30 Best Top Shelf Vodkas

While cheap vodka might be the neutral-flavored hangover fuel of your college years, there comes a time when you have to step it up. Let's be real; feeling the burn might be great at the gym, but it's not the sensation you want to get from your booze. If you're going to put those plastic jugs of blackout brew behind you for good, this article is for you.

There are plenty of higher-end vodkas that you can stir into your drink or enjoy ice-cold on the rocks. As with all great top-shelf liquors, premium vodkas have nuanced flavor notes. They are easy to sip, and taste just as good on their own as well as in your favorite mixed cocktail.

If it's time to upgrade your vodka game, these 30 top-shelf vodkas are masterful creations that will fit the bill nicely. Plus, most of them look smashing on your liquor shelf or bar.

A product of England's Oxford Artisan Distillery, Oxford Rye Organic Vodka is a grain-based vodka with just a slight hint of caraway, nuts, and vanilla. The beauty is in the balance; although discerning drinkers will pick up the vanilla in the aroma and initial sips of this vodka, the authentic rye grain taste of the spirit shines through. It's never cloying, overwhelming, or too sweet; it's just right.

Oxford Rye Organic Vodka is an excellent sipping vodka. Serve this one ice-cold, neat, or over whiskey rocks to avoid diluting it with ice cubes. Since it has a light flavor and a luxe mouthfeel, this vodka pairs well with your favorite drinks, complementing rather than outshining the rest of your ingredients. Consider it the little black dress of your spirit collection, and trot it out on special occasions when only the best will do for you and your guests.

Zyr is a lovely little vodka straight for Mother Russia, and if you're looking for something as crisp and clean as the driven Siberian snow, this is it. Although Zyr's official website specifically teases that its formula is proprietary and highly hush-hush, it does offer a few clues about why Zyr is one of the most minimally beautiful vodkas on the planet.

Zyr's distillers use an intricate and repeated filtering process and distilling their vodka to achieve the cleanest possible taste. According to Zyr vodka lore and their website, the formula is an homage to one of Russia's famous scientists, Dmitry Mendeleev. Whether a product of its systematic approach or Zyr's premium ingredients, one thing is for sure: this is a next-level vodka. You'll taste pure, unadulterated vodka tastes without too much burn and virtually zero after-taste. If you love your vodka neat or on the rocks, pick up a bottle of Zyr.

While Japan might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of premium vodka, Suntory's Haku Vodka could change your mind. This delicious drink comes from the finest white rice and has a beautiful clear color complimented by its minimalist vodka. It's even bamboo filtered for a clean taste that is impurity-free and gives you a refreshing experience sip after sip.

Since it's made of white rice, you could even pick up some sake notes in the blend, although its prominent flavor is definitely vodka. This marrying of traditions means that Haku Vodka isn't an ordinary spirit, but its flavors hit close enough to home to satisfy even the staunchest vodka aficionado. In addition to the sake, you might get a slight hit of citrus that's not overpowering but will pair beautifully with your next screwdriver. Whether you sip it neat or as a mixer, Haku Vodka deserves a place at your bar.

The gold and caviar standard of vodkas, JCB Vodka, makes a statement the second you pull out the bottle. With a ruby-red, golden, ornate design and a prominent logo, you'll know that you're cracking open the good stuff. The first sip will tell you that your first impression is absolutely correct. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes make up the base of this vodka, and it's got a touch of oak on the backend, thanks to its fermentation process.

Its crowning glory has got to be the caviar. JCB's distillers lace the caviar flavor throughout their original bottles for a touch of extra sophistication and class. They also do a black truffle version, so you can choose what particular luxe flavor you want to sip on. From the art-deco bottle to the decadent flavors of wine grapes, caviar, and truffles, JCB Vodka is a drink that would be at home at one of Jay Gatsby's famous bashes.

As the name suggests, you'll want to kick back and sip this vodka. Sipsmith is an endlessly versatile spirit with a nice, neutral flavor that reminds drinkers of a little bit of vanilla. It's also got some warm oaty elements, like cookies or freshly baked bread. According to Sipsmith's official website, its vodka is wheat-based, explaining the yummy bakery notes. It's also copper-distilled, so there are no lingering additional flavors. Instead, you just get warm wheat, a little sweetness, and crisp vodka flavor.

Sipsmith Vodka is an excellent blend of purists. Its whimsical label makes it a lovely centerpiece for any home bar, and it's a perfect gift for the vodka-lover in your life. Enjoy Sipsmith with just the tiniest amount of fresh, ice-cold water or a few ice cubes if you want to draw out the wheat. This will cut back on the burn a bit and mellow out the spirit.

Let's go back to square one (sorry, we couldn't resist)! While Square One Vodka comes in a variety of different flavors, its original blend is every bit as delicious as some of its off-the-wall and excellent taste concoctions. This vodka proves that you can do just about anything when you start with a fantastic basic formula. Unlike lesser vodkas that bowl you over with burn, Square One has a consistent, fiery flavor that starts at your first sip. It's never too much, always pleasant, and lets you know that you're sipping on the serious stuff.

Square One Vodka is made of rye, with extra-distilled water and a sophisticated fermentation process that gives it a pleasant mouthfeel. The first thing you'll notice when you drink it is how mellow it is, with a beautiful round texture that's smooth and rich. Drink it straight, or stir it into a Moscow Mule for a tasty treat.

Karlsson's Gold is an excellent vodka with premium ingredients and a middle-of-the-road price tag. Coming straight to your table from Sweden, this premium spirit is potato-based and summery, carefully crafted to preserve all of the ingredients' notes. While many vodkas are successfully distilled several times for clarity and taste, Karlsson's takes a bit of a rouge approach. Its vodka is singularly distilled, allowing you to taste more notes and have a new experience.

As such, the best way to drink Karlsson's Gold is over whiskey rocks, a little bit of ice, or neat. You can also add in a touch of black pepper to balance off the creamy mouthfeel of the vodka with a shot of spice. Even if you think that you've tasted all of the best vodkas in the world, if you haven't sampled Karlsson's Gold, you're truly missing out on a unique, unapologetic gem.

Any vodka called Death's Door is bound to give you a run for your money, and this spirit lives up to that promise. Deceptively smooth, Death's Door is a sneaky spirit that's easy to drink and also easy to overindulge in. On the other hand, if you're judicious with your consumption, you can fully enjoy the beautiful bounty that this vodka has to offer. It's made out of malted barley, wheat, and corn for a strong flavor with the perfect viscosity. It goes down smooth and doesn't have too much burn on the end.

In addition to the warm, delicious flavors that you get from the combination of grain and corn, you'll also get a few hints of sweetness. It's not overpowering whatsoever, so stir this spirit into your next martini or Moscow Mule to give it a strong backbone that will meld nicely with the other flavors of your drink.

Chase Vodka is straight-up one of the most handsome vodkas on our list. Everything about this spirit simply screams sophistication, from the whimsical and decidedly British packaging to the slim bottle. It's a good vodka to gift, especially around the holidays, as this potato-based spirit is bound to bring a little bit of extra holiday cheer to any occasion.

Although it's packed with potatoes, Chase Vodka has a balanced and even understated flavor. What you'll get is creaminess in each and every sip. Even though you can certainly enjoy this vodka neat or on the rocks, it's the ideal partner in crime for your next Bond-style martini. You can also stir it into party punches for a slight kick that's never too fiery or in-your-face. Chase Vodka just might be the closest thing on our list to a celebration in a bottle, and we are 100% here for it.

From its deep blue bottle design to the crystal-clear goodness inside, Copper Rivet Distillery Vela Vodka makes a huge splash. If you want to break out the best at your next soiree, get yourself some of it. As with many of the best vodkas on our list, Vela Vodka has perfected the art of balancing complex flavors with a silky finish. As a result, every sip is full of texture and flavor without being overpowering. It's versatile, tasting delicious on its own, or paired with the mixer of your choice.

Vela Vodka has a solid base of rye, wheat, and barley. Although you'll certainly taste the warmth of these premium ingredients, they act as a sophisticated backdrop to the spirit itself. What you'll really get is a round, lovely mouthfeel with just a little bit of burn on the end. Vela Vodka is best over a pinch of ice in a chilled glass.

Christiania Vodka is the ultimate minimalist draught. This Norwegian gem is made out of 2 very humble ingredients: potatoes and water. You get a clean, additive-free drink that won't leave you with too many unpleasant sensations the next day. In addition, Christiania's distillation process is as streamlined as its classic bottle design. This vodka is filtered through charcoal and put through 6 distillations before it's bottled and sent worldwide.

The end product is crisp, super-clean, and has a beautiful traditional taste. You get a nice burn from this vodka, and although it's neutral, it's anything but boring. Ultimately, one of the things that vodka lovers will notice most is how silky it is. It's a clean, perfectly nice experience from beginning to end. While Christiania Vodka is certainly thicker than some of the other offerings on our list, it's not overly heavy. It's substantial, making it excellent for enjoying around a fire on a cold winter's night.

Cowcohol walks a brilliant line between having one of the best gimmicks in the alcohol industry and turning out an excellent product. This premium vodka is actually made from whey. While we have 1 other whey-based vodka on our list, Cowcohol celebrates its not-so-secret ingredient with a clever label and a tell-all name. Cowcohol is a labor of love — took the farmers-turned-distillers more than 12 months to get the formula down. It does seem like their hard work paid off because Cowcohol is one of the creamiest vodkas on the market.

Although there's no doubt that many people bought Cowcohol because of its unconventional ingredients, it's no exaggeration to say that vodka enthusiasts will fall in love at first taste. Cowcohol might be a little odd, but it's got all of the flavors of your traditional high-end vodka, plus a beautiful satiny finish that will make you believe in moo-ricles.

Although many premium vodkas pay special attention to presentation, it's hard to beat NEFT. This vodka comes in a miniature oil barrel with stark white lettering. You know right from the beginning that you're about to drink something extraordinary, and after the first sip, you'll be a true believer. NEFT is a strong, thick, Austrian vodka made of rye that balances the burn with deeply nuanced flavors for an incredible experience.

NEFT is premium vodka at its finest, with a rich, warm aroma that's reminiscent of freshly baked bread. Plus, it's got an excellent finish. Although you will undoubtedly know that you're drinking the strong stuff, you won't be overpowered with too much fire. NEFT's formula is inspired and created for true vodka lovers. Although the barrel looks a little small, don't be fooled. There's plenty of vodka just waiting for you to enjoy it inside.

Take one sip of Barr Hill Vodka, and you will immediately understand what all the buzz is about. This honey-based spirit balances tasty Vermont honey with classic vodka flavors for an inspired drink that tastes like pure summer in a glass. According to Barr Hill's website, honey is a prized ingredient, and it makes sure that it's at an optimal temperature until the fermentation process begins. As a result, you'll get all of the nuanced notes of sweet, local honey paired with that iconic vodka burn that we know and love.

Barr Hill's distillers are also expert beekeepers, and their appreciation for the vodka's signature ingredient is evident in every sip. The true beauty of this drink is that it never tastes overly sweet, so you can mix it into your favorite martini without worrying that it's going to compete with olives or vermouth. If you like your vodka straight, pick up a bottle. You'll love the interplay of honey and authentic vodka.

ZU Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka is a Polish specialty that recently made its way to the United States. It's an entirely unique beverage that gets its trademark sweetness from a single piece of bison grass. If you love a flashy presentation and want to shake up your spirit routine, it's a good pick for you. The vodka is mellow, naturally sweet, and makes an excellent after-dinner drink or aperitif. It's great with sweeter mixtures like orange juice. You can also make a killer White Russian out of it, as the light vodka plays well with Kahlua.

Although ZU Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka is best ice-cold, never pop it into the freezer. Instead, serve it in chilled shot glasses or rocks glasses if you want to enjoy it straight. It's also a wonderful, unexpected gift for the vodka-lover in your life as there's a good chance that they've never sampled this particular type of vodka before.