Belvedere Vodka

When it comes to top-shelf-quality vodkas, Belvedere most definitely makes the list; the highly regarded Polmos Zyrardow distillery in Poland introduced this super smooth vodka in the early 1990s, and it has gone on to win several prestigious tasting awards. Belvedere Vodka is owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), a French company that owns only the finest quality products. If Belvedere vodka has a spot on their portfolio, you know it must be good. Of course, a top-shelf vodka doesn’t have to have a top-shelf-worthy price tag, and a 750mL bottle of Belvedere will cost you just $30.

You can make vodka from just about anything: corn, rice, wheat, potatoes, whey, honey, quinoa, and even fruits like grapes and apples. Belvedere is actually made from Dankowskie Gold Rye, a sturdy winter grain that creates a softer, almost creamy finish in its vodka. There is a common misconception that most vodkas are made from potatoes. However, potato-based spirits make up a very small percentage of the total vodka market. In this regard, vodka is very different from other high-end spirits (like cognac, tequila, or whiskey) that have much stricter regulations around their recipes.

Belvedere, which means “beautiful view” in Italian, is a notoriously smooth vodka (even the name Belvedere sounds smooth). It makes a truly exceptional spirit for sipping or mixing in a martini. Generally, vodkas made with wheat and rye are considered better quality than those made with other starches or sugars — Belvedere is made from a special winter grain called Dankowskie Gold Rye. Belvedere vodka is crafted at a renowned Polish distillery using a four-column still and charcoal filtering process before its finally bottled in an appealing, frosted glass.

For someone who appreciates fine vodka, Belvedere makes a great gift; the brand’s owner, French conglomerate LVMH, specializes in luxury products, and Belvedere undoubtedly fits the bill. While a standard 750mL bottle of Belvedere will only cost you around $30, this vodka is exceptionally smooth and contains zero additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. To create a well-rounded gift for a vodka martini lover, consider adding a bottle of vermouth and a jar of olives as well (all of these items are available for speedy delivery through Drizly’s website or app, of course).