Ahh I have neglected this posting for far too long!
Way back in November, I was invited to a vodka tasting event featuring Ketel One Vodka.
The idea was to get a bunch of influential bloggers together to taste and compare Ketel One vodka to other brands; in our case it was Grey Goose and Absolut. They had a brand ambassador there (she was great!) who explained the process of making vodka, the different grains it can be made from and what makes Ketel One different (Distillation process, maybe?).
I can’t remember what it was exactly that made Ketel One different, so I’ll just have to give my comments based on the taste test I did.
The event started with some free cocktails, and I had a very well made cosmopolitan then we had a few hors d’oeuvres (unfortunately cold, icky and not enough to fight the alkie buzz I was battling!) before the brand ambassador told us a bit about the brand. You can find all the cool information on their website: KetelOne.com. I had never heard of Ketel One before this, so it was nice to learn about the brand and be able to taste it as well. We got a small bottle of it in a gift bag at the end, as well as a recipe card and martini shaker thingy.
As for the taste test? Well, let me start by saying it was not something I would like to repeat! Tasting vodka warm and on it’s own is not very pleasant! However I undertand their reasoning… you can taste it in it’s pure form and if you like it this way, then imagine how good it will be chilled!
As I mentioned before, we tasted Ketel One, Grey Goose and Absolut. All three are fairly high end, with Grey Goose being most expensive at $44.95, Ketel One in the middle at $38.95 and Absolut at $37.95 as the cheapest according to the LCBO.
Our taste-testing room at the Spoke Club
Ketel One had almost no taste, and was very smooth. These are good things in vodka tasting. You don’t want to taste much flavour. It also had a bit of a kick to it! I made the “OMG alcohol!” face after trying it. It evoked visions of clear mountain waters in my mind.
Grey Goose (my favourite going into this test) was even smoother, with a more gentle finish and almost no taste as well. I understand that some version of sugar is added to the vodka to help create the smooth taste. I’m ok with that.
Absolut was the worst out of the three. It was strongly flavoured as a result of the mixed grains used in production (Grey Goose and Ketel One use only wheat) and also felt a little bit harsh. Now, seeing as I am a whiskey drinker; which involves the savouring of many flavours and notes in your alcohol, I liked the variety of notes in this vodka. However, since the point of vodka is to have an odorless, colorless neutral spirit, Absolut was definitely not that.
My verdict? I still like Grey Goose the best out of the three, but Ketel One came in a close second. I like that it’s a little bit more pure, and it’s also cheaper than the Goose. I think once my Grey Goose is finished I would buy Ketel One as my premium vodka.
If you’re just looking to get drunk quick, then don’t bother with any of these spirits as they are considered super-premium. You save these brands for use in special drinks such as martinis and cosmopolitans, where the drink is mostly alcohol. These are not meant to go into your Vodka Seven’s!
Well, I hope you enjoyed my half-assed attempt at educating you on the finer points of vodka! If you get a chance to go to a tasting I would recommend doing it! I’ve done a whiskey/scotch tasting before as well as a beer tasting and I’ve learned from and enjoyed them all very much.
Gee, who knew learning could be so *hic* fun? 😉
5 responses to “Ketel One Vodka Tasting Event”
Ooooh I am JEALOUS!!!
How fun – lucky lady!
OK, did you take those photos? GORGEOUS!!
Gradgirl– I wish! They are actual photos from the event, but done by a professional. I just borrowed them for this post!
Amazing what a difference a good camera makes, eh?
I never drink vodka straight so I’m not sure I could handle a tasting. I enjoyed reading about yours though and understand the alcohol face.
Absolute is swill and should be used in a Ceasar. I think Iceberg tastes like Grey Goose so I save money. Ketel One is one I’ll try based on the scoop from the swanky Spoke Club. There’s a wine tasting from Edwards Sellers (California) on May 27 that I’m trying to get an invite too. Fingers Crossed.