I believe the wine world is at a crossroads and it faces four key challenges, climate change, a shift in consumer demand, geo-political conflicts and economic and sales issues,” Lameyse said. If you are unbalanced, and you have more exhibitors than buyers then you are in a difficult situation. For example, Vinexpo used to be in Bordeaux, and we had this unbalanced situation where producers questioned the relevance of attending the event due to the difference [in numbers] between exhibitors and visitors,” he added. GearMoose says Absolut Elyx is “known for its soft flavors of buttery caramel, nutty sweetness, vanilla, and spicy, peppery rye.” That decline continued in 2019, dropping by 2.7%. Still, the brand remains a major player in the global vodka market with 3.6 million nine-litre cases sold in 2019, along with the launch of a new limited edition coffee-infused expression, Skyy Infusions Cold Brew Coffee. Available in the US, Skyy Infusions Cold Brew Coffee is infused with Arabica coffee beans, giving the vodka a “mild, sweet and less bitter coffee taste”. The new vodka aimed to tap into the trend for cold brew coffee, particularly among a “brunch-focused generation” in the US. It is made of agricultural rum, lime and cane sugar. It is served in a shot glass with no ice and with a slice of lime.

All of the vodkas in this list are fine selections, but Tito’s has long been a go-to for me,” says StudyFinds Editor-in-Chief Steve Fink. “The Austin, Texas-based vodka is smooth, flavorful, and most importantly, since I’m not a huge vodka drinker, I don’t cringe the slightest bit if I’m sipping it straight. Perhaps the best part? It’s not nearly as expensive as some of the ‘ designer‘ names out there, including some on this list. I guess it’s no surprise that Tito wound up making the perfect vodka: the guy’s last name is ‘Beveridge,’ after all! You can’t make this stuff up!” Made using young potatoes grown on the Chopin distillery estate, the spirit rests for two years in 50-year-old Polish oak barrels before being bottled by hand. While it shows no color nor influence of wood, the profile is notably harmonious with hints of fruit emerging on the nose and an intense palate that sets up an exceedingly lengthy finish,” adds Vine Pair. Editor’s Choice: Tito’s Handmade Vodka

We bet that you think that it’s impossible to buy vodka in your own country and at the same time help Bolivian farmers? Well, you’re wrong! FAIR decided to partner with a Bolivian farmers’ association of 1,200 small independent producers from the Altiplano, who are growing the quinoa used to make this vodka. Originating from the world-renowned Cognac region of France, this vodka was one of the first super-premium varieties to ever be on the market. “With its toasty notes and hints of spice combine with a creamy finish, it’s easy to see why it remains a classic,” states Town and Country. Add the penne to the sauce with the remaining vodka and mix well. Add a little of the cooking liquor and stir over a low heat for the remaining 2 minutes of cooking time. Use more water where necessary. will see the advent of new categories in the Be Spirits area at Wine Paris & Vinexpo. The event within the event will showcase 25 different types of beverage alcohol such as vodka, tequila, whiskey and rum as well as dedicated beer and cider stands for the first time.

Meanwhile, Italy will cover 40% extra floor space, and, for the first time in Paris, will be housed in an entire hall. Attendees will include ICE, the Istituto Marchigiano di Tutela Vini Consortium, Wines from Piedmont and the return of the prestigious Italian Signature Wines Academy. As for Vinexposium in general, Lameyse added the business had no plans to add to its roster of eight wine and spirits trade shows across the world, although, he did confirm that Paris would always remain a host city, because of the way it captivates the trade and extends into the bar and restaurant scene of the French capital. Miles ahead of its nearest competitor, Diageo’s Smirnoff remains the world’s biggest vodka brand shifting 25.6m nine-litre cases in 2019, a decline of 1.1%, but barely a dent to its presence on the global stage. Despite facing competition in the US, Smirnoff still dominates the global vodka stage by some margin – 14.5m cases to be exact, more than Absolut’s entire global sales in 2019. This year the brand launched its Smirnoff Seltzer in the UK – a mix of Smirnoff No.21 Premium Vodka, sparkling water and natural fruit flavours. The range initially launched with two flavours: Smirnoff Seltzer Raspberry and Rhubarb, and Smirnoff Seltzer Orange and Grapefruit. The vodka gets its name from its humble origins. First developed in 2002 in an airport hangar, this vodka is still produced at the old Naval Air Station Alameda on San Francisco Bay, though in a newer distillery.This vodka uses very minimal ingredients and sources its rye from only eight farming partners. This allows the manufacturers to trace exactly where their main ingredient comes from, making it a reliably pure product.

In further recognition of these challenges, on the evening before Wine Paris & Vinexpo, the winners will be announced of the first-ever V d’OR Awards. With hard seltzer edging in on its turf, vodka producers have had to work hard innovate in the face of tough competition. Nevertheless, many of the world’s biggest brands made significant gains in 2019, as this round up shows. It’s void of sugar, additives and gluten, and is considered to be the first super-premium vodka in the world. Upon first sip you might detect notes of vanilla, white pepper and spices—or perhaps clotted cream,” adds Parade. 3. Grey Goose

In its 2018 financial results Campari reported a decline in Skyy vodka volumes due to “continued strong competitive pressure and reduced innovations in infusions”. It was the only global priority brand to have suffered a decline, with weakness in the US market blamed. Of the 11 brands featured here, six achieved a marked increase in global sales volumes in 2019 over the the previous year, with one Ukrainian brand storming into the charts to report a 72% increase in global sales volumes, catapulting it into 6th place. Begin by cooking the onion in an open pan over a medium-low heat with 2 tablespoons of oil, 2 tablespoons of water and a good pinch of salt. The water will help the onion to soften; you don’t want it to fry too much. Once it has evaporated, allow the onion to sweat until translucent and giving. In 2019, the brand launched its Żubrówka Biała vodka in the UK. The vodka is the brand’s fastest growing variant of its flagship Bison Grass vodka, and is inspired by the snowy Białowieża Forest and named ‘white’ in Polish. First launched in 2010 it has become Poland’s best-selling vodka brand, enjoying a 20% share of its domestic market in 2016, with sales are equivalent to the whole of the UK vodka market.