City Nomads Spirit Guide: Best Vodkas in Singapore
PUBLISHED April 21st, 2015 10:00 pm | UPDATED June 8th, 2020 09:17 pm
With the recent renaissance of rum and whisky in Singapore (and with gin on the rise), City Nomads has decided to cast the spotlight on the rather overlooked spirit of vodka. While it’s something most of us have chugged at one point in time, the narrow, stereotypical view of vodka is that it is the choice of poison of Eastern Europeans and (especially) Russians. Well, after rigorous research and plenty of drinking sessions, I’m now glad to say that I’m a vodka convert. What I’ve been missing all this while is a classy, versatile drink – so I hereby present our list of the 12 best and most unique vodkas you can find in Singapore.
The Best of Eastern Europe
Ah, the motherland of vodka fanatics. While Russia and Poland have been busy disputing for ages over who came up with Vodka, distilleries have sprouted up all over Kazakstan, Ukraine, Belarus and many other Eastern European countries, paving the way for quite a number of brilliant spirits. Here’s our pick of the bunch.
Russian Standard (Russia)
Price: $27 – $48.60 (DFS), $59 (www.liquourbar.sg)
Don’t be fooled by its price tag. Although not a premium brand, Russian Standard is still a quality spirit. It’s bread-like aromas are a delight to the nose, and the smooth transition down your throat followed by an ever so slight after-burn makes it a winner.
Stolichniya (Russia)
Price: $40 (www.liquourbar.sg)
While not as refined as other vodkas on this list, Stolichniya is a solid drink distilled from rich grain. It’s bite is almost non-existent and the hint of citrus adds a nice touch. Plus, ‘Stoli’ is an excellent cost-effective alternative if you’re on a budget.
Nemiroff Lex Ultra Vodka (Ukraine)
Price: $70 (www.liquourbar.sg)
A little more on the pricey side and for good reason too. This Ukrainian Vodka undergoes a lengthy process of numerous purifications and it’s combination of fruity, spicy and peppery has made it a hit with vodka lovers. A good option for those who dig flavoured Vodkas.
Belvedere (Poland)
Price: $61.80 -$65.10 (DFS), $80.10 (www.redmart.com)
Belvedere would tick just about every box in a Vodka aficionado’s list. Strains of lemon and a cereal-like earthiness make it a fantastic all-rounder, be it sipped, taken as a shot, or mixed in cocktail form. And you gotta admit, it’s pretty wicked knowing that the iconic Belwedere palace is actually printed at the back of the frosted bottle.
Snow Leopard (Poland)
Price: $9.63-$577.80, (www.jdburleigh.com)
Mostly neutral-tasting with hints of vanilla and citrus, Snow Leopard packs a pretty strong kick. What makes this Polish vodka really special, though, is that the company donates 15% of their profits to saving the endangered Snow Leopard, and you can’t really find many alcohol brands with such a noble cause.
The Rest of Europe
Yes, it’s not quite Vodka-land. While mainly being famous for other types of spirits like Whisky and Cognac, the rest of the continent certainly has some hidden gems, and here’s our favourite of the lot.
Grey Goose (France)
Price: $63.10 to $127 (DFS, 85 www.liquourbar.sg)
Touting themselves as the ‘World’s Best Tasting Vodka’, Grey Goose is one brand that’s certainly full of themselves (well, they are French). We don’t know if they’re the best but a trace of liquorice coupled with whiffs of buttered popcorn makes this an excellent all-round choice.
Chase Vodka (England)
Price: $114 – $124 (La Maison du Whisky)
There’s a reason why Chase Vodka was voted ‘World’s Best Vodka’ by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition as recently as 2010. Exuding quality through and through, it’s dairy-like, black-peppered flavour is for anyone who takes their vodka seriously.
Vincent Van Gogh Vodka (Netherlands)
Price: $155 (www.eurohitechsytem.com.sg)
Named after the great 20th century artist, Vincent Van Gogh Vodka is a pretty much a work of art itself. With a mixture of bitter, spicy, and a tinge of cinnamon, it makes a great base for cocktail mixology. This Dutch vodka even received a ‘royal appointment’ from Queen Beatrix – Vincent Van Gogh would be proud.
Cîroc (France)
Price: $50.20 (DFS), $155 (www.eurohitechsytem.com.sg)
Distilled from snap-frost grapes and filtered through charcoal, Cîroc isn’t your everyday vodka. Regarded as eau-de-vie by industry experts, this French vodka is a great cocktail mixer rather than it being drunk neat. This is probably due to the mostly bitter taste that it carries. However if you want to try something unique, Cîroc is a great option.
Clean & Green
Clean and green, these Vodka brands are environmentally friendly, yet extremely tasty. What’s not to love?
42 Below Pure (New Zealand)
Price: $65 (www.liquourbar.sg)
Extremely smooth, this clean Vodka is made with water from deep water springs in the serene environs of New Zealand. If water came with an alcohol percentage, 42 Below Pure would be it. Neutral taste is at its best in this Kiwi Vodka, and it’s very easy to forget that you’re actually having a drink.
Reyka (Iceland)
Price: $129 (www.liquourbar.sg)
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any cleaner, Reyka Vodka pops up. Using Icelandic lava rock to filter out impurities, it is then diluted with the purest form of glacial spring water, thus possessing a bittersweet yet fruity taste. A really solid, natural Vodka.
Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka (England)
Price: $99.90 (Barbie Girls), $98 (Swiss Butchery), $98 (The Providore)
Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka is the world’s first pure milk Vodka – a refreshing change from the usual made with potatoes and grains. Distilled from a fermentation of milk beer, Black Cow is actually made from the same milk as the award-winning Black Cow Deluxe Cheddar. Creamy and sweet at the same time, his impeccable English vodka tastes really good with cheese!
