Is there a difference between cheap and inexpensive vodkas?

Question

I heard that becuase inorder to be called vodka it has to have no taste, no smell, and no color so the expensive vodkas are no better than the cheap ones.

Answer 1

The price!

Answer 2

Vodka has a taste, and a smell. It is true that no vodka has color, but it isn't true that all vodka is clear. I know of one that isn't, Blavad (sp?), it is a black vodka. Black is a neutral, not a color, so it still has no color technically but isn't clear like the rest of them.

As for the difference in cheap and expensive vodkas, there is a difference, but is often not as large of one that people make it out to be. For instance, there is a huge difference in Grey Goose and Heaven Hill vodka. However, there have been several blind taste tests that I know of that various vodka critics that only drink expensive vodkas and say cheap ones are terrible take a blind taste test and pick mostly cheaper vodkas as the best and the expensive ones don't do so well.

Answer 3

All vodka is clear and has alimited smell but you can surely taste the difference between vodka brands and the cheap versus the expensive. The more expensive the smoother the vodka. Cheap vodka is best left for mixed drinks where the vodka taste doesn't really matter much

Answer 4

I've tried many many many a vodka and I can say without hesitation that there are differences in all of them. The best vodkas are triple to 6 times distilled, which gives them a cleaner flavor. You definitely get what you pay for when you buy vodka. Some people can't really see the point of paying for an expensive bottle, but it's been my experience that those people usually just want a buzz and could care less what they're drinking. Once someone tries the inexpensive brands, and then they go to a better brand, they'll recognize the differences, and then decide whether it's worth it to them to pay more for it. I personally would rather eat worms than drink cheap vodka.

Answer 5

That is completely not true. When putting vodka in a mixed drink or in a flavored martini, the cheaper the vodka the stronger the alcohol taste is in the drink. A more expensive vodka will allow the drink to taste better and be more smooth. Also with cheaper vodka, you will be more prone to having a hangover. This doesn't mean expensive vodkas will not give you a hangover if you drink too much.

Answer 6

No taste? I haven't had that one yet! What you're looking for is no offensive aftertaste. Cheap vodka will make you hate yourself (so will good vodka, but it takes a lot more). I agree with the general consensus that good vodka, 100 proof Stoli is one of my favorites, is a must for drinking straight or in a Martini. If you're making Martini's, don't go cheap on the Vermouth either; 100 proof Stoli and Martini and Rossi Extra Dry White are a hard combination to beat. If you're going to plug a watermelon or spike some punch, grab the $5.00 rot gut.

Answer 7

All vodka has no smell, though it has taste, believe me. And ALL vodka is clear.

But a better vodka will have less bitterness to it and less of an after taste. Also, cheaper vodka can give some people headaches.

Answer 8

A Huge difference !
Try Grey Goose...Belvedere
Kettle One
You'll never go back to the cheap stuff. These vodkas you can drink right from the freezer or with a twist of lemon.

Answer 9

Spoken by someone who is a minor and does not know the difference in a fine glass of smooth vodka and a alcoholics anything goes glass of vodka.

Answer 10

If you plan on making martini's or drinking Vodka straight, then the more expensive brands are a better choice. If you plan on mixing with a mix (ie orange juice, etc), it really doesn't matter.

Unless you have exceptionally picky taste buds, they won't really notice the difference! Drink up and enjoy!

Answer 11

Vodka does have a smell, just not like beer or whiskey. Better Vodka is smoother, and doesn't give as bad of a hangover.