Hailing from Schiedam, Holland, Ketel One vodka stands as a prominent figure in the spirits industry. Particularly favored by bartenders for its mixability, Ketel One was established in 1983 by the Nolet family’s 10th generation, well-known for their historical Nolet Distillery. The creation of Ketel One was driven by the ambition to craft the ideal vodka for cocktails. Even after several decades, the brand stays at the forefront of innovation within the alcohol and bar industry through its introduction of different flavored vodkas such as Citroen, Oranje, and the Botanical series.

These Ketel One flavors complement a diverse array of other popular vodka brands, stretching from names like Smirnoff and Svedka to Absolut. Flavored vodkas are primarily utilized to enhance the tastes in mixed drinks, extending from fruity to citrus profiles, and experimenting with unique combinations such as orange blossom or cucumber with mint.

For enthusiasts keen on discovering the ideal Ketel One vodka tailored for their tastes, I will evaluate the brand’s current offerings. I’ll analyze these options based on their intricate flavor combinations, ultimately selecting the top recommendation. Even if vodka is not usually your favorite spirit, the top contender on this list might just sway your preference.

Some recommendations are based on firsthand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer.

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Ketel One Citroen vodka is crafted with four types of lemon and two types of lime, aiming to achieve a spirit that’s fresh and rich in citrus flavors. However, it disappointingly doesn’t hit the mark of being fresh or tasteful. The citrus nuances are subdued by the 40% alcohol content, resulting in an 80-proof vodka that is dominantly alcoholic in taste.

The appearance of the Citroen bottle is visually pleasing, featuring a frosted glass look with splashes of yellow adding vibrancy. Yet, upon opening, it releases a strong smell resembling citrus-scented nail polish remover. This aroma confirms the dominance of alcohol in this vodka, echoed by its flavor. The taste of citrus is faint, lacking distinct notes of lime or lemon.

This vodka could potentially be suitable for a martini with a twist if that’s your preferred cocktail, as it won’t overpower the drink with lemony flavors. The addition of vermouth and a lemon garnish might help soften the vodka’s harshness. Nonetheless, drinking this vodka straight is less than ideal; it’s far from the smooth experience advertised by the brand, feeling more burning on the tongue and unpleasant on the nose when consumed on its own.

Ketel One’s orange vodka skillfully blends Valencia and mandarin oranges, enhancing the brand’s range with a more vibrant and distinct orange freshness. Oranje possesses a potent orange scent that introduces a tropical nuance to its flavor profile, while maintaining a 40% alcohol by volume. This flavor profile makes it an ideal choice for summer drinks, presenting a welcoming mild sweetness upon opening.

Compared to the Citroen variety, Oranje is noticeably smoother, making it potentially more suitable for drinking neat or over ice. The subtle sweetness is likely attributed to the Valencia oranges, known for their balanced sweet and tart characteristics. These oranges retain their sweetness after being exposed to air, unlike others that might turn bitter. This characteristic makes them a popular choice for orange juice, and in Oranje, they ensure a lasting sweetness throughout the consumption of the bottle.

While the mandarin element is subtler, it enhances the tropical scents of this vodka, as mandarins are often noted for their citrusy, floral aroma. Although the two orange varietals are blended smoothly, they distinctly contribute to creating a singular, enjoyable flavor in Ketel One Oranje.

In line with Ketel One’s Botanical series, the peach and orange blossom variant also boasts natural flavoring without the use of artificial additives. Like other spirits in this series, which all possess a 30% alcohol by volume, these flavored vodkas contain no additional sugar. Despite the absence of extra sugar, the pronounced peach flavor remains pleasant and satisfying to drink.

Scents play a crucial role in setting the first impression of various foods and beverages, and Ketel One has successfully captured this essence with their bottle. The aroma of this flavored vodka is akin to a warm, tropical, fruity candle, enticing like a carefully mixed beverage tempting you to indulge. Although the scent is more pronounced than the flavor, this peach and orange blossom variant stands out as the smoothest and most palatable in their flavored range to date.

The distillation process includes botanicals to embed the peach and orange blossom flavors directly into the vodka. While the orange blossom is subtle, its absence isn’t felt due to the dominant and delightful peach flavor. This makes it enjoyable straight, without the need for mixing. Nevertheless, it would also complement a sweet cocktail, such as a cosmopolitan, enhancing the versatility of the Ketel One Botanical for various drinking preferences.

Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose vodka is also a top contender, equally celebrated for its aroma and flavor. The fragrance features a floral note from the rose paired with a prominent grapefruit presence. Yet, in taste, it is the rose that dominantly flavors the vodka, bordering on overwhelming but maintaining a delightful balance. This rose flavor addition enriches the beverage.

You will notice a subtle sweetness in this vodka that contributes to its overall smoothness, making it suitable for neat consumption or served on the rocks. For those who prefer mixed beverages, it blends superbly into a cosmopolitan due to its floral and sweet notes that align well with the cocktail’s character. Like the other Ketel One variants, the pleasant and strong aroma enhances the drinking experience, with the grapefruit and rose vodka tasting as enchanting as a high-quality candle smells.

If you’re a fan of unflavored spirits, you’re in luck. At 40% ABV, the original Ketel One Family Made Vodka bottle stands strong among its flavored counterparts — proving that simplicity often prevails. This traditional vodka is characterized by a smooth texture and a crisp taste. It’s comparable to the brand’s Botanical Cucumber & Mint, albeit less intensely vegetal.

Vodka is generally known for its neutral flavor profile, and this Ketel One bottle is no exception. It offers a smooth, almost creamy texture, with the taste of alcohol being distinct yet not overpowering. Hence, it serves as an excellent base for any cocktail, ranging from espresso martinis to bloody marys. Ultimately, the quality of vodka is enhanced by the flavors with which it mixes, and Ketel One has nearly perfected its original formula, making it an ideal choice for vodka-based drinks.

The Ketel One Botanical Cucumber & Mint vodka stands out due to its versatility and broad appeal. Its aroma is predominantly vegetal, so much so, it’s reminiscent of tequila. This makes it an attractive option for tequila lovers who are exploring vodkas, whether it be for an evening or a more permanent switch.

Initially, I anticipated a robust mint flavor, but it turned out to be quite the opposite. The cucumber leads the flavor profile, rendering this vodka exceptionally refreshing and suitable for neat consumption. The mint adds a subtle zest, enhancing the balance and roundedness of the flavors. This flavored vodka is perfect for a vodka-based mojito recipe or to innovate a spritz cocktail. Its refreshing nature was a pleasant surprise, striking a perfect balance between maintaining vodka’s simplicity and infusing excitement into each sip. Among all the Ketel One varieties, this one is my top preference.

Each variety of Ketel One vodka was sampled neat after being chilled. The most appreciated flavors were those with a balanced taste profile, smooth on the palate, emphasizing the neutral character typical of vodka over the alcoholic bite. Flavors that seemed most adaptable—suitable for mixing in various cocktails or enjoyable on their own—received the highest ratings. Preference was also given to those flavors I would revisit and recommend as staples for vodka enthusiasts or those new to vodka.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.