Vodka Tasting Notes: How to Taste Vodka

No two vodkas are exactly alike. Being able to discern among different tastes, aromas and appearances can expand your appreciation of the spirit and enhance your epicurean experience. Here are some tips on how to do a vodka tasting.

1. Look

Hold a small pour of vodka up to the light or behind some white paper and have a look at the colour, clarity and luminescence of the spirit. Also make sure to check the “legs” of the vodkas – a good indication of viscosity and mouthfeel. Simply swirl the liquid around and see how it clings to the glass.

Example appearance descriptors: Thin or heavy legs; Oily body; Very clear; Darkish hue; Polished; With a sheen

2. Smell

Aromatics play a massive role in taste – some say 90% of what we taste is what we smell. But particularly with a subtle spirit such as vodka it’s important to allow the volatile aromatics to rise gently to your nose. Just be sure not to get your nose too deeply into the glass like you would a wine, but rather swirl to agitate and inhale gently.

Example note descriptors: Heavy; Reminiscent of whisky; Sweet cream; Black pepper; Nutty; Slate

3. Taste

Our palates aren’t used to experiencing straight spirits at room temperature. So it’s always helpful to prime your palate by first taking in a tiny amount of the vodka, swirling it in your mouth and spitting it out. Then take another sip immediately afterwards. This will allow you to appreciate the liquid’s subtleties.

Example taste descriptors: Bready; Earthy; Grainy; Creamy; Heat; Citrus; Honey; Rye bread; Mealiness; Sulphur

GREY GOOSE⁠® Tasting Notes

And if you want to cheat, we’ve gone ahead and done the work for you. You can find specific tasting notes for the nose, palate and finish for every one of our products on their individual website pages. Here are some things to notice the next time you sip traditional Grey Goose vodka.

• Appearance: Polished and crystal clear. Substantial legs and body.

• Aroma: Subtle lemon zest befitting a wheat vodka, with a touch of baked bread notes.

• Taste: Thanks to the essence and character of our Picardie wheat, its taste combines the richness of almond with apple and citrus, alongside a hint of pepper and anise.

But don’t take our word for it. Go ahead and try Grey Goose for yourself. Grey Goose vodka comes in a variety of flavours including the traditional Grey Goose Vodka and Grey Goose Flavoured Vodkas.