The UK based International Spirits Challenge has recently released the top medalists in the gin, vodka and rum categories.
The ISC is widely considered one of the top competitions for judging spirits.
Here are the top three vodkas along with tasting notes.
A total of 109 vodkas were submitted. Only three received the coveted Double Gold Medal.
Rachmaninoff Triple Distilled Vodka
The vodka has won medals in other spirits competitions, including a gold medal in 2015 and silver medals in 2016 and 2018 at the International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC)
Unfortunately, the vodka is not available in the US. In Europe, it is available exclusively from Lidl stores. That is a pity since it is generally priced at between $10 and $15 a bottle.
Koskenkorva Vodka Lemon Lime Yarrow
One of Finland’s most popular brands, the vodka is flavored with lemon, lime and yarrow. The latter is a flowering perennial plant often found in home gardens. It’s a rather unusual flavoring agent for a vodka.
The vodka is not available in the United States, but can be purchased from some of the UK mail order companies like The Whiskey Exchange or Master of Malt.
Polar Ice, Arctic Extreme Vodka
Produced by Corby Spirit and Wine at the Hiram Walker & Sons distillery in Windsor Ontario. This vodka also received a Gold Outstanding Medal at the 2020 International Wines and Spirits Competition.
With top medals from two of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions, Polar Ice Extreme Vodka could easily claim the mantle of world’s best vodka in 2020. At the very least it is a strong contender.
Fortunately, unlike the previous two winners, Polar Ice Arctic Extreme can be found in North America but usually requires some effort. It has been scarce since about April 2020. Look for it in larger and specialty liquor stores or online. At an average price of $16 for a liter, it is also dirt cheap and by far one of the best values in Vodka today.