Beemer Vodka was also deemed to be Master‐worthy. Tasting notes included: “A creamy start with a lovely fruity note and a soft, cooling eucalyptus palate.” Two Silver medals were also awarded. Despite ups and downs, vodka is still one of the world’s most popular spirits. As our judges discovered in The Vodka Masters 2023, the reason for this is quality liquid made with care and passion. This year’s medal winners demonstrated care and passion for crafting top-quality vodka A de Fussigny was a stand out brand at this year’s Vinexpo Paris, where visitors could sample its Summum Organic Vodka range, including this expression. Ten Gold medallists also caught the judges’ attention. Gold‐winning Desi Daru Original Vodka impressed the experts with its “lovely round palate, with some moreish spice towards the finish”. Uresti enjoyed its hints of “citrus and apples”. Chambers said: “There’s an expectation with ultra‐premium prices that you are going to get something better and more well‐balanced. There was more expressiveness here, and you can see some producers are pushing the category in different directions.” Vodka producers are “pushing the category in different directions”, one judge said

Louers Vodka walked away with the top award, described by Prousaefs as having: “Lemon peel and freshly cut grass on the nose. Excellent mouthfeel with very long aftertaste and a hint of bitterness at the end.” Commending excellence in the vodka industry, the awards (part of the World Drink Awards) judges spirits in four categories: Pure Neutral, Infused and Botanical, Varietal and Flavoured. Gold winner Maple Vodka was lauded for its “maple syrup and caramel on the nose” and “sweet and syrupy palate”. Other Gold medallists included Absolut Peppar, with its “fresh, savoury and pepper aroma”, and Sapling Zero Waste Raspberry + Hibiscus Vodka, with flavours of raspberry and a “hint of tropical, late peppery spice”. One judge was particularly hooked – detailing that it was “super easy going and easy to drink” and had an “excellent mouthfeel and lasting finish”. The first went to Desi Daru Mango Vodka, which Rodriguez-Curtis enjoyed for its “fleshy and vibrant” nose. He said: “The palate is smooth, pleasant, good level of mango flavour and good level of enjoyability. The mango has a brilliant freshness. Chilled out of the fridge or freezer, this vodka would be brilliant to enjoy.”The brand has already made a mark on some of the UK’s top bars and restaurants, from Mayfair’s Michelin-starred Benares to Fitzrovia’s Pahli Hill, the glitzy Farzi, trendy Hoppers and the prestigious Coburg Bar at the award-winning Connaught Hotel. The brand has ambitious expansion plans this year, and its unique and unforgettable taste is sure to continue to make waves in the industry. The Best of Category Flavored Vodka, Distilled Spirit, is Heritage Distilling Company Lavender Flavored Vodka.

Banks and Bloom Ice Vodka impressed Filer, who said: “Soft nose with some creamy vanilla, lemon and grain. A smooth and oily mouthfeel with a saline element, and a balanced profile of peppery grain with sweet citrus, and no disruptive heat.” Eleven Golds were given out, including one to Neft Vodka, enjoyed for its “smooth palate with a nice body and texture”, and Sapling Climate Positive Vodka, with its nose of “fresh and toasted grain” and “nutty sweetness” on the palate. Athavia described Neft as having “interesting flavours of chocolate, apricots, and a soft finish – lovely”. Altamura Distilleries Vodka also added to its growing medal haul in this round with another Gold medal. Gorn said the vodka was “lovely round and elegant, with everything in balance”. Three Silvers completed the flight.

A single entry in the potato-based vodka round saw Nine Tines take a Gold, enjoyed for its “sweetness on the nose and palate, and nice balance – would be great sipped neat, or in a Martini”. Pulse Vodka won a Silver in the following flight, Vodka Base – Corn. Meanwhile, Pod Pea Vodka was the worthy recipient of a Master medal in the Vodka Base – Pea round. Chou particularly enjoyed this expression: “Expressive green, grassy, leafy, lactic notes on the nose. Very complex, with sweet caramel on the palate.” Mohit Singh commented on the launch:"As British-born Indians, my co-founder Aneet and I wanted to create a vodka that celebrated the best of both worlds. We wanted to create something truly special that would showcase the highest quality ingredients from India's Ratnagiri to the lush English countryside. The journey has been a labour of love, and we are thrilled to finally share Desi Daru with the world. Desi Daru Mango Vodka secured its third Master medal, in the Microdistillery flight. Chambers said: “Tonnes of fresh mango on nose, fresh pulp with bitterness from skin, soft and sweet on the palate, with a very complex flavour profile, lots of fresh mango – this is great to experience, compared with something more confected. It’s juicy and delicious, with a delicate peppery note underneath.”