At one time the best vodka brands were dominated by a few large European distillers and their offshoots. They all aimed to make the cleanest, crispest vodka with little flavor or aftertaste, at an easily palatable price.

While that still remains the goal for many cheap vodka expressions, much like the gin industry vodka is changing to accommodate new taste and flavor options, innovative craftsmanship, and regional personalities.

The following list of the best vodka brands to try in 2021 includes some great bottles of spirit from the word’s top producers. It mixes new entrants, old favorites, and interesting flavored products that are sure to interest the vodka aficionado or novice.

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1. Absolut Elyx Single Estate Handcrafted Wheat Vodka

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Absolut Vodka Elyx defines luxury Swedish vodka, made from single estate winter wheat (this means the grain only comes from one specific source prior before distillation). The vodka is hand produced in an antique 1921 copper column still and bottled at 84.6 proof, however the silky smoothness is such that you can completely disregard the hike in alcohol content.

Absolut Vodka Elyx delivers a beautifully smooth taste and almost completely non-existent bite, suitable for the novice and vodka lover alike. At its price point under $50 Absolute Elyx is hard to go past if you’re looking to enjoy a premium vodka crafted with commitment to quality and innovation.

2. Ciroc Vodka

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Another on the list of top-quality French vodka production, Ciroc is a grape-based gluten free vodka which drinks clean and crisp, with just the barest hint of fruit on the palate.

The standard Ciroc vodka is distilled five times from mauzac blanc and ugni blanc grapes to create a spirit with little burn on the tongue and in the chest, which is a huge deal when separating the best of the best. The creamy mouthfeel, smooth taste, and zesty notes of fruit really make Ciroc a standout vodka whether snap chilled or served on ice.