1.SKYY Vodka – USA No carbohydrates, said to contain the fewest impurities of the leading brands, distilled from American Midwest grain with cocoa. Considered a light vodka.
2.Smirnoff – Russia, now USA Distilled from grain with hint of mint, wet stone and charcoal
3.Blavod Black Vodka – London Distilled from grain – color and smoothness attributed to the Black Catechu, a tannin resin of the Acacia catechu heartwood, a tree indigenous to India and Burma
4.Gilbeys Vodka – USA Distilled from grain
5.Gordons Vodka – USA Distilled from grain
6.Mor Vodka – Poland Distilled from potatoes
7.Wodka Wyborowa – Poland Distilled from rye
8.Three Olives Vodka – England Distilled from English wheat
9.Oliphant Vodka – Holland Distilled from
10.3 Vodka – USA 1st and only vodka distilled from soy and contains no carbohydrates

Source: www.martinimuse.com

Like everything else in life, we want to know which is the ‘best’ vodka. Which vodka is most superior to others. And like everything else in life, we realize that there is no one single answer. For example, I use the latest Intel Pentium Core Duo Processor, as I require it to power my media center, on the other hand, my Grandfather still uses a 11 year old IBM Thinkpad with 4 MB RAM running Windows 3.11 with Wordpad!

Anyway, back to Vodka. Vodka is defined as a neutral spirit devoid of any distinct characteristics such as odour, taste or colour. Considering the above definition all vodkas should be the same and the brand shouldn’t matter. This is true to some extent, in the sense, that the final product of all the brands are more or less similar to each other and while mixed in a blood mary, there is little or no discernable distinction between them. However, if you plan to have them as shots, on the rocks or in a martini, then you are well advised to consume a premium brand.

There are a lot of vodkas out there. And each one is trying to catch your eye, with refreshing marketing, stylish bottles and happening events. This is because of the above noted fact, that the product is more or less same, and hence, marketing plays a big role.

Okay. Now since we are clear about what vodka actually is, lets look at some of the brands. (If you are interested more about the history and other nuances of Vodka, read my article ‘All About Vodka’) I am not affiliated with any of them and I have no particular favourite among them either. So be assured that whatever is said herein is completely unbiased and in the best interest of vodka.

Lets start with the world best selling vodka. Remember, the phrase is ‘best selling’, it doesn’t make the best vodka on the planet. I guess every vodka drinker knows it. Smirnoff. Smirnoff was the first American brand of Vodka, which was bought over from Vladimir Smirnov of Russia. The Smirnoff No. 21 is the most widely sold vodka in the world and is an extremely good example of classical vodka. It has little discerning character, and does not pamper you with slight flavours or a mellow follow through. If you don’t like to think too much and are on a budget, this is the vodka to go for. Have it chilled and experience the Russian in you. Smirnoff also comes in blue and black labels which are of increasing strength. It has also launched numerous flavoured vodkas such as Green Apple Twist, Citrus Twist, Lemon Twist and many more. They are great to have in martinis and light cocktails.

Next up, Grey Groose. Now this is on that has had its fair share of Hollywood exposure. You can hear almost every celebrity asking for a Grey Goose Martini. This vodka brand is truly a marketing brilliance. Winter wheat being distilled with natural spring waters in a French Distillery is surely going to make some heads turn. It is this approach to vodka, that has made Grey Goose a brand to reckon with. But, nothing to be taken away, this is really great vodka to have in your martini. It comes in three flavours: L’Orange, Le Citron and La Vanille. The Citron is great to have in a Lemon Drop Martini.

The third among the most marketed brands is Absolut. This Swedish vodka has the one of the largest number of flavoured vodkas in the market. Its global marketing strategy seems to have paid off in recent times and is considered to be a truly superior vodka in many places in the world. Its neutral variety comes in blue and red labels with increasing strengths. The red bottle (50 % vol) is a really smooth spirit with almost no discernarable taste of its own. The blue bottle mixes extremely well with almost all mixers and makes it great in most cocktails. The flavoured varieties too are very good and for the adventurous there are no dearth of varieties to try from.

Now, lets move onto the lesser marketed, premium brands. I’ll start with what most vodka drinkers and experts consider a truly great and ‘almost perfect’ vodka. Stolichnaya is what it claims to be “a true Russian vodka”. It was founded at the Cristill Distillery in Moscow and is now manufactured in ex-Soviet republics (Kazakhstan and Ukraine). It is quadruple distilled though quartz sand and finally passed through a woven cloth, to give you a vodka free from any flavours or odours. This one is great to have on the rocks.

Next on the list is Belvedere. This is a Polish vodka. However, unlike other Polish vodka this one is made from rye rather than potatoes. The experts are always confused about this one. Many hold it in high regard, while others suggest that the other brands mentioned here, are far superior. For the record, I like it. Still one could argue that with so many different brands with better marketing and “brand appeal”, this vodka still leaves you with something to desire more from.

Our last entry on this discussion would be Belvedere’s sibling: Chopin. However, unlike its sibling, Chopin is made from potatoes; the way authentic polish vodka should. Even though for many years, potato based vodkas have been frowned upon by Russians as inferior, the truth lies in the fact, that with the right distillery, whatever be the ingredient, you can produce superior vodka. And Chopin is a great example of the same. This vodka is crisp and has a sweet and sour green apple tinge to it. It’s the only potato based vodka that is held with such high regard and just for this sake, I urge you to try it at least once. Your Polish experience will definitely be worth it.

There are some other lovely vodka brands as well. Vox, Ketel One, Three Olives and Jewel Of Russia are just a few to name. Vodka, like other spirits, is full of tradition and variety. And to cover all would be an arduous if not impossible task. I hope not to offend anybody with my views. They are mine and others may not agree. As I always maintain wines and spirits are very personal in nature. The best wine or spirit is always the one you enjoy most! With that I humbly conclude this article. Hope you enjoyed it, as much as I need writing it.

There are beer museums in Germany, cognac museums in France, whiskey museums in Scotland, and there’s word of a tequila museum opening in Mexico City. A trip to Moscow, Russia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to The Vodka Museum.

A popular tourist destination, The Vodka Museum boasts over 600 different exhibits, from the first invention of vodka to how it’s made today, along with vodka’s role in the history and culture of Russia. Expert guides share interesting stories such as how vodka labels were used as currency during a financial depression when monetary units were scarce. Recipes, old and new, are detailed. Did you know that soldiers in the Great Patriotic War were given daily rations of vodka? There are countless tales to tell about the long history of Russian vodka.

Learning all that history can make you thirsty! The museum’s tasting hall also serves as a restaurant, dishing out appetizers and entrees according to an 1887 authentic Russian cookbook. The décor of the restaurant resembles eateries of the same era, with a cozy and warm atmosphere. And of course you can warm your belly with samples of Russia’s best vodkas. The popular tasting sessions take place every day so reservations are suggested.

Whether you’re a vodka enthusiast or a history buff, The Vodka Museum provides an informative look back into Russian vodka history, complete with artifacts, exhibits, tastings, and souvenirs. You will learn more than you thought possible about the world-famous Russian drink. The next time you down a shot or sip a martini, no matter where you are in the world, you will think about Russia and remember The Vodka Museum!

NUDE Vodka !  A hip, refreshing, smooth tasting, ultra premium Vodka perfectly suited for the more sensitive pallet of the new Vodka drinker. On the rocks, in a Martini, mixed with a splash of pomegranate, NUDE is the Vodka for a new generation.

The ultra-clean Cascade Mountain spring water and thorough filtration process gives NUDE its incredible smoothness. This combination of first-rate ingredients and hand-craftsmanship make NUDE Vodka a world-class masterpiece.

Quick Facts:

1. Five-times Filtered over Crushed Volcanic Lava Rock
2. Distilled with Pure Cascade Mountain Water
3. 100% Gluten Free (Made with corn)
4. Born in the U.S.A. (Bend, OR)

NUDE’s Stillmaster believes that vodka should be consumed like a fine wine, drunk pure as it is made. That is the foundation that NUDE Vodka™ lives by, our true ultra-premium vodka proves it!

For more information on NUDE Vodka visit http://www.nudevodka.us

 Thanks Russia: Russia is credited with giving vodka to the world and it is traditionally drank straight in an unmixed form there. Americans however, prefer that a liquor have a little more flavor in it in order for it to be consumed without a mixer. While traditionally vodka is derived from distilling fermented potatoes, today it is commonly made from a number of fermented starches or sugars including corn and sugar beets.

So Mixable: Some of the most popular drinks made with vodka include the White Russian, which is made from vodka, cream and coffee liquor. The Salty Dog, which is vodka and grapefruit juice in a tall glass rimmed with salt. Also, the Vodka Tonic, which is simply vodka mixed with tonic soda is quite tasty.

Measure it Carefully: When making vodka drinks, it is important that the vodka be measured carefully, as each drink is mixed. This is because the mouth acclimates to the taste of the vodka quite quickly, so if you are using your taste buds as a guage, you can easily end up with drinks that are far too strong.

Flavored Vodkas: Flavored vodkas have recently began appearing on the market and some of the most popular of these are the fruit flavored vodkas. Vodka can range in price quite dramatically, with cheap stuff going for as low as $4 a fifth and more expensive import brands costing as much as $40 a fifth. The truth is however, while cheap vodka can have an odd after taste, very few people can tell the difference between a popular mid-range $10 a fifth vodka and the best expensive imports. 

Allied Blenders & Distillers Pvt. Ltd. (ABD) have launched the 87-year-old leading German vodka brand ‘WODKA GORBATSCHOW’ in India. The roots of the brand go back to the czarist era in St. Petersburg. The Gorbatschow family left Russia during the October revolution in 1917 and refounded the Gorbatschow Company in 1921 in Berlin. Today WODKA GORBATSCHOW is Germany’s biggest vodka brand and also its third strongest spirits brand. It will soon be available in premium ranges at all leading licensed liquor stores in select Indian cities. Priced at Rs. 570 for a 750 ml bottle, the brand will be locally bottled at its Aurangabad plant in Maharashtra.

WODKA GORBATSCHOW is the result of the joint venture between ABD and Henkell & Sohnlein Sektkellereien KG Wiesbaden, Germany.

The brand ‘WODKA GORBATSCHOW’ is highly superior to the other Vodka brands available because of its special triple-chill filtration process. This unique filtration process conducted at -12°C, after which the vodka is painstakingly double-filtered over charcoal, makes the product extremely smooth and exceptionally pure. With its positioning of purity, ‘WODKA GORBATSCHOW’ has always stood for excellence and nothing less than the highest standards of quality.

From the clear glass of its bottle to the distinctive label, everything about WODKA GORBATSCHOW conveys the idea of Arctic purity. The bottle design is sophisticated yet traditional, signifying the swirling minarets of Moscow. The brand mark of the dove and the distinct brand colours of arctic blue, white and silver represent the purity and pristine clarity that the brand stands for.

Says Deepak Roy, Executive Vice-Chairman & CEO, ABD, “WODKA GORBATSCHOW is the first brand launch marking the ABD-Henkell alliance in India. The Indian market is dynamically poised for a highly evolved state, and there couldn’t have been a better choice of brand than WODKA GORBATSCHOW to serve the ever-increasing demand for pure and high quality vodka. We are confident that the product quality will speak for itself, having done so for decades.”

The international profile of the brand is particularly impressive. WODKA GORBATSCHOW is one of the top 15 premium vodkas in the world, and with 1.4 million cases sold it is a member of the “Club of Millionaires”. In 2006, WODKA GORBATSCHOW was awarded the Monde Sélection Gold Medal.

There are convincing reasons explaining WODKA GORBATSCHOW’s superior quality. It is solely produced from premium-processed products in a worldwide unique procedure, which finally results in an outstanding soft, clean and mild aroma-impression of the brand ‘WODKA GORBATSCHOW’.

“Having achieved immense success in Germany, there is indeed no better time for WODKA GARBATSCHOW to tap the expanding Indian market than now. This is based on the fact that the vodka category growth in India continues to outperform the total spirits market growth. With such a booming economy, Indian consumers are increasingly connected to global trends and looking for new experiences, thus offering WODKA GORBATSCHOW significant potential.” added Mr. Roy

Vodka is a crucial component in Russian life. And in Russian death. Alcohol-related accidents and cardiac arrests have already decimated Russian life expectancy by well over a decade during the last decade alone.

Vodka is also big business. The brand “Stolichnaya” sells $2 billion a year worldwide. Hence the interminable and inordinately bitter battle between the Russian ministry of agriculture and SPI Spirits. The latter, still partly owned by the state, is the on and off owner of the haloed brand “Stolichnaya”, James Bond’s favorite.

SPI’s PR firm, Burson-Marsteller, posits this commercial conflict as a classic case of the violation of the property rights of hapless foreign shareholders by the avaricious and ruthless functionaries of an unreformed evil empire. They question Russia’s readiness to accede to the WTO and its respect for the law.

SPI’s latest press release consists of the detailed history of this harrowing tale. The brand Stolichnaya, as well as 42 others, were privatized in 1992. The firm quotes a document, bearing the official seal of the maligned ministry, which states unambiguously: “VAO Sojuzplodoimport has the right to export Russian vodka to the USA under the following trademarks: Stolichnaya, Stolichnaya Cristall, Pertsovka, Limonnnaya, Privet, Privet Orange (Apelsinovaya), Russian and Okhotnichya.”

The privatization was completed in 1997 when the old SPI was sold to the new SPI Spirits. The new SPI claims to have assumed $40 million in debt and invested another $20 million to rebuild the company into “one of the world’s leading vodka producers”. Yet, the Russian government, as heavy handed as ever, clearly is unhappy with SPI.

It says the privatization deal was dubious and that SPI paid only $300,000 (or maybe as little as $61,000 claim other sources) for the multi-billion dollar brands, including “Stolichnaya”, “Moskovskaya”, and “Russkaya”. The government values the brands at a far more reasonable $400 million. Other appraisers came up with a figure of $1.4 billion.

The government, in a bout of new-found legal rectitude, also insists that the seller of the brands, the defunct (state-owned) SPI, was not their legal owner. It also questions the mysterious shareholders of the new SPI – including a holding company in tax-lenient Delaware. SPI’s trademarks portfolio is represented by an Australian law firm, Mallesons Stephen Jaques.

Putin himself set up a committee for the repatriation of these and other consumer brands to the state. He craves the beneficial effects the alcohol sector’s tax revenues could have on the federal budget – and on its powers of patronage. A central state-owned brand-holding and distribution company was set up less than two years ago. Ever since then, the alcohol sector has been subjected to relentless state interference. SPI is not the most egregious case either.

“The Observer” mentions that SPI currently runs most of its business from inscrutable Cyprus, a favorite destination for Russian money launderers, tycoon tax evaders, and mobsters. SPI’s German distributor, Plodimex, is increasingly less active – as three new off shore distribution entities (in Cyprus, the Dutch Antilles, and Gibraltar) are increasingly more so.

The FSB ordered Kaliningrad customs to prohibit bulk exports of Stolichnaya. Cases of the drink are routinely confiscated. Criminal charges were brought against directors and managers in the firm. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture is discrediting SPI in meetings with its distributors and business partners abroad. He is also accused by the firm of obstructing the court-mandated registration of its trademarks.

The courts have lately been good to SPI, coming out with a spate of decisions against the government’s conduct in this convoluted affair. But on February 1, the firm suffered a setback, when a Moscow court ruled against it and ordered 43 of its brands, the prized Stolichnaya included, returned to the government (i.e., re-nationalized).

SPI is doing its best to placate the authorities. It is rumored to have offered last month to use its ample funds to supplement the federal budget. It has indicated last September that it is on the prowl for additional acquisitions in Russia – a bizarre statement for a firm claiming to have been victimized. “The Moscow Times” reported that it is planning to sign a $500,000 sponsorship agreement with the Russian Olympic Committee.

Summit Communications, a country image specialist, placed this on its Web site in November 2001:

“One example of a savvy Russian company that has managed to do well in the West by finding the right partner is the Soyuzplodimport company (see also p. 14). Soyuzplodimport, or SPI, has the exclusive rights to export Stolichnaya, which vodka lovers in the U.S. fondly refer to as ‘Stoli’. Some 50% of the company’s export turnover comes from the United States, thanks mostly to its strategic alliance with Allied-Domecq for U.S. distribution.

‘I’m not sure that all Americans know where Russia is on the map, but most of them know what Stolichnaya is,’ muses Andrey Skurikhin, general director of SPI. ‘I want the quality of Stolichnaya in America to create an image of Russia that is pure, strong and honest, just like the vodka. At SPI, we feel that we are like ambassadors and we will try to do everything to create a more objective and positive image of Russia in the U.S.’”
SPI’s troubles may prove to be contagious. Allied Domecq, its British distributor in America and Mexico, now faces competition from Kryshtal International, a subsidiary of the troubled Kristal distillery, 51% owned by Rosspirtprom, a government agency. Kryshtal signed distribution contracts for “Stolichnaya” with distilleries backed by the Russian ministry of agriculture.

Allied and Miller Brewing have announced a $50 million investment in product launch and marketing campaigns only five years ago. “Stolichnaya” (nicknamed “Stoli” in the States) sells 1 million 12-bottle cases a year in the USA (compared to Absolut’s 3 million cases).

The trouble started almost immediately with the first foreign investments in SPI. As early as 1991, Vneshposyltorg, a government foreign trade agency,  tried to export Stolichnaya in Greece. This led to court action by the Greeks. Vodka wars also erupted between the newly-registered Russian firm “Smirnov” and Grand Metropolitan over the brand “Smirnoff”.
The vodka wars are sad reminders of the long way ahead of Russia. Its legal system is rickety – different courts upheld government decisions and SPI’s position almost simultaneously. Russia’s bureaucrats – even when right – are abusive, venal, and obstructive. Russia’s “entrepreneurs” are a penumbral lot, more enamored with off-shore tax havens than with proper management. The rule of law and private property rights are still fantasies. The WTO – and the respectability it lends – are as far as ever.

To most Westerners say the word Russia and two things pop into their heads, beautiful women and vodka.

This week Russia will still have beautiful women but wine will be the drink of choice as many people are celebrating Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Wine connoisseurs will be enjoying some of France’s best vintages in bars and establishments all across Moscow.

For the past 11 years Russia has participated in the annual event. In Moscow, the celebrations have been held exclusively in French restaurants and bars, but this year many other locations will host samplings of the French wine “Beaujolais Nouveau”.

Under the Soviets enjoying wine was discouraged. It was looked upon as something that only the upper class and aristocrats consumed. Recently, wine has begun to make a comeback in Russia. French wine is by far the favorite of Russian wine drinkers.

Beaujoalis Novuveau Day began as a way to promote the French wine industry and particularly the Beaujoalis region of France. Originally, the light red wine was just consumed locally but following World War II the rules were relaxed to allow the wine to be exported. Today, Beaujoalis Novuveau Day is celebrated in more than 120 nations.

To enjoy the full bounty of Beaujolais Nouveau, it  should be drunk soon after it is prepared. If not, the taste is spoiled and can not be fully enjoyed.

The next time you see a charming  Russian lady ask her if she raised a glass this year to celebrate Beaujoalis Novuveau Day.

Who knows,via the magic of wine, maybe next year you can toast the day together?

Online spirits sales unlike wine has been in a small decline in the last six months as people focus on spending their income wisely. There are though some interesting trends in online spirits sales which should not be ignored.

For the last five years the spirits industry and online spirits has been driven by the amazing growth of vodka, which has now overtaken whisk(e)yas the number one category. This growth has fuelled online spirits sales and driven retail pricing, but it has peaked. Six percent of all vodka online is flavoured vodka, and gin is, after all a flavoured vodka.

It is now surprise that the online vodka drinker is moving into gin, and the category is growing in a robust manner. Premium gin online is in the most growth at 9% with brands like Beefeater 24, Tanqueray No Ten, Hendrick’s, Brockman’s and a very new brand Sipsmith steaming ahead. All these great brands have one thing in common, small batch production, great bottle design, clever marketing and above all great tasting product.

Online spirits will bounce back into growth via the gin category and ironically it will be the online space where consumers discover these brands. Vodka online is suffering from the same problems the wine online merchants have with champagne sales, as the category has become too ostentatious and expensive. Sparkling wines such as Prosecco are replacing champagne online and gin is replacing vodka.

There is also another two online spirits categories which are pushing the industry out of decline. The first one is bourbon which is American whiskey, which must consist of at least 51% corn with the remainder being wheat and/or rye, and malted barley. Originally created out of Bourbon county. This great category has been in dynamic growth for 6 years lead by the daddy Mr Jack Daniel’s, but other brands like Wild Turkey, Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s are growing. Online bourbon sales have continued to be strong and certain key words are not cheap to buy because of their growth.

The second one is online gold rum with brands such as Havana Club, Matusalem, Pampero and Appleton’s and it is the cocktail industry that is driving this growth as well as a trend back to authentic spirits.

Online spirits will come back into growth and it will be authentic spirits that pull them through, but for gifts online or special occasions you cannot go far wrong with a spirit. Flavoured vodka online may not be dead but it is the old flavoured gin that will steal the show online. It is now surprise that the online vodka drinker is moving into gin, and the category is growing in a robust manner. Premium gin online is in the most growth at 9% with brands like Beefeater 24, Tanqueray No Ten, Hendrick’s, Brockman’s and a very new brand Sipsmith steaming ahead. All these great brands have one thing in common, small batch production, great bottle design, clever marketing and above all great tasting product.

Sure you agree that hair is one of the best decorations of human appearance. It’s like a beautiful frame for your face. And to look better we should care about hair with love, because hair has its own likes and dislikes. For example, hair likes to be brushed every day before sleep for 5-10 minutes in different directions. In reply hair will be thick, bright and easy-styled.

Sometimes you need wash head with an egg. You should take 1 egg and add warm water stirring slowly. Wet hair with hot water and rub egg mixture into head skin. Then rinse hair with running water and comb. If you want to strengthen hair’s roots, wash the head as described above and then rub 1 yolk into head skin and cover head with thick towel. Keep for 10 minutes and then rinse hair with warm water.

If you have such possibility, wash the head with rain water. If you wet hair with sea-water, you have to rinse them with fresh water then. To make your hair soft, you should grease them with burdock oil. 

There are two masks for light and dark hairs. For light hairs you’d better to use the mask from camomile and rosemary. Take 1 table-spoon of camomile and 1 table-spoon of rosemary and pour them with ¾ glass of vodka. Put infusion in to dark place for 2 weeks, shaking it regularly. Filter infusion through gauze into the bottle from dark glass and close hermetically. Twice a week rub infusion into head skin.

Mask for dark hairs is made from hob and thistle. Take some hob and thistle (cupped hand) and pour it with 1 liter of water. Boil mixture for 20 minutes and then filter. After washing head, rinse hair with infusion and enjoy the bright color of your hair.

If  you like cognac, you can use it for hair care. There is an interesting recipe. The thing is that you can make remedy for reinforcement of your hair based on cognac. You can take any kind of cognac.

At first, make decoction from burdock’s root. Pour 2 table-spoons of ground burdock’s roots with 1 glass of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes on the light fire. Filter and cool it. Then take 1 table-spoon of your favorite cognac and mix with 4 table-spoons of onion juice and 6 table-spoons of decoction from burdock’s roots.

Rub mixture into hair’s roots and put the piece of polyethylene on the head and also Turkish towel above. Keep for 30 minutes and then shampoo your head. Repeat this procedure twice a week and you’ll see the perfect result. Find more original recipes at hair care.