Vodka is the most consumed spirit in the world, perhaps because its flavor combines so well with fruit juices and soft drinks.

Born in the Middle Ages, its origin is unclear. Poles and Russians dispute it, but today, many countries produce balanced, high quality vodkas. With the exception of very small amounts of spices, vodka is composed mostly of water and ethanol. It is generally produced through the fermentation of starch-rich grains and tubers such as rye, wheat or potatoes.

Although, in its home countries, vodka is consumed alone, in a frosted glass and always in one gulp, in the rest of the world it is usually used to make cocktails like the Screwdriver, Vodkatini, Caipiroska and the celebrated Bloody Mary.

These are some of the most rare and special vodkas found in the international market.

Diva
A Scottish Exclusivity.
Considered the world’s most expensive vodka, Diva is produced in Scotland’s Blackwood Distillery. Its manufacturing process includes triple distillation. In the first phase, the vodka is filtered with ice, in the second with Nordic birch charcoal, and in the third phase, it is filtered through a fine sand of diamonds and gems. Its artsy container sets the final price since the bottle is encrusted with fine and delicate gemstones. Therefore, the monetary value of each bottle of Diva Premium is hard to determine because it depends on the quantity and quality of the gemstones used to adorn such magnificent bottle.

Legend of Kremlin
A Russian Tradition.
Legend of Kremlin was born, as its name implies, in Russia. It is produced from specially selected grains, water from the artesian well, located in the distillery, and natural ingredients. This unique vodka is completely handmade and distilled five times. Its production is limited, and those who taste it will detect its essential flavor and refined aroma. So far, this vodka has received eleven major awards and nine gold medals in international competitions. The bottle design is reminiscent of typical vodka bottles from the 19th century. We should also mention that it is kosher.

Belvedere
Polish Character.
This is the first super premium vodka in the world. Belvedere represents the pinnacle of the Polish vodka tradition. Using only the finest grains, it is distilled, by hand, to create the perfect balance of character and purity. Belvedere Vodka is the true expression of luxury. Completely free of additives, it is diluted with water from the distillery`s own artesian well. Belvedere combines over 600 years of experience with an unwavering commitment to quality. With unique attributes, this vodka generates a host of subtle sensations: it has a light scent of vanilla, a soft rye flavored sweetness, and a pleasant creamy feel in the palate with a smooth and clean finish.

Ciroc
French Savoir-faire.
Ciroc could be labeled unusual and extravagant because it is made from French grapes instead of potatoes, rye, wheat or corn, the ingredients commonly used to make traditional vodka. The juice is squeezed from the grapes, fermented in cold temperatures and, later, distilled. Made from grapes, it has a distinctly different flavor than other vodkas, and though it retains its essence, its aroma is unique and distinguished by an intense fruity flavor. Ciroc comes in a highly stylized, elongated bottle that depicts the image of a grape and the French national symbol, the emblematic rooster.

Studer Classic
Swiss Efficiency.
Vodka of such extraordinary quality, Studer Swiss Classic, can only be manufactured using the best grains and the purest water in the Alps. The traditional recipe for this sublime vodka has been kept secret for more than 120 years. Skilled craftsmen distill the best wheat up to three times with clear Alpine water. The resulting nectar rests in oak barrels until it reaches the right time for bottling in a beautiful spherical glass container that shows, inside, the representation of Mount Matterhorn, the iconic emblem of the Swiss Alps. ■