The amazing panel of spirit industry experts at the 2024 London Competitions had dozens upon dozens of vodkas to score. Based on the gold medal award results and judges’ notes, we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 vodkas for vodka martinis. 

High-quality vodka made from premium ingredients, such as superior grains, potatoes, or even grapes—distilled with care—results in the most refined and enjoyable cocktail. This is what the judges at the 2024 London Spirits Competition looked out for.  

What Should You Look for in a Martini Vodka?

Typically, vodka with an alcohol content of around 40% ABV (80 proof) is preferred for martinis, as it helps maintain the drink's structure and balance. Additionally, the vodka should hold its chill well when shaken or stirred with ice, ensuring the martini is served at the perfect temperature. This enhances its crispness and refreshing qualities. 

In addition, the vodka for a vodka martini should possess a clean and neutral flavor profile with minimal impurities, another key element for the judges. The vermouth and garnish can thus shine without being overshadowed. It should offer a smooth mouthfeel, ensuring the martini goes down easily without any harshness or burning sensation. This smoothness is often the result of multiple distillations and high-quality filtration processes. While neutrality is key, a good vodka also carries subtle complexity, with faint notes of grain, citrus, or mineral elements that add depth to the martini. 

The Amazing 2024 Judging Panel

So, which are the top 8 vodkas for a vodka martini? The judges have spoken. The 2024 London Spirits Competition assembled an exceptionally qualified panel, comprising industry experts from diverse backgrounds in bartending, brand development, and spirits education. Among the standout judges were James Duff, a WSET Certified Spirits Educator and Head of Distillery School at The Whisky Exchange, and Christian Maspes, a food and beverage specialist, sake sommelier, and bar project developer. These professionals, along with their distinguished colleagues, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the judging process, ensuring a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation of the competing spirits. 

Top 8 Vodkas for Vodka Martinis: The 2024 List

Here's the list of the top vodkas for 2024. James Bond would be proud of these vodkas, shaken, not stirred, of course.  

1. Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka (97 points): This sustainably produced elixir harnesses winter wheat for a beautiful vodka with an English accent. The finest hand-selected grains are distilled through a 43-plate copper still, creating a delicious spirit with a silky smooth texture. The judges noted its smooth taste with a long finish and pronounced aromas: Creamy with hints of vanilla and custard, featuring earthy complexity and a pleasant sweetness on the palate.

Image: Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka

2. Kakira Spirits Vodka (96 points): A unique premium Vodka from Africa. Kakira Vodka originates on the banks of Lake Victoria at the source of the River Nile in Uganda. This vodka comes from the sugar cane spirit, experiencing multiple chilled charcoal filtrations for an extraordinary smooth taste and flawless finish. The judges found pronounced tropical notes and demerara sugar. It is well-balanced and complex with a substantial finish. The nose is “incredible,” with rhubarb and gummy bear notes.

Image: Kakira Vodka

3. Grape Vodka Premium from Shabo (96 points): Based on distilled Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay wines, this vodka from Ukraine reaches 40% ABV after triple distillation, followed by a special filtration process. The judges said it boasts intriguing grape notes with a hint of spice. Shabo delivers a well-balanced and refreshing finish that lasts, pleasing the palate. The Grape Vodka Gold also won big, scoring 95 points.

Image: Grape Vodka Premium

4. Noble Spring Vodka (95 points): We return to the UK for this superb vodka, made with mineral water from the springs of the Yorkshire moors. This is blended with fine molasses spirit to create this classic vodka. The judges remarked on its light intensity and clean, smooth palate, delicate aftertaste, and short finish. Noble Spring offers a texture perfect for mixology, with hints of citrus and spice. The crispy sweetness is complimented by a clean, bright palate.

Image: Noble Spring Vodka

5. Blue Mantis Vodka (95 points): With stunning packaging, Blue Mantis is fermented and distilled using 100% malted barley. Small batches are handmade on the island of Guernsey using a pot and column still combination. The judges found it savory, with a silky, full body. The notable aromatics boasted “a balanced blend of grassy notes and crisp apple undertones.”

Image: Blue Mantis Vodka

6. Markhor Cannabis-Infused Vodka (92 points): Made in Poland from spelled spirit, hemp, water, and honey, the Markhor Vodka reaches 40% ABV with lots of nuances.  You can let your mixology creativity go for free with this vodka. The judges remarked on its medium intensity and good balance. The herbal notes in this special infused vodka add complexity and structure.

Image: Markhor Cannabis-Infused Vodka

7. Assay Vodka (92 points): From the UK’s Sheffield Distillery, this wheat vodka was slowly distilled using copper pot stills. The purified Yorkshire water is critical. This vodka remains unfiltered to preserve texture and flavor. The 2024 judges termed it a “perfect vodka” (James Bond, take note). They advised enjoying the smooth palate, with its notes of fruits and chili leading to a medium finish. They agreed that Assay had plenty of flavor, complemented by hints of spice and sweet licorice.

Image: Assay Vodka

8. Psycho Love Vodka (92 points): From Vamprose Global, this is a gluten-, sugar-, and carbohydrate-free, ultra-premium organic vodka. It comes from organic Idaho wheat with water drawn from the Snake River Plain aquifer located near Yellowstone National Park. This is a great martini vodka. Indeed, the judges called it “easy drinking” and highlighted the clean, bright sweetness of this vodka. Hints of spice compliment a long, smooth finish; it is well-balanced.

Image: Psycho Love

The judging panel's meticulous evaluation at the 2024 London Spirits Competition has spotlighted an array of exceptional vodkas, each uniquely suited for crafting the perfect vodka martini. Whether it’s the sustainably produced Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka with its silky smooth texture or the intriguing grape notes of Shabo's Grape Vodka Premium, these top-tier vodkas exemplify the qualities essential for an outstanding martini. The judges' diverse expertise and discerning palates ensure that the selected vodkas not only meet but exceed the highest standards, offering refined, complex, and impeccably balanced spirits for martini enthusiasts. Bartenders, mixologists, and spirits buyers take note! James Bond surely will.