The SFWSC has unveiled its first-ever list of the 2024 Vodkas of the Year, with Chopin Potato Vodka taking the top honor. Here’s a concise overview along with tasting notes for the ten best vodka selections.
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) has unveiled its first-ever list of Vodkas of the Year for 2024. Chopin Potato Vodka has been honored as the Vodka of the Year. Here’s a concise overview along with tasting notes for the ten Vodkas of the Year selected by the SFWSC.
These vodkas have earned Double Gold medals at the SFWSC and have also secured Gold Medals in at least four other prominent international spirit contests. Recognized as some of the finest in the world, they present a variety of aroma and flavor profiles, spanning from well-known legacy brands to innovative selections from craft distillers. Best of all, they are easily accessible and affordably priced.
Worldwide Vodka Trends
In 2024, the global vodka market showed a steady trend when compared to 2023. As reported by Euromonitor International, vodka sales were projected to reach 338.4 million cases by the close of 2024, marking a minor decline from the 338.44 million cases recorded in 2023.
Although there was a slight decrease in volume, the value of vodka sales saw an increase, growing from $78.2 billion in 2023 to $79.4 billion in 2024. Projections for 2025 indicate that sales will further rise to $82.6 billion.
Economy and premium brands experienced the most notable revenue growth, as economic challenges pushed some consumers towards more affordable options, while others were drawn to higher-priced products due to ongoing premiumization trends. This shift in consumer behavior was especially evident in the rising demand for premium vodka among millennials and Gen Z.
Flavored vodkas have consistently outperformed their neutral counterparts and are projected to exceed them in volume by 2025 or 2026. The volume of flavored vodka is increasing at a rate of approximately 6.5%, whereas neutral (unflavored) vodka expressions are anticipated to see minor declines in volume in 2024.
Botanical vodkas, infused with natural botanicals instead of synthetic flavorings, are rapidly becoming the most dynamic segment of the vodka industry, though they still represent a minor portion of the overall market. This rise in botanical vodkas is giving birth to a vodka category reminiscent of gin, differing mainly in the intensity of juniper flavors, and can often be hard to differentiate from "modern gins" that downplay the juniper taste.
In general, although the global sales volume of vodka experienced only a minor drop in 2024, the sales value saw an increase, suggesting that the trend of premiumization in the vodka sector is still progressing.
SFWSC Vodka of the Year Award
These vodkas have received numerous prestigious accolades, including the esteemed Double Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Such honors reflect their outstanding quality and expert craftsmanship.
Grey Goose Vodka, produced at the Grey Goose Distillery in France.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold Medal, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold Medal, Beverage Testing Institute: Gold Medal, New York International Spirits Competition: Gold Medal.
Silky and smooth, Grey Goose features flavors of citrus zest and almond and a creamy mouthfeel, this vodka has a clean and elegant finish, making it a benchmark for luxury vodkas.
Belvedere Vodka, produced by Polmos Żyrardów in Poland.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold
Belvedere is rich and full-bodied, with notes of vanilla and rye spice and a creamy, velvety texture. The finish is long, smooth, and subtly peppery.
Tito's Handmade Vodka, produced by Fifth Generation Inc., located in the United States.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold; IWSC: Gold; International Spirits Challenge: Gold; World Spirits Awards: Gold; New York International Spirits Competition: Gold.
Corn sweetness with a creamy texture, subtle notes of bread, and a clean, slightly sweet finish. Tito’s Vodka is versatile for cocktails or sipping neat and pairs well with [specific food or mixers].
Absolut Elyx, a premium vodka brand, is produced by The Absolut Company in Sweden.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold
Absolut Elyx is luxuriously smooth and silky with fresh grain flavors, subtle vanilla, and hints of fruit. The finish is crisp, elegant, and refined.
Cîroc Vodka, Distillery of Chevanceaux, France
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold; IWSC: Gold; Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold; World Vodka Awards: Gold; International Spirits Challenge: Gold.
Vibrant and refreshing, featuring notes of light grape, citrus, and tropical fruits, this wine concludes with a clean, invigorating finish that has a hint of sweetness.
Stolichnaya Elit, produced by Latvijas Balzams in Latvia.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold; IWSC: Gold; Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold; World Vodka Awards: Gold; International Spirits Challenge: Gold.
Stolichnaya is ultra-smooth with a creamy mouthfeel and flavors of marshmallow, citrus zest, and a subtle peppery finish.
Reyka Vodka, William Grant & Sons, Iceland
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold.
Bright and refreshing, this wine exhibits a delicate minerality complemented by subtle hints of vanilla and a touch of citrus. The finish is elegantly smooth and invigorating, featuring a gentle earthy nuance.
Chopin Potato Vodka, produced by Polmos Siedlce in Poland.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, Beverage Testing Institute: Gold Medal
Chosen as the Vodka of the Year, Chopin Potato Vodka offers a complex and nuanced aroma and taste profile.
It boasts a rich and creamy texture, featuring earthy notes, subtle vanilla accents, and a slight sweetness. The aftertaste is luxurious and velvety.
Crystal Head Vodka, produced by Globefill Inc. in Canada.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, New York International Spirits Competition: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold
Radiant and pure, featuring delicate hints of vanilla, peach, and gentle grains. The aftertaste is sharp and invigorating.
Black Cow Vodka, produced by Black Cow Distillery in England.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, New York International Spirits Competition: Gold.
The texture is velvety and rich, featuring notes of vanilla and coconut, complemented by a gentle sweetness derived from its milk-based distillation. The aftertaste is crisp and subtly sweet.
These vodkas are among the best globally, having earned the esteemed Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, along with numerous gold medals from renowned international contests. Each vodka showcases remarkable quality and artistry, offering a diverse array of aromas and flavor profiles. They are all exceptional choices that are definitely worth sampling!
