Ketel One Vodka drinkers are some of the spirits world’s most loyal. Since its release in 1983, the Nolet-created Vodka brand has grown into one of the most consumed premium spirits in the world. Not too shabby for a company with their base in Gin and Jenever.
The Vodka is made from 100% European wheat and distilled in copper pot stills. It’s filtered over loose charcoal and rests tile-lined tanks until bottled. With Ketel One, it’s all about the process, which is why it’s named after the company’s original copper pot still, “Distilleerketel #1.”
On the nose, there are fresh hints of citrus and honey. The palate is crisp and lively with surprising electricity and a velvety mouthfeel. The finish is long and subtle with more citrus.
It’s a spirit that is great sipped or taken as a shot, while also being perfect for cocktails. If you’re looking to mix something up, the company recommends the Almost Famous:
Almost Famous
- 40ml Ketel One Vodka
- 30ml Suze
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- 15ml agave syrup 2:1 (2 parts agave nectar 1 part water)
- 30ml fresh guava juice
- 1 dash Peychaud’s bitters
Shake all the ingredients with ice and fine strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with crystal clear ice chunk and grapefruit zest.
Ketel One comes from the Nolet Distillery, which has been producing spirits in Schiedam, the Netherlands since 1691. The first Vodka the brand produced was called Imperial Eagle Vodka. Ketel One was specifically created for the US market and was frist released in 1983.
Also under the Ketel One brand, the company sells Ketel One Citroen and Ketel One Oranje. Nolet, meanwhile makes two Gins, Silver and Reserve, as well as muliple Jenevers, known as Ketel 1 Jenever.
Ketel One Vodka Ratings:
- Proof66: 3.5/5
- Wine Enthusiast: 90/100
- Distiller: 3.93/5
