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The 7 Best Russian Vodka Brands

Written by: charl joost | reviewed by: editorial team.

Everyone has their favorite bottle of vodka. After all, who doesn’t like some liquid gold? With so many brands to choose from, it can be challenging to pick one that is right for you.

When thinking about purchasing some vodka, there’s no better place to get your spirit of Russian descent than from Russia itself.

If you’d like to know some of the top Russian vodka brands today, you’ve come to the right place.

The Top Russian Vodka Brands

• Russian Standard Original Vodka
• Jewel of Russia
• Hammer + Sickle

1. Russian Standard Original Vodka

Russian Standard Original Vodka is a standard for greatness in its motherland and worldwide while being distinctive from many vodkas because it offers both pureness and flavor.

The Russian Standard Vodka is distilled numerous times, filtered through charcoal at least four times, and rested for 48 hours before actual bottling. It is crafted with sturdy winter wheat yields grown on Russia’s Black Steppes and temperate glacial waters from Lake Ladoga in Russia’s cold north.

With a somewhat oily mouthfeel, this spirit is unrepentantly bold and spicy. As a result, the vodka is exceedingly pure, seamless, and flavorful. It’s a great vodka to drink neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.

Vodka, as it should be, is the Russian Standard. San Francisco World Spirits, International Spirits Challenge, Beverage Testing Institute, and The Spirits Business have awarded this brand of vodka multiple gold medals to highlight its excellence.

2. Zyr Vodka

Of all distilled spirits, vodka stands out as the most clean-tasting and flexible option for drinking neat, on some ice, or in your favorite cocktail.

The Zyr formula has a silky smooth finish that is pure, bright, and gently sweet. Zyr, like numerous other tightly guarded recipes, is indeed the outcome of carefully chosen ingredients, formula, procedure, control systems, and heritage.

Zyr is among the finest vodkas for drinking cold and sometimes even nicer when warmed up to the room’s temperature. Unlike other vodkas with powerful medicinal notes, this liquor stays subtly sweet – kudos to the Moscow-grown winter rye and wheat.

Vodka never has tasted so spotless or felt so creamy and smooth, thanks to ZYR’s specialized recipe and the maximum requirements for selecting only the finest raw ingredients.

Hundreds of years of Russian vodka-making customs have been combined with the latest cutting-edge filtration and distillation technology. Only after this process has been finished can the vodka be consumed.

3. Green Mark

Green Mark vodka’s name was designated after the “green mark” label of approval awarded upon high-quality vodka by the Russian government’s national committee for quality assurance, named Glavspirttrest.

This label was granted between the 1920s and 1950s, and the seal appears on the bottle. This high-quality traditional Russian vodka made with Russian wheat and artisan well water offers extraordinary value for the money.

The vodka itself has a malty flavor with hints of star anise and fennel leaves.

4. Jewel of Russia

As the name implies, Jewel of Russia continues to stand out from other available vodka brands.

The Jewel of Russia Vodka brand is made from a combination of rough winter rye, wheat, and water sourced from artesian wells at depths over 500 ft.

It is purified five times, then filtered another five times using the traditional Russian paper and sand methods. Lastly, it’s filtered through specifically-modified charcoal produced from peach and apricot stones – a unique process of the Chernogolovka distillery.

The Jewel of Russia has a crystal clear look with no indications of sediment. It has the appearance of mineral oil and a magnificent body. When swirled, it tends to leave a thin clear coat with long skinny legs within the glass.

Its flavor notes and first sensations are of alcohol and grain, with a plump, nearly creamy texture and a gentle fruitiness. There are no off-notes or rubbing alcohol aromas that numerous other vodkas pertain to.

A meticulously executed distillation of unrivaled purity, followed by an overwhelming number of filtration and mellowing, has resulted in this smooth, pure final product.

Produced at their new distillery, established in 1995, the Jewel of Russia was awarded the Russian government’s designation as one of the finest quality Russian vodkas.

While this is their original vodka, they have other versions such as bilberry and berry infused and Ultra (a premium vodka)

Imperia Vodka, made by Russian Standard, has been carefully constructed to establish a pure Russian vodka for individuals who acknowledge the finer things in life.

Imperia is produced with hardy winter wheat and soft glacial water at its foundation. It’s a product of one of the world’s most sophisticated distillation methods. The vodka is layer-filtered via quartz crystal soured from the Ural Mountains.

After resting in relaxation tanks for over 48 hours before it can be bottled. As a result, the flavor is exceptionally pure and clean, with a light herbal aroma and a sleek, whole body. This is a near-perfect vodka that is a joy to drink neat.

Ultimately, Imperia is a spotless spirit with a subtle almond flavor profile that can be easily blended into cocktails.

Beluga is a luxury Russian vodka and is world-renowned as a premium Russian spirit with enchanting characteristics.

It’s constructed in an environmentally genuine region in the epicenter of Siberia, where the Mariinsk Distillery was founded in 1900.

Beluga Vodka’s production process is distinctive; it sensitively combines ancient culture and inventions. All of the ingredients used to make Beluga are thoroughly purified and filtered.

The final stage of Beluga production is the rest period which will last for a whopping 30 days. This unique phase is not used in the manufacturing of regular vodkas. During the resting period, the vodka evolves and obtains its exquisite and honorable taste, making Beluga Vodka internationally famous.

Beluga has a crystal clear appearance with a shimmer. While its flavor is crisp and elegant, it is complemented by different floral and wheat scents.

The flavor is intense and sophisticated on the palate. Nonetheless, it’s well-balanced in addition to being complex and profound. You can expect a solid but comfortable aftertaste that lasts for a long time.

7. Hammer + Sickle

Hammer + Sickle, as the name suggests, is a Russian vodka. The Hammer and Sickle logo was formed during the Russian Revolution. The Hammer symbolizes the industrial workforce, while the Sickle acknowledges and pays homage to peasant farmers.

Hammer and Sickle Vodka are made from winter wheat grown in Southern Russia’s black earth territory and soft water from remote rural country waters. It is distilled and filtered a minimum of six times.

The aroma is delightfully sweet with notes of wheat and vanilla. The vanilla introduction is merged by creamy wheat, which builds to a vanilla bean apex. It starts to fade with a grape flavor and a sprinkle of spice before finishing with a toasty mineral taste.

Hammer + Sickle is among some of the best Russian vodkas.

About The Author

Charl Joost

Charl is a trainer, public speaker, and professional writer. While he has been coached to niche down, he has many passions. These include golf, gardening, technology, and a decent cup of coffee or two. Charl loves to learn about new products and tries everything he writes about.

Just so you know, if you click on a product on DrinkStack.com and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.

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Russian Vodka: 10 Best Russian Vodka Brands to Drink Now

Vodka is a staple in Russian culture. Drink specials on happy hour menus-and in general liquor bottle display places-and liquor stores worldwide carry vodka–but what makes Russian brands so much better than others? 

Many Russian vodka brands use rich ingredients and old-fashioned distillation processes that improve the overall quality of the spirit. They’re the main ingredient in countless drinks every bartender should know and add quite a kick. 

When you order vodka cocktails , the bartender may ask you for your vodka preference. By knowing the differences between one vodka to another, you’ll be able to choose knowing what to expect. Learn all about bartending practices from our complete bartender's guide book . 

Vodka is one of the most high demand products in Russia. Let’s dive into which brands are the best.

Top 10 Russian Vodka Brands 

In Russia, distillers believe that vodka is healthier than other types of alcohol , such as whiskey or rum. Russia produces some of the highest quality vodkas worldwide with this idea in mind. 

Russians view vodka as the best alcohol for shots and prefer drinking it neat over adding it to cocktails. You’ll often find vodka as a primary ingredient across beverages ranging from refreshing summer cocktails to cozy winter cocktail recipes . However, it’s drunk in a much simpler fashion in Russia. 

Let’s take a closer look at the ten best Russian vodka brands to drink right now:

Beluga Noble 

Pure water from Siberian artesian wells and malt spirit make Beluga Noble vodka a stellar choice. The bottled vodka has a rich yet soft flavor profile ideal for making popular cocktails or sipping neat. 

The natural components of Beluga’s vodka pass through a three-step filtration system. Then, the vodka is set out for thirty days. Distillers can eliminate the hard flavor and odor by leaving the vodka out, neutralizing the final product. 

Green Mark 

As a vodka that remains loyal to its Russian Roots, Green Mark is reflective of its heritage. Natural Russian ingredients are part of each batch. Then, traditional distillation methods complete the product to deliver a clean finish every time.

 The brand’s name comes from Russia’s “green checkmark of approval” from the Russian government’s quality assurance. By implementing aspects of Russian tradition, Green Mark quickly became a favorite. 

To this day, Green Mark’s ingredient sourcing and production remain in Russia. 

Hammer + Sickle  

If you’re searching for fresh and crisp vodka, Hammer + Sickle is a delicious option. The vodka offers a rounder and bold mouthfeel with a smooth finish. Even though Hammer + Sickle’s original vodka isn’t flavored, you might detect slight notes of vanilla. 

Hammer + Sickle sources all of its ingredients from a multi-generational family in Russia. Culture is a principal component of Hammer + Sickle’s vodka, as they constantly honor their heritage through every bottle. 

The meticulous distillation and filtration systems make Hammer + Sickle vodka one of the most luxurious brands from Russia. Plus, the winter wheat from the black soil of Southern Russia provides the products with one of the cleanest tastes you can find. 

Vodka connoisseurs and new consumers will appreciate the homage that Hammer + Sickles pays to Russian culture and its perfect taste. 

Harsh and cold environments are where Husky’s vodka gets its pristine finish. Cold filtration technologies clean the spring water from Siberia.

Frigid temperatures allow the filters to absorb more impurities. After passing through this kind of system, Husky vodka is pure at the highest level. 

The inspiration for the name “Husky” comes from the dog of the exact origin. The vodka and dog breed both showcase traits of ice-cold temperatures. Russian vodka enthusiasts and animal lovers can’t miss the paw print engraving on the crisp blue bottles from Husky.  

Jewel of Russia 

It’s not every day that you purchase a piece of art with your liquor. Each Jewel of Russia bottle has a hand-painted label featuring imagery reflective of Russian culture. The artist’s signature also offers each label a slight personal touch. 

The vodka inside the beautiful bottles consists of high-quality Russian ingredients. The water in each recipe comes from 500-feet-deep artesian wells. Winter wheat and rye function as the grain sources in Jewel of Russia vodka.

Each batch of vodka goes through a five-stage distillation process of traditional Russian methods, resulting in a smooth and clean finish. 

Jewel of Russia offers authentic, top-shelf vodka. The luxurious spirit is likely worth the high price tag. Plus, the artistic bottles will serve as stunning decor behind bars and conversation pieces in homes. 

Marmont Siberian

Marmont vodka is a Russian vodka from one of the country’s oldest distilleries. The premium-quality vodka comes from a balance of craftsmanship and tradition. 

Marmont uses natural ingredients and implements a sustainable distillation process for a luxurious result. Marmont’s flavor profile is bold, smooth, and crisp. Its production method has roots in Russia, making it a national favorite.

Russian Standard 

Russian Standard Vodka is an ultra-clean, high-quality vodka. The smooth and delicious spirit stems from a cross between craft, technology, history, and revolution. 

The brand represents an incredible convergence of science and nature. The inspiration for their recipe comes from famous Russian scientist Dmitri Mendeleev. Mendeleev's research revolved around stability and the science of natural order. So, their goal was to create the perfect balance of water and alcohol.

Russian Standard Vodka incorporates the soft glacial waters of Lake Ladoga. This water naturally contains few impurities from its granite basin created by glaciers during the last Ice Age.

The winter wheat grows throughout the rich black soil of the Russian Steppes. The grain contributes to the final result’s unique flavor and aroma profile. Though it may not suit mixed drink recipes, it is ideal on the rocks.

All ingredients are brought together in a state-of-the-art distillery in St. Petersburg. The vodka goes through a distillation process over 250 times, resulting in the purest version of the liquor. 

It’s no surprise that the oldest vodka brand is also the most popular. Since 1864, Smirnoff has been a pioneer in the alcoholic beverage industry. 

Though the original recipe and origin come from Russia, its roots are no longer part of the brand. Pyotr Arsenievich Smirnov founded Smirnoff’s first distillery in Moscow. After the Russian Revolution, the brand was sold to the United States. As of now, Smirnoff is owned by Diageo and is still a product of the United States. 

 Smirnoff has become the best-selling well liquor brand for the classic version and flavored options in recent years. Smirnoff’s formulators are master mixologists and create beverages inspired by popular cocktail recipes .

The brand also keeps up with emerging trends by creating ready-to-drink vodka beverages, hard seltzers, etc.  

As the premium vodka brand, Stoli merges modern distilling processes with original traditions to produce a bold, timeless vodka. 

Stoli distills most of its vodka from grain. The brand also caters to dietary restrictions and offers a gluten-free version of its premium vodka. The gluten-free version uses corn and buckwheat during the distillation process.

Stoli vodka contains a standard 40% ABV . To drink safely and responsibly, always figure out how to calculate ABV before serving alcohol. 

Are you planning to open a bar ? Or, are you considering ways to increase bar profits ? Keeping various options in your liquor storage units is a way to escalate earnings. Check out some of the best cocktail recipe books to inspire your bar’s delicious and inclusive menu items.

Stoli Group also uses its influence as one of the top premium wine and spirits sellers to promote sustainability. Stoli collaborates with the ReSea Project, which aims to fight plastic pollution throughout our oceans. 

Customers make a difference with each Stoli purchase. For every bottle, Stoli funds the removal of roughly ten plastic bottles from oceans and rivers worldwide. Considering the reputation of Stoli spirits, their efforts are sure to make an impact in the years to come.

The blend of Russian winter wheat and rye produces a clean finish. Zyr delivers a pure style of Russian vodka that is favorable to many consumers. 

Zyr vodka goes through five distillation stages, allowing the result to contain maximum purity and a smooth finish. After this process, crystal clear water is added to the vodka. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Russian Vodka Brands 

What is the best russian vodka.

Russian Standard Vodka contains the highest quality ingredients and goes through the distillation process more than any other vodka. Its recipe and production methods result in a delicious, smooth vodka popular for sipping neat and in cocktails. 

What Brands of Vodka Are Popular In Russia?

Russian Standard, Stoli, and Zyr are a few of the most popular vodka brands in Russia. All three brands use top-notch ingredients from Russian territory. 

Each brand uses distillation processes that ensure a crisp finish with an enjoyable flavor profile. 

What Is the Number One Russian Vodka?

Stoli is probably the most famous and favorable vodka brand in Russia. Consumers and bar staff prefer Stoli products since they use traditional methods with modern distillation technologies. 

Plus, the company’s sustainability efforts give customers a sense of purpose upon each sale. 

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 8 Best Russian Vodkas to Drink in 2022

Elegant and food-friendly, there's more to this age-old spirit than you think.

Where Does Your Vodka Come From?

Your favorite bottle’s country of origin might surprise you.

"Russian vodka is the spirits-world equivalent of fine French wine," says Anthony Baker, a veteran of such bars as New York's The Aviary and The Grill . "You can just assume they do it better," he says. "So it's what I choose when I want to bring the best vodka I can bring."

The country that, in all likelihood, invented the spirit in the 14th century likes its vodkas big and bold , to throwback between bites. "Historically, vodka and Russian cuisine have very strong bonds. In Russia, it is a tradition to drink vodka when celebrating with family or friends eating cornichons, pickled tomatoes, bread with butter and caviar, boiled potatoes with butter and dill, pickled cabbage, fresh herring with onion, and borscht with sour cream," says Russian-born mixologist Slava Borisov, head bartender at Travelle at The Langham in Chicago. 

Though Tony Abou-Ganim , author of Vodka Distilled enjoys Russian vodka in a cocktail and with food, too, he suggests, "To really appreciate it, drink it straight out of the freezer in a little frozen glass and enjoy all those flavors of the raw material and stylistic differences that show themselves as it warms up. That's the beauty of Russian vodka."

Best Overall

Jewel of russia ultra black.

Region:  Russia |  ABV:  40% |  Tasting notes:  Pepper, Minerals, Wheat, Cream

This "gorgeous" bottle offers "everything you want in a vodka," Abou-Ganim declares. "It's silky-smooth and complex with layers of flavor and a long finish." Rather than pushing for neutrality as so many New World producers do, the makers of this premium bottle "leave a certain amount of minerality on the finish," he says. "It's peppery but with a really elegant texture."

Read Next: The Best Vodkas

Best Splurge

Beluga gold line.

Region:  Russia |  ABV:  40% |  Tasting notes:  Lavender, Cream of Wheat, Wild Herbs

Borisov calls this "one of the most impressive vodkas from Russia." Sold alongside a small wooden hammer that you need in order to open the wax seal, the bottle's luxury design matches the spirit's drinking characteristics. "It is Beluga’s philosophy to have the vodka rest after each step of the production. The final resting period is 90 days," he explains. "This allows Beluga to reach perfect balance and harmony." Five times filtered, it's extremely smooth and round with "delightful floral notes and a creamy aftertaste."

Best Budget

Russian standard gold.

Region:  Russia |  ABV:  40% |  Tasting notes:  Pepper, Bread, Cream

"It's one of the more readily available Russian vodkas on the market," says Abou-Ganim, and at less than $20, it's also quite affordable. But don't let the low price tag fool you; this is a top-notch spirit, made using pure glacial water and charcoal-filtered four times. "It really represents Russian vodka's character," Abou-Ganim explains. "It's big, bold, and spicy, and you can taste the rye and wheat."

Best for Sipping

Zyr russian vodka.

Region: Russia |  ABV:  40% |  Tasting notes:  White Pepper, Orange Peel, Baking Spices

Abou-Ganim calls this "sleeper brand" made from a classic blend of wheat and rye "a little more refined, a little more elegant" than most Russian vodkas. He drinks it frozen in a 1.5-ounce crystal glass. "I like the reveal that the cold vodka provides as it gradually warms and you sip it," he says, noting "complex" waves of flavor in this one, from peppery spice to citrus and then clove, coriander, anise, and honey blossom.

Best Traditional

Polugar classic rye vodka.

Region: Russia | ABV: 38.5% | Tasting notes: Rye bread, Black Pepper, Honey, Almonds

"To know what vodka's ancestors taste like, try this rare product," suggests Borisov. Made according to a traditional recipe and method of production, it is distilled through copper alembic pots for a spirit that's "closer to unaged single malt scotch than a column-still vodka," he observes. The process allows Polugar "to create aromatic, flavorful 'bread wine' as it was made in the 18th and 19th centuries." He recommends tasting it at room temperature and pairing it with traditional Russian foods to experience the full range of its flavors.

Read Next: The Best Flavored Vodkas

Best Siberian

Husky vodka.

Region: Russia |  ABV:  40% |  Tasting notes:  Mineral water, Vanilla, Cream

Named for the area's famed dog breed and produced in Omsk where local wheat grows during the very short summer, this is "one of the most truly Siberian vodkas you could ever try," says Borisov. "One of the most important components of vodka is water, and Husky uses crystal clean water from the Arctic Circle which brings extreme freshness and crispness." Filtered at low temperatures to freeze away unwanted additives, it's "a perfect cocktail vodka," he says.

Best over Ice

Mamont siberian vodka.

Region: Russia |  ABV:  40% |  Tasting notes:  Marshmallow, Cedar Nut, Anise

Named in honor of the Yukagir mammoth specimen which was found in Siberia in 2002, this bottle in the shape of a mammoth tusk is filled with a vodka distilled from single-estate grain—rye, wheat, and millet—from Russia's Altai region. "One of the most distinctive features of this vodka is a cedar nut tincture which is added to enrich the aroma and flavor," says Borisov. "It's absolutely great for sipping with a big crystal ice cube."       

Read Next: The Best Gifts for Vodka Lovers

Russian Standard Platinum 1l

Russian Standard Platinum využíva špeciálne strieborné filtre, ktoré zdokonaľujú čistotu produktu. Tento moderný a drahý proces, vytvára vodku s mimoriadnou a jedinečnou hebkosťou. Špeciálne upravené fľaše pomáhajú udržať vodku v chlade. Russian Standard kombinuje tradície najvyššej kvality ruskej vodky s modernými metódami destilácie. Plne spĺňa najprísnejšie požiadavky klasickej receptúry vyvinutej Dmitrym Mendellevom v roku 1894 na žiadosť cisárskeho dvora v Petrohrade. Russian Standard Platinum zvyšuje tento klasický vzorec využívajúc špeciálne strieborné filtre, ktoré zdokonaľujú čistotu produktu. Tento moderný a drahý proces, vytvára vodku s mimoriadnou a jedinečnú hebkosťou. Špeciálne upravené fľaše pomáhajú udržať vodku v chlade. Pre dosiahnutie najlepších výsledkov, chráňte Platinum pred mrazom. Iba slabé vodky vyžadujú zmrazenie, aby sa zamaskovala ostrosť a zápach z chudobnej destilácie. Užite si Russian Standart Platinum chladenú, nemrazenú...

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