Originally marketed as "The drink that leaves you breathless," Smirnoff is the world's best selling vodka brand.

There are some low-ball ratings here at Epinions on this vodka, but I think it is a wholly adequate product that is decent as a shooter or a mixer. Best of all, it is value priced.

On the label: "Produced in the USA by Ste. Pierre Smirnoff Fls, under the formula and processes of Pierre Smirnoff Sons, successors to world-famous Pierre Smirnoff, Moscow, Russia, Purveyors to the Czars, 1886-1917."


Although named after Vladimir Smirnov (note: Smirnov, not Smirnoff), this brand was developed in the United States by Rudolph Kukhesh, who obtained the rights and the license to sell vodka produced by Smirnov distilleries (then located in Constantinople [Istanbul, Turkey], Lvov [Poland] and Paris, France). Smirnov sold licensing rights because he went broke. Kukhesh (who changed his name to Kunett after moving to the United States), started distilling vodka in America in the year immediately after Prohibition ended (1934), changing the name of his firm to Pierre Smirnoff & Fls. He didn't have much luck with his business, later selling the brand and license to Heublein. Heublein, once headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, was acquired in recent years by the England-based beverage giant Diageo PLC.


Smirnoff "Red" Vodka 80 Proof
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Yes... it is the #1 selling vodka in the United States and the world. Smirnoff Red is made in the U.S.A.

Alcohol:  40% by volume (80 proof).

Production:  A grain spirit vodka. Produced using demineralized and filtered water, this vodka is also triple distilled and filtered through hardwood charcoal for purity and smooth taste. (Smirnoff Black, produced in Russia, is also triple distilled but produced in small batches prepared in copper pot-stills and filtered through Siberian Silver Birch charcoal.)

Appearance:  Clear and still with no nervousness in the glass.

Aroma:  Sugar and faint vanilla.

Flavor:  Sweet entry with a silky mouthfeel and slightly creamy texture. Medium-bodied, dry, not much flavor except for a hint of charcoal and white pepper. Overall, surprisingly clean and silky smooth. Nothing sticks out as awkward or untoward.


Price and Availability:  Inexpensive. Excellent distribution and available throughout the U.S.A., Canada. A 750ml bottle can be purchased for as little as $10; a one liter bottle for $12.50; a 1.5 liter bottle for $16. For testing purposes, I purchased a 200ml flask for about $5.


Recommendations:  Good enough for James Bond -- indeed, it is his favorite drink (Vodka martini). Best served extremely well-chilled. Keep the bottle in the freezer. If you are drinker shooters and don't see a frost on the bottle, chill it more. Fairly mellow and clean. I think this vodka is fine for Screwdrivers (mixed with freshly squeezed orange juice) or Bloody Marys (a teaspoon of Worcestshire sauce, a teaspoon of lemon juice, tomato juice, Tobasco sauce, a little celery salt and some freshly ground black pepper). Great, too, in a Black Russian -- made using equal parts of vodka and Kahlua mixed with ice cubes.

Verdict:  4-stars. Inexpensive and an adequate performer. Rated "85" (Very Good") by Wine Enthusiast magazine and "90 Points" by the Beverage Testing Institute. A bargain at $10 a bottle.



Recommended: Yes