However, the bans have been criticised for having a potentially limited economic impact on Russia, as many popular ‘Russian’ vodka brands are not distilled or bottled there.

Out of respect for the situation, we have removed all references to the ‘Remarkably Russian’ campaign across all our JJ Whitley communications.” ​ Scroll on for the 10 standout award-winning vodkas from the competition, covering a range of tasting notes and price points. According to The Brand Champions 2021 report, the vodka’s million‐case‐selling brands were among the most resilient of all spirits sectors. Multiple brands, particularly those from Eastern European countries, were able to sustain or substantially grow volumes last year in the face of never‐before‐seen adversity brought about by the pandemic. AAK has a sales office in Ukraine with approximately 10 employees, whose safety is our main focus. We are in continuous dialogue with them and will do our utmost to ensure their continued safety. Russia makes up 3% of AAK’s volumes, as measured in metric tons, and Ukraine makes up less than 1%. AAK continuously evaluates the situation and will adopt accordingly."​

Halewood Artisanal Spirits presented a vodka with a “citrus nose, oily texture” to our panel of judges, as JJ Whitley Artisanal Russian Vodka was commended for its ability to be drunk as a neat spirit. The bottling was presented in the Premium heat and sits at 38% ABV. The company currently employs about 950 people and produces a number of different branded spirits, including Crabbies Alchoholic Ginger Beer, Dead Man’s Fingers Rum, Aber Falls and Liverpool Gin. Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business, chaired the third and final team, which comprised: Ivan Dixon, independent spirits consultant; and Dimple Athavia, founder of All Things Drinks.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Halewood Group said: “ The Halewood Group is 100% opposed to the Russian Army invasion of Ukraine. We have expressed our support to our Ukrainian customers, our largest export market. ​ Quality and price was said to rise simultaneously in this flight, and Five vodka was applauded for its “simple and clean” nose, leading to tastes of “vanilla, lemon drop and almond” on the palate.

Out of respect for the situation, we have removed all references to the ‘Remarkably Russian’ campaign across all our JJ Whitley communications”, she added. Pur Vodka was noticed for its smooth qualities, bagging a Gold medal in the Microdistillery flight, while Pur Sang Select, Pur Sang Standard and Pur Vodka all won Silver awards. Fats and oils giant AAK issued this statement yesterday (3 March): "AAK has decided to temporarily halt deliveries to, and sales in, Russia. Even though AAK is a supplier in the food sector, which is not subject to sanctions, it has become very difficult to secure compliance to sanctions related to logistics and trade flows as well as third parties.​ The Co-op and Morrisons have removed Russian vodka from shelves. Marks & Spencer has suspended shipments to its Turkish franchisee's Russian business and offered millions of pounds in aid to Ukrainian refugees and families affected by the war.

Once your item has been returned, we will inspect it and take the necessary action as soon as possible. The Spirits Business held its annual Vodka Masters in September, a category considered to be blossoming as distillers look to experiment with native ingredients. The brand’s mission is to showcase local produce, combined with creating of high-quality products from North Queensland.The Pur Vodka brand significantly stood out to the judges, as it was awarded six medals across the blind tasting for various bottlings.