Let’s face it; most of us enjoy a wee tipple of vodka every now and then, but few people know much about this charismatic alcoholic beverage, asides from the fact it’s traditionally made using potatoes (although even that is mostly wrong, since modern methods rely instead on grain or molasses).
Most people also seem to assume vodka originated in Russia or Poland, and that is indeed the partial truth. What many people don’t realize is that nowadays, these countries are no longer regarded as the top producers of this popular ethanol-based distillate.
There’s actually a simple reason behind this trend – the original Russian vodka tends to be rather harsh and unpalatable as experienced through international taste buds. In other words, Russia did invent vodka… but other countries eventually perfected this beverage and raised its production to modern standards. Which countries did so, you may wonder? Read through the following sections for a clearer sense of the top countries producing the most vodka and the highest regarded premium varieties now available.
United States
Many readers will surely find it surprising to learn there is vodka being produced outside of Europe, but in fact, the United States are now firmly established as one of the world’s leading sources of this beverage. Two reasons are likely at play: Americans have a taste for vodka and a knack for cultural appropriation. As such, American vodka is typically rather flavorless (since that is the most appreciated quality by native drinkers), and made using corn – thus qualifying as grain vodka, which is actually of high standards as far as vodka production goes.
Russia
Russia, the mother nation of vodka: a place where presumably everyone gulps down the stuff for breakfast and relies on it to ward off the perennial winter cold. As matter of fact, not so many Russian people are that infatuated with vodka (at least not in modern times), and in fact Russia is no longer the world’s leading producer. Further, most Russian brands still rely on potatoes as the base ingredient, which makes for a somewhat harsh drink isn’t much appreciated in other countries. Sure enough, the world’s best known vodka brand is Russian (we’re looking at you, Smirnoff) but asides from this iconic label and a couple modern big names (most notably Zyr), Russia no longer dominates the vodka market like it once did.
France
When you think of French alcohol-drinking habits, you’re likelier to think about champagne and fancy wine… and rightfully so. Additionally however, you may find it surprising to learn that France is indeed one of the world’s top vodka producers, nowadays. This is much thanks to the concentrated efforts of a few savvy entrepreneurs who realized the incredible popularity of vodka in night clubs and capitalized on the trend by creating prestigious local brands, and effectively marketing them to the nation’s party people. Fast forward a few years, and French vodka brands like Ciroc and Grey Goose have a solid reputation (yet disputable merit) as some of the best options in the entire world.
Netherlands
If you head out to Netherlands for a vacation, chances are you’re looking to enjoy a wild time and celebrate your holidays like you mean it. It’s only when you start browsing through the available options and you keep stumbling onto well-known national vodka brands, that you start to realize just how popular vodka is in this country. Not only do they produce some top quality distillates, they also provide an incredibly creative range of products – including anything from bong-shaped bottles to brands alluding to Van Gogh, as well as a surprisingly diverse selection of flavoured vodkas that runs the gamut from interesting to outright bizarre.
Poland
If Russia was the first country to make vodka, Poland was arguably the first country to perfect vodka. While Russia’s sovereignty in this matter faded over time, Poland’s did not. In fact, Poland is now regarded as the world’s leading producer of vodka – thanks to the roaring success of brands like Zubrowka, which holds a steady place in the heart of many people who appreciate this drink and its many possibilities. The main distinctiveness of Polish vodka (asides from its superior quality) is a playful and interesting use of aromatic herbs to spice up the beverage and raise it to its utmost potential.
