Eastern European Vodka Taste Test: Akvinta vs. Black Sea vs. Russian Standard

Can newcomers best Mother Russia?
by Tim Teichgraeber on Jul 31, 2012 in Liquor
Eastern European Vodka Taste Test: Akvinta vs. Black Sea vs. Russian Standard

Vodka as we know it was born in Eastern Europe (some say Russia and others say Poland), and the clear spirit’s moniker is a diminutive form of the Slavic word for water, voda. In a time where companies are making vodka out of everything from pineapples to quinoa and flavoring it to taste like cupcakes and whipped cream, it’s easy to feel nostalgia for the days when vodka was made from common grains and had to have a Russian-sounding name to be taken at all seriously.

Even as many new vodka brands have sprung up in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union, Eastern European vodkas have largely stayed true to the classic style. They continue to be made from winter grains like rye, winter wheat and barley, delivering a dry vodka with just a whisper of an earthy rasp. I decided to assemble a few notable younger brands for a side-by-side blind tasting.

From Mother Russia, I selected Russian Standard Original (the “regular” bottling), a reasonably priced ($25) post-Soviet brand that has been gaining a lot of traction in the U.S.

The second contender was Black Sea, a value-priced vodka from Estonia that’s distilled and sold exclusively to Trader Joe’s by Liviko. (The Estonian distiller was actually founded in 1898, but only recently began producing Black Sea.) Perhaps because of the exclusive distribution deal, you can find a bottle for less than $15.

Lastly I chose Akvinta, a relatively new vodka from Croatia, part of the former Yugoslavia. Akvinta calls itself “the first Mediterranean luxury vodka,” and is distilled five times, then charcoal-filtered, and for mysterious reasons (known only to marketers of “luxury” items), it is also “filtered” with marble, silver, gold and platinum. Lately Croatia and Slovenia have been working hard to align themselves more closely with Italy, the EU and the Adriatic Sea, and in this case it seems to be working. Akvinta has had some early success in the US and sells for the relatively reasonable price of around $25 a bottle.

I performed a taste test without knowledge of what vodka was in which glass, sipping them neat and on the rocks. Here are the results:

Third Place: Black Sea

Country: Estonia
Alcohol: 40% ABV
Distilled from: grain (undisclosed)
Price: $15
Black sea doesn’t suck. It’s inexpensive and reasonably well made, but in addition to the grain-and-cream notes that plant it firmly in the Russian/Polish style, there are some blowsy alcohol aromas. The alcohol sticks out a bit on the finish as well, and it simply lacks the distilling refinement of the other two. You could certainly do worse for the money, but I’d recommend Black Sea as a mixer rather than as a sipping vodka or martini call.

Second Place: Akvinta

Country: Croatia
Alcohol: 40% ABV
Distilled from: Italian wheat
Price: $25
Akvinta is stylistically a bit different from Russian Standard and Black Sea. Maybe that’s because it’s made solely from wheat, and has a softer, fruitier, more lemony profile akin to Svedka or certain American vodkas. The lemony, mildly herbaceous aromas initially reminded me of Pine Sol, but this product is well made and has great richness on the palate, finishing with a fresh lemon zest note. It certainly wouldn’t be a bad choice on the rocks with a twist,  and is perfectly suited for use in juice-based cocktails.

First Place: Russian Standard

Country:
Russia
Alcohol: 40% ABV
Distilled from: winter grains
Price: $25
Established in 1998 by billionaire entrepreneur and banker Roustam Tariko, Russian Standard has become a major player in Russia and the U.S. and is sold in over 70 countries. This brand is exactly what I look for eastern European vodka. The nose is bright and keenly focused with complex notes of rye, white pepper and licorice. It’s spicy, but smooth in the mouth with subtle caraway and rye notes that finish without any clumsy excess alcoholic heat. Well on its way to becoming a modern classic.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close