Vodka is Underrated. Here’s Why It Deserves More Love.

Last Updated: 28 April 2023

[Vodka 101 & brands you can consider trying.]

Vodka is commonly known as a spirit with no distinct taste or flavour, making it a versatile mixer in cocktails but not so much as a drink on its own. That is why many tend to opt for other choices instead of vodka. 

However, to say vodka is boring will simply be a lie in the presence of Absolut - the brand that has been concocting countless vodka flavours, each bringing something different to the party.

Oh, would you look at that! Just so happens, Mr.Chow has a bunch of Absolut flavours alongside other vodka brands you can choose from and drink to your heart's content. 

These are the Vodkas highlighted in the article:

1. Absolut's vodka range
2. Belvedere pure vodka
3. Stolichnaya premium vodka
4. Eristoff vodka

Choose with Ease

Decide which vodka you can’t stay away from by having a look at a streamlined guide to Mr.Chow’s Liquor Store’s top vodka picks!

But Wait a Minute, How is Vodka Made?

Traditionally colourless and flavourless, vodka is a distilled liquor and rectified spirit that is often distilled three times or more. 

You may see some atas vodka brands proudly advertising their high counts of distillation. 

This is because it’s known that vodka becomes cleaner and smoother the more times its distillation process is repeated as more impurities are removed with each round. 

Less expensive brands might not administer as many rounds, so you may really kena tumbuk in the throat by some vodka heat.

Most commonly made from cereal grains, many vodka brands have also started to incorporate other base ingredients such as sugar beets or other botanicals and spices to achieve a more distinguished flavour. 

Look at Absolut vodka,  they have more flavours than I have lovers, and I have A LOT sia.

What About the Taste?

We’ve talked about gin’s woody aroma of pine and juniper berries, and the gentle fruity sweetness of brandy embraced by warm oak. 

And vodka? Oh, vodka tastes like….. nothing, bro. 

But not having any discernible flavour is what makes vodka so versatile in cocktails. 

Each brand of vodka has had its modifications and since then developed its distinctive taste. For example, Absolut gives a silky, oily, texture with a hint of sweetness. 

Other brands such as Suntory’s Haku Vodka (made from white rice) are clean, luminous, and subtly sweet on the tongue. But these characteristics are just a drop in the ocean.

Absolut Array of Flavours

Flavoured vodkas have been everywhere for a long time now, with the existence of citrus flavours, vanilla, berries, and other types of fruits. 

Rich flavours such as chocolates and espresso are from a newer category, with more exotic flavours such as salmon, bacon, tobacco, and even hemp. I admit the salmon is a bit siao, but for some people, it works!

There is a slim chance you have not heard of Absolut. The popular vodka brand has redefined the vodka landscape, becoming synonymous with art, culture, and nightlife.

Every aspect of Absolut’s production journey takes place in the village of Åhus in Sweden where every ingredient used is sourced naturally and locally - winter wheat from the fertile fields in Åhus, water filtered through the Swedish bedrock tapped from the same village, and an energy-efficient CO2 neutral distillation. 

It typically comes at 40% ABV in 750ml bottles priced from RM105 to RM140. Among some of Absolut’s exciting flavours, you can find these in Mr.Chow’s Liquor Store:

1. The Classic: Absolut Blue

Source: Absolut

Like all vodkas, Absolut Blue is clear and colourless. It is a rich and complex full-bodied spirit that complements other aromas and elevates the taste of many cocktails.

• ON THE NOSE: Clean and complex with notes of cereal.
• ON THE PALATE: Sweet and mellow with a distinct character of peppery grain, followed by hints of dried fruit, vanilla, and sourdough bread.
• FINISH: Smooth and clean finish. Medium spicy with notes of liquorice.

2. The Popular One: Absolut Raspberri

Source: Absolut

Rich and jammy flavour of fresh raspberries that have been handpicked and harvested in the Swedish hillsides. Intense fruity aroma but is not overwhelming. 

• ON THE NOSE: Raspberries with a crisp peppery spice.
• ON THE PALATE: Clean balanced flavours of plain vodka and raspberry goodness with a tinge of spice.
• FINISH: Fresh, fruity, and slightly spicy. 

Shop: https://mrchowliquorstore.com/en/absolut-raspberri-700ml 

3. The Floral One: Absolut Hibiskus

Source: Absolut

A premium floral vodka with rich aromas of hibiscus fused with ripe and round notes of freshly sliced pomegranate. The natural sweetness from bright layers of floral and fruit flavours makes this an easy vodka to mix.

• ON THE NOSE: Clean fruity aromas of pomegranate with floral undertones.
• ON THE PALATE: Clean and crisp flavours of pomegranate and floral scents with the right hint of sour tartness. 
• FINISH: Distinct pomegranate and hibiscus and a hint of spice.

Shop: https://mrchowliquorstore.com/en/absolut-hibiskus-700ml 

4. The Hot One: Absolut Peppar

Source: Absolut

Heaty vodka carrying distinct spicy characters of green bell peppers, chilli, and jalapeños. It has a pronounced subtle sweetness enhanced by the spice of black peppercorn. A complex and smooth texture that comes through deliciously when mixed in a berry-centric cocktail.

• ON THE NOSE: Crisp and spicy aromas from pepper varieties.
• ON THE PALATE: Refreshingly spicy with flavours of chilli and black pepper. Slightly vegetal from the green pepper and jalapeño essences. Balanced with a mellow sweetness.
• FINISH: Hot and clean.

Shop: https://mrchowliquorstore.com/en/absolut-peppar-700ml 

5. The Tangy One: Absolut Citron

Source: Absolut

Smooth and mellow with a refreshing fruity character of natural lemon and lime. Its citrus factor makes it a popular mixer in cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan.

• ON THE NOSE: Clean and intense fruity aromas of tangerines and zesty lemons.
• ON THE PALATE: Fresh and crisp flavours of zesty lemon peels and sour tartness.
• FINISH: Fresh and clean with a tangy finish.

Shop: https://mrchowliquorstore.com/en/absolut-citron-750ml 

6. The Fruity One: Absolut Mandarin

Source: Absolut

This Absolut Mandarin exhibits more floral mandarin characters rather than a fresh and intense orange flavour. Soft on the palate with a gentle sweetness, this vodka is complex and smooth with notes of orange peels.

• ON THE NOSE: Complex aromas of fruity mandarin and orange blossom, with notes of passion fruit and fig.
• ON THE PALATE: Rich texture with a tropical fruit core and citrus edge reminiscent of caramelised citrus peels.
• FINISH: Fresh acidity with vibrant layers of summer fruit.

Shop: https://mrchowliquorstore.com/en/absolut-mandrin-700ml 

7. The Violet One: Absolut Kurant

Source: Absolut

Silky and luscious with natural fruity flavours of blackcurrant with a tinge of tartness. This vodka hits the palate with cassis aromas and pleasantly intense dark fruit flavours.

• ON THE NOSE: Clean aromas of blackcurrant and notes of vanilla and violets.
• ON THE PALATE: Balanced flavours of juicy blackcurrant and dashes of black pepper.
• FINISH: Dark berries with hints of peppery spice.

Shop: https://mrchowliquorstore.com/en/absolut-kurant-700ml

8. The Zesty One: Absolut Ruby Red

Source: Absolut Drinks

Deriving its name and flavour from red grapefruits, this crisp vodka is fruity and has a subtle aroma, smooth taste, and an overall refreshing character providing just the right amount of sweetness.

• ON THE NOSE: Drying scent of grapefruit with a clean crisp peppery spice.
• ON THE PALATE: Clean balance from the citrus of grapefruit and the sweet notes of wheat.
• FINISH: Tangy, subtly sweet, and slightly bitter notes of grapefruit accompanied by a dash of pepper.

Shop: https://mrchowliquorstore.com/en/absolut-ruby-red-700ml 

Vodka that Hits the Spot

That was an Absolut feast! But maybe you would prefer something less mainstream? Mr.Chow’s got you covered even if Absolut is not your cup of tea (or shot of vodka). Check out some other vodka brands from our liquor store you may like!

Belvedere Pure Vodka

Source: Belvedere

Made from complex Polish rye and purified well water, then distilled with fire - Belvedere is certified kosher and is produced with zero additives as per the Polish Vodka legal regulations. 

This vodka takes on a distinct taste from the heritage rye grain used and thus develops its signature depth, rather than a neutral ingredient such as wheat. The pristine water used in the blend then allows these complex flavours from the grains to shine through.

• 700 ml
• 40% ABV
• ON THE NOSE: Clean and subdued with mild sweetness and tanginess of tangerine and lemon, floral notes and toasted rye bread. 
• ON THE PALATE: Sweet upon first taste. Clean and silky with a creamy mouthfeel. Floral notes with hints of vanilla, faint white chocolate, almond oil and mild black pepper. 
• FINISH: Moderately spicy with grassy notes and hints of vanilla.

Stolichnaya Premium Vodka

An exceptionally classic yet refreshingly modern take on vodka - Soviet-originated Stolichnaya is distilled from selected grains that are filtered through birch charcoal and quartz sands. The resulting vodka is clear and colourless, with mineral aromas and flavours. Expect a nearly creamy texture when enjoying this spirit.

• 700ml
• ABV 40%
• ON THE NOSE: Mineral, cracked black pepper, marshmallow, mild fruit peels.
• ON THE PALATE:  Smooth, medium-bodied palate with pastry frosting, talc, and citrus rind flavours.
• FINISH: Clean, subtly sweet with notes of sugar dust, wet straw, balanced with a hint of pepper fade. 

Eristoff Vodka

Source: Pinterest

Eristoff vodka is a triple distilled, charcoal-filtered, clean and crisp premium Russian spirit produced from 100% pure grains based on Prince Eristoff’s secret recipe. It has a relatively lower ABV and may not be up top on any “Best Vodka Brands” or “Most Luxurious Vodka” lists, but if you want a good value for money yet tasty vodka, Eristoff is what you’re looking for.

• 700 ml
• 37.5% ABV
• ON THE NOSE: Light whiffs of vanilla, bubblegum, lime, and black pepper among the otherwise neutral aromas of glacier ice.
• ON THE PALATE:  Clean and dry with flavours of slightly sweet toast and aniseed. 
• FINISH:  Short, crisp, and fresh.

Ways to Drink It

Coming in at about 40 to 50 per cent blood alcohol volume at 80-100 proof, vodka is typically enjoyed neat, on the rocks, chilled, in cocktails or glugged as a shot. 

Consuming it chilled helps it go down more smoothly and saves you from the burning, throat-on-fire type choking.

The neutral taste of unflavoured vodka allows other ingredients of a drink to take the stage. So many items on your average martini menu have been grazed by vodka, famously: 

• Bloody Mary
• Cosmopolitan
• Screwdriver
• Vodka Martini
• Moscow Mule

Get Your Vodka at Mr.Chow’s!

So many flavours, and so little time. Hurry and get your vodka from Mr.Chow’s liquor store! 100% genuine products at low prices with free delivery - make a move now!