Vodka, it’s either a smooth spirit to start the night or the door to one of our most regrettable moments. Whether mixed in with a cocktail or enjoyed on its own, vodka is the world’s most versatile liquor. However, it gets a bad rep for being a tasteless and bland spirit. If you think all vodkas are the same, think again!

As one of the world’s favorite liquor, there are a bunch of vodka brands to explore; from the average cheap vodka for a cocktail base to a top-shelf vodka. Different vodka brands have their own signature notes and flavors. Here are some of the best vodkas from all around the world.

Beluga

One simply cannot make a list of the best vodka brands without mentioning Beluga. Produced in Russia, Mariinsk to be exact, Beluga only uses the highest quality ingredients and the purest water. The result? Beluga vodka has a pleasant, neutral smell and a smooth mouthfeel. The most popular option is the Beluga Noble. Light and rich in taste, Beluga Noble features a slight citrusy flavor, a delicate oat note, gentle honey sweetness, and a spicy yet delightful aftertaste.

Black Cow

Want something unique? Unlike the traditional vodka, which is made with potato, wheat, or rye, Black Cow vodka is made from milk. Manufactured in West Dorset, United Kingdom, this one-of-a-kind vodka is a great option for liquor lovers with gluten intolerance. That said, everyone definitely has to try this quirky vodka. It has a smooth and creamy taste, thanks to the inclusion of milk, making it the best vodka to enjoy on its own.

Fair Quinoa Vodka

Made from Bolivian quinoa seeds that have been sourced ethically and sustainably, FAIR Quinoa Vodka is one of the best-tasting vodkas from people's reviews. The quinoa adds a slight nutty, earthy flavor, plus it also makes this spirit naturally gluten-free.

Grey Goose Vodka

Crafted in France using a sort of intense five-step distillation process, this wheat-based vodka tastes as elegant as its pretty bottle looks. With its relatively higher price point, the Goose is many a celeb's go-to bottle for getting loose.

Absolut ELYX Single-Estate Handcrafted Vodka

This single-estate copper-crafted vodka from Swedish brand Absolut is manually distilled in an Old World-style copper still, which purifies the vodka and adds a certain silkiness to its texture and taste. Sip this one on the rocks with a twist of lemon. The simpler, the better.

Belvedere Vodka

A Polish vodka distilled from Dankowskie rye, Belvedere is one of the smoothest and most versatile luxury vodka brands out there. It tastes best served in a simple vodka martini with a twist of lemon, but it's also delicious served unadorned on the rocks. 

Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Vodka

Handcrafted in Vermont by Todd Hardie — a beekeeper for more than 40 years — this vodka is quite unique, as it's fermented from raw northern honey. Barr Hill has soft, subtle floral notes which make it taste delicious in cocktails. The brand is consistently dedicated to helping organizations that work to protect bees and other pollinators, too.