Vodka’s global rise was closely tied to the cocktail renaissance of the 1990s. Long before the craft gin boom, it was the default choice behind the bar, valued for clarity, polish and a measured neutrality. Producers proudly highlighted glacial water sources and meticulous filtration regimes, all in pursuit of a spirit designed to blend seamlessly into a Martini or Cosmopolitan.
Today, that definition feels far less fixed. While technical precision still defines the category, many of the most compelling vodkas now put emphasis on their raw materials, from potato and rye to wheat and rice, allowing texture and subtle character to emerge. At the same time, a new generation of vodkas is approaching flavour with just as much seriousness, favouring balance and authenticity over sweetness. The result is a category that is broader, more expressive and much more interesting than its reputation once suggested.
The results from the IWSC 2025 underline just how quickly vodka is diversifying, with half of the entries on the list below coming from outside traditional vodka-producing regions. English vodka takes three spots, each scoring 98 points. From Hawkridge Distillers’ Sexy Fish Vodka, awarded Gold Outstanding for its ‘delicate blend of floral and fruity notes’, to Witchmark Distillery’s Single Origin English Vodka, praised for ‘leaving a luscious, oily texture that lingers’, the quality on show is unmistakable. Outside Europe, the US and Japan are also producing top-quality vodka with both Haku Yuzu Flavoured Vodka and Slate Belt Spirits Cold Distilled Grapefruit Vodka scoring 96 points and a Gold medal each.
More established vodka-producing nations are equally well represented. Sweden’s Absolut Hunni impressed IWSC judges with its ‘delightful aromas of fresh acacia honey’, while Finland’s Laplandia Bilberry Vodka scored 98 points thanks to a ‘vibrant fruity nose underscored by creamy undertones’.
Each of the spirits below was tasted and rated by experts within vodka. This year’s panel included Noblewood Group UK trade manager Veronika Karlova, mixologist Myles Cunliffe, and Bonheur by Matt Abe wine director Eric Zwiebel MS.
Whether distilled for purity or crafted with flavour firmly in mind, each of the vodkas below was awarded Gold or Gold Outstanding at the IWSC 2025 – a selection that demonstrates just how confident and characterful the category has become.
How do we judge these spirits?
We run a tightly structured, rigorous spirits tasting process. That means that each spirit sample is pre-poured into numbered glasses and assessed blindly by the judges. Most importantly, our IWSC spirit judges are experts in their field, who work across all sectors of the drinks industry. For evidence, see our full list of judges.
How do we score these spirits?
Only the best spirits sampled receive a Gold or Silver award. For example, to win Gold, spirits have to score between 95 and 100 points. Meanwhile, Silver wines range from 90 to 94 points. Click here to read more on our scoring system.
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12 of the best vodkas from around the world from the IWSC 2025
