Ten vodkas were awarded Gold Outstanding medals at the 2025 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), all competing for the coveted Vodka Trophy. Though vodka is often perceived as a neutral mixer, it is, in fact, a diverse spirit that can reflect the characteristics of its base ingredients, including those derived from rye, wheat, potatoes, or sugar beets.

The IWSC, which has been in operation for over fifty years, evaluates more than 12,000 alcoholic beverages annually through blind judging. To earn a Gold Outstanding medal, each vodka had to score a minimum of 98 out of 100 points. This year, the winners are all vying for the Vodka Trophy, which will be awarded in November.

Gold Outstanding Medal Winners

1. Witchmark Distillery Single Origin English Vodka

   • Produced in Norfolk, England, this vodka is distilled from local barley and boasts a creamy, smooth profile. Judges noted its rich and malty nose with hints of cocoa, followed by mint and toffee apple on the palate, and a pleasantly warm finish.

2. Eimverk Distillery Kría Single Grain Vodka

   • Made from locally grown barley in Iceland using pure spring water, this vodka offers aromas of baked sesame pastry and sweet cream cheese. Judges appreciated its silky texture with flavors of toffee, baked apple, and anise.

3. Adnams, Southwold Longshore Triple Malt Vodka

   • Distilled from a blend of barley, wheat, and oats, this vodka features a creamy texture with notes of oat, butterscotch, and malt sweetness. The palate is enriched with berry flavors and a soft, peppery finish that recalls apple pie.

4. Belvedere Vodka 10 Vodka

   • Crafted from Dankowskie Diamond Rye, this super-premium vodka undergoes a meticulous ten-stage production process. Tasters found aromas of caramel and spice with a robust, silky palate that echoes creamy vanilla and sourdough notes.

5. Laplandia Bilberry Vodka

   • Infused with arctic bilberry, this vodka offers a vibrant fruity nose and a balanced palate of wild blueberries and sour cherries alongside sweet vanilla. Judges celebrated its fresh and juicy finish.

6. Laplandia Cloudberry Vodka

   • Made from the rare cloudberry, this vodka is noted for its aromatic sweetness. The judging panel highlighted its blend of caramel and orange marmalade flavors with a captivating sweetness.

7. Hawkridge Distillers Sexy Fish Vodka

   • Developed in collaboration with a high-end restaurant, this vodka emphasizes smoothness and purity. Judges noted floral and fruity aromas with a creamy palate enriched by citrus and vanilla.

8. Eckerts Wacholder Brennerei GmbH Superb 5 X Distilled Vodka

   • This experimental vodka from a small German distillery carries light minerality and sweet vanilla aromas, leading to flavors of caramel and stone fruit.

9. Eckerts Wacholder Brennerei GmbH Korol Black Vodka

   • Another entry from the same distillery, this vodka presents a bouquet of sweet wheat and offers a memorable finish of warm spice.

10. Absolut Hunni Vodka

    • This new product features natural honey flavorings from Swedish wheat. Judges found it delightful with honey and floral notes, maintaining a consistent quality through its continuous distillation process.

These exceptional vodkas exemplify the range of flavors and craftsmanship present in the world of vodka, moving beyond mere mixers to being celebrated as fine spirits in their own right. The IWSC continues to highlight the best in the industry, ensuring that vodka gets its due recognition.