Finlandia, Ketel One Citroen Nab Top Vodka Honors

In March of this year, the second annual Ultimate Spirits Challenge convened in New York City to judge the best of the best among 27 spirits categories. Over the next few weeks, we'll unveil the top winners among nearly 600 entries that were judged under exacting conditions on a 100-point scale.

We start off by introducing the top winners in the unflavored vodka division.

Chairman's Trophy Winner: Finlandia Classic Vodka Finland, 40%

"Classic dry grain, dusty dry aroma of substance; taste profile includes remarkably deep flavors of snack crackers and dry breakfast cereal; sleek, crisp, smooth as ice." 94pts
-Paul Pacult, USC Judging Chairman

Chairman's Trophy Winner: Ketel One Citroen Flavored Vodka Netherlands, 40%

Ketel One Citroen not only won the Chairman's Trophy, it was also the only flavored vodka to make it to the finalist category. "Fresh, tart, citrusy aromas deeply impress; taste profile highlights the lemon peel aspect gracefully; beautifully integrated spirit and flavoring." 93pts -Paul Pacult, USC Judging Chairman

Brandon's Vodka United States, 40%

"A rich and multilayered aroma of oils and spice; taste profile features long, near-viscous textures and flavors of light spice and clean, smooth neutral spirit." 93pts
-Paul Pacult, USC Judging Chairman

Eristoff Vodka Russia, 37.5%

"Lovely medium dry grain aroma impresses; finely textured, with a moderately oily feel and totally dry, cereal flavor." 92 pts
-Paul Pacult, USC Judging Chairman

Boomerang Vodka Australia, 40%

"Assertively spirity and piquant in the aroma; flavor profile highlights crisp, razor-edged freshness good acidity and textural concentration." 92pts
-Paul Pacult, USC Judging Chairman

Bainbridge Legacy Vodka United States, 40%

"Lush, bright aromas of dried herbs and cereal grains abound; velvety smooth and dry in the mouth, with an elegant note of spice." 92pts
-Paul Pacult, USC Judging Chairman

For Complete Results Visit:

Ultimate Spirits Challenge Results

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Comments

Snoother-
503906

503906 0

I wrote a comment here 2 weeks ago. Why is it not published?

Aug 05, 2011 at 10:46 AM
polardog

833920 10

A true Vodka should have no after taste AT ALL I feel the best vodkas bar none are Belvedere and Grey Goose Which should be both drinking with 3 ice cubes and 1 oz. or straight up

Aug 12, 2011 at 5:26 AM
polardog

833920 10

I am sorry but I must ad to my last comment. Vodka was invented by the Poles not Russia as a lot of people would have you believe. The recipie was stolen from Poland by the Russian army many years ago. I'm sorry but can't remember which war it happened in. This is a fact. The best Vodka is made in Poland not other countries though some do come very close. A fine liqueur was made to taken straight ie: Vodka, Scotch, Wiskey etc. and not mixed and if you cannot drink it straight the product is the sub standard. It is not the Liqueur that gives the hang over it is the mixer combined with the booze. A hang over is caused by a lack of fluid to the brain so a word to the wise is fill p with a lot of water before bed or just don't drink to much.
Cheers
BC

Aug 12, 2011 at 6:06 AM
DaveS1

908104 11

So why are other premium brands like Gray Goose missing? Was this a pay-to-play competition? Some major bourbon brands also missing.

Aug 25, 2011 at 5:20 PM
kajunn77

792923 15

Where is Tito's?

May 06, 2012 at 1:34 PM