I would like to share a guest post What to Look for in a High-Quality Vodka By Tina Karras, Owner & Founder — Tina’s Vodka
When it’s time for a cocktail at the end of a long day, you deserve only the best. Though all Vodkas may look more or less the same, I can assure you that they aren’t.
As the owner of Tina’s Vodka, I am proud to have created a product that meets all the criteria of a high-quality yet affordable liquor. Allow me to guide you through these important qualities so you can elevate your drinking experience without breaking the bank.
Label and ingredients
Before you buy a bottle of vodka, take a look at the ingredients. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) requires that all Vodka must list the ingredients it consists of.
If a bottle vaguely mentions “Grains,” steer clear. This can mean that the vodka is derived from any mixture of ingredients such as Corn, Barley, or Wheat, which can confuse the taste profile. Instead, select a Vodka that has been made from only one ingredient, such as one exclusively made from non-GMO Corn and purified Water.
Look and aroma
First impressions matter, and the appearance of Vodka is no exception. A high-quality Vodka will be completely clear, devoid of any floating particles or sediment in the liquid, which means the Vodka has been properly distilled and filtered.
The aroma of the Vodka also matters — the best vodkas have a neutral, clean smell. No Vodka should ever smell like chemicals or acetone,or have an off-putting aroma whatsoever.
While looking and smelling are great ways to initially observe a Vodka, the real test is to feel it. By pouring a small amount of Vodka into your hands, you can more accurately evaluate its cleanliness. If it dries feeling sticky, this means that the Vodka likely has Sugar or other additives in it. If it dries quickly and leaves no residue on your hands, it’s a clean Vodka. Instead, look for a Vodka that undergoes an extensive distillation and filtering process and uses zero additives to ensure it is as clean a spirit as possible.
Taste and quality
Now comes the fun part — tasting the Vodka! A top-notch Vodka will have a thickness and fullness to the liquid as it glides over your tongue, and its taste should be complex with a clean finish that possesses no lingering, unpleasant aftertaste. Some of the highest-quality Vodkas on the market today use Corn because it produces a smooth, clean taste that doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients in a cocktail.
When you’re ready for a cocktail that truly hits the spot, remember to consider these essential characteristics. Choose a Vodka that offers a superior drinking experience and will allow you to indulge in excellence at a reasonable price. Cheers!
About Tina Karras
Tina Karras, owner and founder of Tina’s Vodka, began her career in the alcohol industry as a musician. After moving to Los Angeles from Charlotte, NC with one guitar and two suitcases to pursue her dream of being a singer-songwriter, Tina paid rent by working in restaurants and eventually the world-famous Roxy Theatre. Here she worked her way up the ranks and became the alcohol buyer for the venue, leading her to countless liquor & wine tastings and classes – and a big realization: there wasn’t a Vodka that had all these traits: made from organic Corn, non-GMO, American made, fantastically smooth, delicious, and at a good price.
She started Tina’s Vodka with her credit cards and an SBA loan after just finishing her album that was also self-funded and was prepared to release her vodka and her album just as the pandemic lockdown hit. Two years later, Tina and Tina’s Vodka has found immense success with her brand being sold across the country, distributed by Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, her record out on all digital platforms, and making a major impact on the health of the spirits industry along the way. “I’m excited to finally share my vodka and music with you. It’s never too late to realize your dreams, they can be bigger than you ever thought.” Tina and Tina’s Vodka has been featured in Mentor’s Collective, Vent’s Magazine, LA Weekly, and others.
About Tina’s Planet Vodka
One of the newest vodkas to hit the market, Tina’s Vodka has been quickly gathering fans. A vodka with a big commitment to regenerative agriculture and taste, it’s hard not to want it on your bar cart. Started in 2021, Tina’s is GMO-free, sustainably made, female-owned, American-made, and contains zero additives. Additionally, the proprietary filtration system used gives it a natural sweetness and superior taste to the other top-shelf liquors.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
