Top Shelf
Vodkas
Ketel One
Holland
Average price: $20-25/750mL
This wheat-based affair is one of the best vodkas that hover around the $20 range. While it loses sales to Absolut and Stolichnaya, Ketel One may be the superior vodka. Grade: B+
Stolichnaya
Russia
Average price: $18-22/750mL
A staple...and rightfully so. Stoli is smooth, tasty, and makes a heckuva drink. Grade: B+
Absolut
Sweden
Average price: $18-22/750mL
The grandaddy of print ads, Absolut is one of the most recognizable brands of liquor out there. The vodka itself, luckily, deserves the press. Grade: B
Skyy
USA
Average price: $17-19/750mL
In the familiar cobalt blue bottle, Skyy has a nice, smooth taste and is perfect for mixing cocktails. A worthy entry...and one of the few decent vodkas made in the States. Grade: B
Finlandia
Finland
Average price: $18-20/750mL
A wheat-based vodka with "pure, glacial water." It's nice. I wouldn't go out of my way to buy it, but it's a good mixer. Grade: B-
Monopolowa
Austria
Average price: $15/1L
Distilled completely from potatoes, Monopolowa is a surprisingly good vodka for the price. With a price tag more suited for swill, this drink is worthy of a shot on the rocks. Grade: B-
Tanqueray Sterling
Estonia
Average price: $18-22/750mL
Better known for their gin, the folks at Tanqueray also produce a nice vodka suitable for martinis, vodka tonics, or anything else you can think of. Grade: B
Cristall
Russia
Average price: $20/750mL
Formerly an official Stolichnaya products (known as Stolichnaya Cristall), the vodka is now known as its own entity: Cristall Signature Series. Its taste is comparable to Stoli and is a fine entry on this list. Grade: B+
Danzka
Denmark
Average price: $18-22/750mL
More noted for its distinctive aluminum bottle, Danzka is a pleasant vodka. Its wheat-based and yummy. Grade: B+
