In the case of the introduction of food additives such as hot peppers, citrus fruits, etc., the color may acquire an appropriate shade.

Production stages

1. Water treatment - several levels of filtration using coal, quartz sand, ultraviolet; settling followed by stabilization of salts.

2. Preparation of alcohol - only rectified ethyl material is used:

• the highest purification for general consumption, incl. for tinctures;

• "Extra" - based on wheat and potato grains with a starch content of not more than 60% for general consumption;

• "Lux" - based on wheat grains and potatoes with the presence of starch not more than 35% for the production of Premium segment vodkas;

• Alpha is a fifth-generation product based on rye or wheat grains without the use of potatoes for the production of Premium or Super-premium vodkas.

3. Connection - the mixing of ingredients in the right proportions is carried out in a special way in special sorting vats. If necessary, food additives are added.

4. Filtration - passing the workpiece through the filter system, incl. using quartz sand, regularly replaced as sediment accumulates.

5. Purification - removal of aldehydes, essential oils from the workpiece using a carbon filter.

6. Settling - carried out within two to seven days to improve the properties and qualities.

7. Bottling by container - glass bottles with a volume of 0.33 are usually used; 0.5; 0.75; 1.0 liters.

8. Sealing - performed after filling and closing the container.

Kinds

one.Economy - a cheap product with a single filtration, not protected from falsification.

2. Standard - with several degrees of purification based on Extra alcohol.

3. Premium - with a mild taste based on "Alpha" or "Lux" in designer packaging, several degrees of protection.

4. Super-premium - according to a unique recipe with cleaning with rare components, silver or gold in complex packaging.

5. Ultra-premium - according to a rare manufacturing technology with strict tasting control.

Criterias of choice

1. According to the brand name of a well-known brand or one that was previously used without any complaints about quality, the best manufacturers invest heavily in protection against fakes.
2. According to branded packaging - it is expensive and difficult to fake.
3. According to the cap - it should not turn, with the lot number, date of manufacture applied with insoluble paint or laser engraving (on fakes they are smeared or easily erased).
4. On the label and the inscriptions on it - typographic printing with visible security elements, watermarks, laser marking and microtexts. The name, trademark, place of origin (state), strength, volume are indicated. On the reverse side - composition, date of manufacture, period of use, alcohol, information about the standard, certification. Glued automatically at the same height without smudges, even strips of glue are visible from the wrong side.
5. By price - it cannot be less than the wholesale prices of manufacturing plants, the minimum is set by a government decision (for 2022 - 193 rubles per ½ liter). It should be borne in mind that a good premium product at this price is not for sale.
6. According to the excise stamp - poor quality or absence indicates the illegality of the distributed product.

Where could I buy

It is better to buy popular models in branded stores of manufacturers or specialized departments of well-known brands, where fakes will not be sold. Such establishments value their reputation, take care of customers, and are also responsible for the goods sold. Managers-consultants will provide qualified assistance and tell you what drinks are, what material, how to choose, what to look for, which company is better to buy, how much it costs, features.

In addition, inexpensive novelties can be ordered online in the online store of manufacturers or dealers, as well as using the Yandex.Market aggregator, which displays product cards containing descriptions, characteristics, parameters, functionality, photos of alcoholic beverages.

No need to buy vodka in roadside eateries or in spontaneous markets - they most often sell "left" alcohol there.

Cooking at home

On the Internet, you can find tips and tricks for making your own vodka with your own hands. At the same time, “big connoisseurs” present the best recipes on how to make them - from simple classics to the most sophisticated. Confirmations are step-by-step instructions, "proven technology", as well as many other "proofs" of the high quality of self-made products called "homemade".

No need to experiment, buy alcohol in specialized or branded stores!

The best vodka products

The rating of quality brands was compiled according to the opinions of buyers who left their reviews in the Yandex.Market aggregator. The popularity of the models was determined by taste characteristics and price.

The review presents ratings among the best budget brands under 500 rubles, premium products under 1,000 rubles, gift-wrapped items worth more than 1,000 rubles. per bottle, as well as made from high-quality alcohol "Alpha".

TOP-5 of the best vodka at a price of up to 500 rubles

"Armenia" pomegranate, 0.5 L

Brand - "Armenia Wine" (Armenia).
Country of origin - Armenia.

A strong Armenian-made fruit drink with a mild sweetish taste. Created on the basis of high-quality alcohol and water from mountain springs. An infusion of pomegranates grown in the Ararat Valley adds a dark red hue, slight astringency, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Fortress 40% vol.

The drink is bottled in frosted glass bottles. On the label is an image of Mount Ararat.

The average price is 424 rubles.

• easy to drink;
• mild taste with a pleasant aftertaste;
• no morning hangover
• affordable price.

• hard to find for sale.

"Belarusian River" special, 0.5 L

Brand - "Belaya Reka" (Belarus).
Country of origin - Belarus (CJSC "Minsk plant of grape wines").

A type of export version of a standard Belarusian product in a classic bottle with a metal screw cap. Embodies the natural transparency of the rivers of Belarus. In the manufacture, a proven classic recipe based on Belalf and drinking water is used.

Delicate light taste has a smooth texture with an enveloping aftertaste. An infusion of rice flakes is added to the composition, which is practically not noticeable. In combination with grain alcohol, a delicate aroma containing light citrus shades is provided. Fortress 40% vol. Energy value 220 kcal.

Sold at a price of 376 rubles.

• drinking unobtrusively;
• smooth soft aroma;
• in the morning without consequences;
• informative label;
• excellent value for money.

• simple ascetic form of container;
• frequent counterfeit.

Video - drink alcohol test:

"Malt Fair" with roasted malt, 0.5 L

Brand - "Malt Fair" (Russia)
Producer - OOO LVZ Saransky, Saransk.

A classic Russian-made product containing malt infusion. It has a mild taste and aroma of freshly baked bread. Made from Alpha alcohol according to the recipe of engineer G. Genz from Germany using natural malt fermentation and boiling of whole grains into “hot steam” without destroying the natural structure under a pressure of 5 atmospheres at a temperature of 150⁰С. The distillation process is carried out in copper cubes, followed by aging for more than 30 days in finishing tanks to acquire an ideal structure that shows the nuances of painstaking work. Bottling is carried out in branded bottles with a Camus cork. Fortress 40% vol.

The average price is 368 rubles.

• easy to drink;
• no pungent odor;
• sweetish aftertaste;
• classic composition;
• stylish corporate design;
• in the morning without headache;
• verified manufacturer;
• low cost.

• in the absence of control, you can drink too much.

Video review of the drink:

"Royal Gold", 0.5 L

Brand - "Tsarskaya" (Russia).
Producer - LLC "Group LADOGA", St. Petersburg.

A pure transparent product according to an old recipe from the archives of Petrovsky times at the beginning of the 18th century with lime blossom infusion and honey. It is made on the basis of "Lux" and the water of Lake Ladoga. During production, it undergoes 12 stages of purification, as well as filtration using gold threads.The aroma captures light notes of honey, as well as lime blossom. Fortress 40% vol.

The original taste is preserved throughout the shelf life thanks to convenient branded bottles made of frosted cosmetic glass. High quality is emphasized by the original corporate design, gold decoration, as well as the application of state heraldic symbols. Under the lid there is a dispenser that prevents the contents from spilling onto the table.

You can buy for 381 - 754 rubles.

• delicate aroma of honey;
• easy to drink;
• good composition;
• classic composition;
• corporate bottle design;
• no morning rush.

• big price difference.

More information about the drink - in the video:

"Pervak" homemade wheat, 0.5 L

Brand - "Pervak" (Global Spirit, USA-Ukraine).
Producer - LLC "Russian North", Vologda.

A classic product with a slightly hazy color, made according to an old recipe using the double distillation method. A good option for feasts with a sharp aroma characteristic of strong alcohol.

The square shape of the release of the bottle, later it can be used for household needs. The label is made antique to emphasize the authenticity of the contents. Convenient lid with latch function.

As part of the standard, seasoned with "fragrant" infusions of linden flowers, rye and wheat crackers, ingredients - alcohol "Lux", corrected drinking water, sugar syrup. Energy value - 220 kcal. Fortress 40% vol.

The average price is 316 rubles.

• easy to drink;
• aroma of bread crumb;
• pleasant aftertaste;
• custom bottle design;
• without dryness or headache;
• excellent value for money.

• many mistakenly confuse the contents with moonshine;
• the presence of aromatic alcohols.

TOP-5 of the best premium vodka up to 1,000 rubles

"Kosogorov moonshine" No. 3 rye, 0.5 L

Brand - "Kosogorov moonshine" (Bulgaria).
Country of origin - Bulgaria ("Nordix").

A transparent product of Bulgarian production with an expressive aftertaste of moonshine. In the manufacture, a double distillation method is used, based on the distillation of young grapes. It got its name in honor of V.S. Kosogorov, a famous moonshine maker, hero of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878.

It has a clean classic fusel aroma with hints of dry herbs and rye bread, a bit harsh, but not nasty. Aftertaste with a slight acidity and a hint of rye. Fortress 40% vol.

It is bottled in elongated bottles with a convenient stopper that can be easily removed. The etiquette is made under cardboard with imitation of seals.

The average price is 510 rubles.

• classic composition;
• pleasant aftertaste;
• no morning hangover
• affordable price.

• not detected.

Video test:

"Anaseuli" persimmon aged, 0.5 l

Brand - "Anaseuli" (Georgia).
Country of origin - Georgia

Strong fruit distillate of Georgian production from garden persimmon grown in peasant farms of the western part of Georgia. During production, selected fruits are manually crushed with separation of stones, and then slowly wander in steel containers. Softened water is added until the desired strength is reached, followed by six months of aging in oak barrels.

Clear transparent product has a slight golden hue. It has a sweet aroma with subtle hints of ripe persimmon. A soft, long aftertaste envelops with a delicate texture.

The drink is bottled in branded convenient bottles of ½ liter. Fortress 40% vol.

Offered at a price of 873 rubles.

• soft taste;
• stylish design;
• no morning hangover
• handy bottle.

• difficult to find on sale;
• high price.

Video review:

"Finlandia" Lime, 0.5 L

Brand - Finlandia (Finland).
Country of origin - Finland (JSC "Altia Pic").

A strong alcoholic drink based on pure glacial water and barley spirit Lux with 200 times distillation. Natural lime extract, added at the final stage of production, gives a soft velvety taste with an invigorating aroma of green citrus.

The bottles are light without a thickened bottom with a relief wavy surface. The plastic stopper with a safety ring is painted in silver color with the inscription Finlandia applied around the circle. On a neck the batcher with a glass ball. Energy value 222 kcal. Fortress 37.5% vol.

The average price is 735 rubles.

• quality manufacturing;
• refreshing lime scent
• no morning hangover
• branded bottle design.

• not detected.

Video review of vodka:

"White Owl" classic, 0.5 L

Brand - "White Owl" (Russia).
Producer - PJSC "BELUGA GROUP", Distillery "Alviz", Arkhangelsk.

A classic northern premium product based on corrected drinking water, Lux rectified ethyl alcohol from winter wheat food raw materials with the addition of Icelandic moss (white reindeer moss) infusion, as well as blueberry infusion collected beyond the Arctic Circle and aged in oak barrels. Softening is done with sugar syrup. The prepared blend is filtered with three layers of quartz sand for deep cleaning.

It has a mild warming taste, has a vodka aroma, complemented by hints of herbs. The warm aftertaste has a slightly sweet spicy feel.Fortress 40% vol.

Decorated in dark colors with white lettering and a pasted image of a flying owl.

The average price is 556 rubles.

• easy to drink;
• sweetish aroma;
• there are no negative consequences in the morning;
• beautiful decoration.

• clearly expressed were not found.

Video review - test:

Absolute, 0.5 L

Brand - Absolut (Sweden, owner - Pernod Ricard (France).
Country of origin - Sweden (Ohus).

A classic pure product based on the old Swedish tradition of continuous distillation vodka production. For the production, pure artesian water from deep wells in the Ochus region (southern Sweden) and alcohol from grains of hard winter wheat of the highest purity, grown in a special way with minimal use of mineral fertilizers and harvested a year later, are used.

It has a rich rich taste, has a delicate grainy aroma with hints of dried fruits. Smooth long aftertaste with a mild warming effect. It is bottled in original designer bottles decorated in the style of "luxurious minimalism" with a portrait of the founder of Absolut vodka, Lars Smith.

The metal lid is screwed on and sealed with a plastic seal. The plastic dispenser is missing. Fortress 40% vol.

The average price is 753 rubles.

• easy to drink;
• classic composition without additives.
• without fusel odor;
• good cleaning;
• well-known manufacturer
• branded stylish bottle;
• convenient container.

• frequent object of falsification;
• high price.

Video review of vodka:

TOP 5 best vodka in a gift box

Imperial Collection, 0.7 L

Brand - Imperial Collection (Russia).
Producer - LLC "Group LADOGA", St. Petersburg.

A classic product with luxury status for a solid present on a special occasion in a chicly designed package. The drink is poured into an elegantly shaped Venetian glass decanter, made in Italy. Decorated with gilded stones, it is stored in a beautiful burgundy tube with gold embossing. On a decorative cap natural gilding.

For production, pure water from Lake Ladoga is used, and the processing of elite Saratovskaya wheat grown in ecologically clean areas for the production of Lux alcohol is carried out using special technologies. The distillate is cleaned with highly active birch charcoal and a silver filter. Passing through a membrane filter gives the vodka the sheen of a real diamond.

The finished drink has a delicate frosty taste, has a soft classic aroma. Smooth aftertaste with hints of wheat. Fortress 40% vol.

The average price is 8,562 rubles.

• exclusive packaging;
• unusual decanter design;
• classic composition;
• luxury gift.

• high price.

Reyka Small Batch, 0.7 L

Brand - Reyka (William Grant & Sons, Scotland).
Country of origin - Iceland (Pure Spirits EHF distillery).

A classic Icelandic natural product. Produced in a family business close to active volcanoes and hot springs. The purest spring water from the Grabok spring flows through the frozen lava, filled with an unusual taste. Alcohol is produced from elite varieties of Scottish wheat and barley. Distillation is carried out by a Carter-Head Still steam distillation apparatus with sections filled with crushed lava for plant components, which filter the distillate like a sponge.The resulting drink with a strength of 93% is diluted with arctic water, followed by bottling.

It has a silky soft taste with hints of citrus marmalade, vanilla. Long aftertaste with a spicy warming effect. The aroma has an initial smoky feeling, which changes to dry notes of pink pepper, anise cookies, tarragon, grain oil, shale. Fortress 40% vol.

The average price is 2,900 rubles.

• without fusel odor;
• bitterness is absent;
• easy to drink;
• does not cause a hangover;
• reliable manufacturer;
• suitable as a good gift.

• high price;
• hard to find for sale.

Video0-test:

Oil Black Barrel, 0.7 L

Brand - Neft (Russia).
The country of origin is Austria (Freihof Destillerie distillery).

A quality product made from natural ingredients of Austrian production in a unique package. The main components that create an amazing taste are rye grain grown in alpine meadows, high-mountain spring water from glaciers, multi-stage distillation with special carbon filtration.

Aftertaste with almond sensations, giving an elegant bitterness. It has a bright initial vodka aroma with a gradual softening and the acquisition of subtle nuances of alpine herbs.

The products are bottled in original patented containers - miniature copies of an oil barrel with a volume of 0.7 liters.

The average price is 3,590 rubles.

• natural composition;
• without additives and amplifiers;
• pronounced herbal smell;
• original design;
• compliance with international standards;
• no morning hangover
• unique look.

• high price;
• content is not visible
• the main thing is to stop in time;
• frequent counterfeit.

Video review of vodka Oil:

"Mamont", 0.7 L

Brand - Mamont (Marussia Beverages, Russia).
Producer - OJSC "Itkulsky distillery", Altai Territory.

A strong drink in a unique bottle for use as a luxurious gift. High-quality "Lux" is made with a fivefold distillation from a selected mixture of grains from millet, wheat and rye grown in Altai. The product is obtained after mixing with water from artesian springs with the addition of fragrant infusion of shelled pine nuts. After cleaning with birch charcoal and silver ions, the finished vodka is bottled in frosted glass bottles with a unique shape in the form of a tusk of a prehistoric giant. Fortress 40% vol.

The drink has crystal transparency with a bewitching aroma of notes of cedar cones and Siberian frosty freshness. Deep taste captivates with softness, coupled with the lack of alcohol content.

The average price is 1,955 rubles.

• easy to drink;
• convenient pouring;
• high quality;
• no morning hangover
• original bottle design.

• not detected.

Video review and tasting:

Kremlin Legend, 0.7 L

Brand - Legend of the Kremlin (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

A classic strong drink as a status gift for a manager or partner. The packaging is made under a massive folio with the inscription on the cover of "Legends of the Kremlin". The book contains a historical essay with a sketch of a map of the Moscow Kremlin, drawn at the end of the 17th century. unknown Italian painter.
The product is made according to an old recipe based on softened water from an artesian spring and Lux ​​alcohol. It has a characteristic taste with a fresh aftertaste. It has an aroma with hints of linden blossom and honey. Fortress 40% vol.

It is poured into branded bottles, the prototype of which was an ancient decanter produced at the factory of Prince Potemkin. The manufacturing process is controlled by a federal public service laboratory, and products are supplied to government agencies.

A wide range of prices from 1,355 to 2,248 rubles.

• beautiful enticing packaging;
• corporate design;
• no hangover;
• Great gift for a personal library.

• harsh taste;
• expensive;
• sorry to open.

TOP-4 of the best vodka from alcohol "Alpha"

Silver Mountain, 0.5 L

Brand - "Silver Mountain" (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia (Kazan).

A strong drink made from pure spring water and alcohol "Alpha" from grain raw materials after repeated purification. The name and style represent the brand as a classic Russian product. The recipe provides for the addition of white mumiyo, stevia extract - a natural sweetener, as well as food flavoring. Bottled without much frills with a good large cork

Vodka with a mild fresh taste with a sense of the presence of wheat and malt without fusel aftertaste. It has a delicate aroma with a long aftertaste. It goes well with appetizers, marinades and pickles, as well as hot dishes. It intoxicates softly and warmly. Fortress 40% vol.

The average cost is 450 rubles.

• natural composition;
• high quality;
• without morning fume;
• relatively inexpensive;
• cute design;
• reliable manufacturer.

• cannot be abused;
• many fakes.

"Romanov", 0.5 L

Brand - "Romanov" (Russia).
Producer - JSC "Permalko", Perm.

A classic product based on high-quality alcohol "Alpha".The mild taste is achieved by filtration using birch charcoal enriched with silver. Strict quality control at each stage of production. However, some consumers in the comments noted a prolonged hangover (probably a fake?).

The drink is poured into long narrow bottles of transparent glass of a bluish tint with an elongated neck and a thickened bottom. The company label bears a large gold letter R with monograms, under which is the personal signature of sommelier Jan Bernadotte. Lid made of natural material in golden color.

The average price is 557 rubles.

• natural composition;
• additives and vents are absent;
• thorough filtration;
• stylish design.

• are often faked.

Pure Dew, 0.5 L

Brand - Pure Dew (Russia).
Producer - LLC "LVZ Saransky", Saransk.

A classic limited edition premium product based on Alfa alcohol with the prefix "organic". Manufactured according to the European standard AbCert AG without the use of environmentally harmful technologies. In production, plants and grain structures are used, which are grown without fertilizers far from settlements and industrial facilities. It does not contain any GMO products or their derivatives.

It is bottled in an original elongated bottle with its serial number, which is indicated on the label. It is sealed with a glass stopper with a silicone seal.

In the rich aroma there are notes of wheat, easily interrupting alcohol plumes. Aftertaste with light bread outlines.

Sold for 1,067 rubles.

• natural composition;
• absence of extraneous additives;
• light consumption;
• without a hangover syndrome;
• the use of alcohol "Alpha";
• high quality;
• can be used as a gift.

• high price.

Video tasting:

«Tundra» Authentic, 0.5 L

Brand - "Tundra" (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia (Kazan).

A classic strong drink with a pleasant aroma and mild taste with a hint of wheat. It is made from Alpha alcohol and corrected drinking water. Altai maral manti infusion, sugar syrup and natural flavor are used as additives. The passage of four levels of purification with dynamic processing on "depth" filters guarantees crystal purity and good taste.

It is bottled in modest full-bodied transparent round-shaped bottles with minimal decorations on glass with a thick neck without a dispenser. It is screwed on with a convenient plastic cap. The company label must contain the inscription "Tundra" in English.

It is drunk softly "like water", causing a slight relaxation and not tearing the throat. Calorie 220 kcal. Fortress 40% vol.

Can be found for 344 rubles.

• pure product;
• no morning hangover and fumes;
• excellent value for money.

• often forged;
• ends quickly;
• constant self-control is required so as not to go over the excess.

Video review and alcohol test:

Recommendations for correct use

Vodka is perfect for a festive table or friendly gatherings. To use it, it is better to pour it into small glasses of 50-70 ml from a decanter or branded bottle.

Basic Rules:

1. Two to three hours before the planned feast, drink 50 grams of strong alcohol to prepare the body for exercise.
2. An hour before the event, eat a sandwich with caviar or ham.
3. Half an hour before a meal, take up to eight tablets of activated charcoal.
4. Do not fill the glasses completely, retreating about seven millimeters from the edge. After the third, you can have half or less.
5. Serve vodka chilled to a temperature of 10-12⁰С. In case of hypothermia, freezing is possible.
6. Usually a glass in Russia is drunk in one gulp while inhaling, in Europe it can be divided into two or three sips.
7. Do not mix with other strong alcohol, especially with a lower degree.
8. Take long breaks between toasts.
9. Do not drink carbonated drinks because of the loss of taste of vodka, the acceleration of intoxication, the increased likelihood of a severe hangover.
10. In the process of eating, it is good to have a snack, giving preference to hearty dishes and pickles, but not leaning on them:

• borscht and other soups;
• sandwiches;
• potato;
• aspic;
• herring;
• salo;
• pickled cucumbers and tomatoes;
• marinated mushrooms;
• lemon.

Vodka is good when consumed:

• in moderation (for each individual);
• in good company and good mood;
• for a delicious snack.

Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health!

Enjoy the shopping! Take care of yourself and your loved ones!