For convenience, obviously Sprinter reigns supreme, but if you’re looking for a party drink, this one leaves a bit to be desired. Each can is 355mm, a stunningly low 4.5% ABV, clocks in at 100 calories, with no gluten or added sugar. We appreciate Kylie’s decision to go with vodka rather than a grain alcohol or malt liquor base, which tend to taste blunt and lifeless. Maintaining its fourth place position, SPI-owned Stolichnaya saw positive growth to both its brand and total score this year reaffirming its position as one of the biggest vodka brands in the world. Earlier this year the the group extended its presence in the US launching its vodka portfolio in six more US states, renaming its US unit Stoli Group (USA).

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A new entry, Cîroc debuts in seventh place with a total score of 8.4% – a brand which has benefitted from the involvement of rap star Sean “Diddy” Combs. Combs, previously known as P Diddy and Puff Daddy, has been involved with Cîroc since 2007 when he agreed to be spokesperson for the brand in return for a 50% return on profits. Earlier this year the rap star announced the launch of its pineapple flavoured vodka on Instagram. The new expression will join Cîroc’s existing portfolio, which includes Cîroc Peach, Cîroc Coconut, Cîroc Red Berry and Cîroc Amaretto.

Belvedere: Best high-end

First, it’s made strictly from grains, and second, it must have a 95% ABV or 190 proof. Spirytus Rektyfikowany is widely recognized as the strongest distilled spirit and it’s a vodka. Everclear came close with a proof of 190, but there’s a debate as to whether it’s vodka.

• For convenience, obviously Sprinter reigns supreme, but if you’re looking for a party drink, this one leaves a bit to be desired.
• Its limited edition label comes from the fact that only 250 bottles of this vodka were ever released.
• Grey Goose is produced entirely in France, from the high-quality wheat used in the initial production to the glass and packaging used to bottle the vodka.
• Due to the strength of Spirytus, it’s banned in some countries and American states.
• While not as strong as some vodkas featured on this list, it’s still quite intense and should only be drunk in moderation.
• This vodka has a huge 192 Proof or 96% ABV and is made up of premium ethyl alcohol with an agricultural cereal origin.
• They are also Sweden’s first organically grown and made vodka with bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate.

Clarke’s Court Pure White Rum

• The name indicates that it is made of rectified spirit, also known as neutral spirits, rectified alcohol, or ethyl alcohol which is highly concentrated ethanol purified utilizing repeated distillation.
• This can be achieved by diluting it by 50% by adding 1 part water for every 1 part Balkan 176 vodka or using a half tot measure.
• After we prepared the martini, we divided it into two glasses—one garnished with an olive and one with a lemon twist.
• Produced from winter wheat and distilled four times, it’s a column-distilled vodka with a peppery bite after an initial sweet note.
• Made in Austria, this spiced rum has been using the same secret recipe since 1832.
• I would say to try it just for the novelty factor, but I’m going to stick to my scotch.
• Though records of the strong sipper date back to 16th-century medicinal use, drinkers took to the libation in the 19th century.

When I think of harsh, high proof alcohol, I usually think of clear spirits like grain alcohol and vodka. That’s not to say that all vodka is harsh, there are many out there that are smooth, crisp and easily drinkable on their own. At 88% (176 proof), this Bulgarian vodka is best imbibed in very small quantities with a chaser. Bartenders and home enthusiasts appreciate Spirytus for its ability to craft high-proof cocktails, making it a unique and valuable addition to the world of mixology.

Old Brothers LROK 86.3 white rum

With such a high alcohol content, Devil Springs Vodka is mainly used in mixed drinks or creating flavored vodkas. Just like different types of alcohol have different percentages of alcohol by volume (ABV) or alcohol content, so can different brands. Skyy once again takes fifth place in the top 10, hanging strongest vodka on despite a 3% drop to its brand score.

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It’s a similar process to what’s done when producing gin (as vodka and gin production start off the same way) and results in any number of different varieties. As a relatively straightforward spirit, vodka can be distilled from virtually anything. It’s mostly produced by fermenting potatoes or cereal grains like wheat or rye.

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This top-shelf vodka is renowned for being one of the smoothest on the market, and it’s a joy to sip it neat. Belvedere, originating from Poland, is produced at the Polmos Zyrardow distillery (known as the birthplace of all vodka) using Dankowskie Gold Rye. The high starch content of this rye yields a velvety soft level to the vodka, confirming its spot at the top. Once distilled, Beluga adds honey, milk thistle, and oat to give flavoring before bottling its famous spirit. This super-premium vodka is impressively pure and smooth, with notes of vanilla, sage, white pepper, and cream.

Additionally, there are vodka brands that can cause severe hangovers, especially if you drink too much. Officially, Everclear is a neutral grain spirit that is similar to vodka. Polish liqueurs, called nalewka (plural nalewki), employ seasonal ingredients, spices, and rectified spirits or vodka. Nalewki are also said to have medicinal properties, similar to Italian bitters like amaro. One of the classiest high proof spirits on our list, Laphroaig’s ten year old cask strength is a 57.8% (115.6 proof) scotch whisky from the Scottish Island of Islay.

I fell in love with craft cocktails when I started bartending, at 21, and I have since devoted most of my free time to studying beer, wine, and spirits. I’ve worked behind bars in nearly every type of establishment, ranging from high-volume venues and fine-dining restaurants to one of the biggest whiskey bars in the country. I’ve attended more than three-dozen formal trainings and workshops related to beer, wine, sake, amari, and liquor. And I was a judge on the gin panel at the American Distilling Institute’s International Spirits Competition in April 2023.

The Polish company that manufactures it — Polmos Warszawa — recommends infusing their product with fruits and herbs and using it to make liqueurs. Old Brothers is a testament to the Jamaican art of rum-making, known for its strong and unapologetic presence in the world of high-proof spirits. The second most popular vodka in the world, Absolut is sold in 126 countries and has made a name for itself as a premium vodka without a premium price tag. Absolut is produced using only natural ingredients and is made from 100 percent Swedish wheat. The brand is known for its boldness and creativity, from its unusual-shaped bottle to its out-there marketing campaigns and variety of flavored bottles. It launched in New York in 1979 and has stuck to the same recipe throughout its entire production period.