Description
Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka, now made in several countries around the world, has origins in Russia. In 1864, Pyotr Smirnov founded his distillery in Moscow. Years later under his heirs’ ownership, the distillery was lost during the Russian Revolution in 1917 when the Bolsheviks took control. Vladimir, one of the sons, fled and wound up in France where he established another distillery. He gave that distillery a French version of his last name, Smirnoff. In 1934, Vladimir sold the rights to Rudolph Kunett to sell Smirnoff in the US and Canada where Kunett had established a distillery in Connecticut. The ownership has changed a few times, but is now owned by Diageo. Smirnoff is distilled via continuous distillation and made from grain. It is charcoal filtered and bottled at 40% ABV. Note: As of October 2018, Smirnoff No. 21 is now made with non-GMO grain, specifically non-GMO corn. It is gluten free. Updated packaging as well.
UNFLAVORED VODKA
DISTILLED FROM ANY AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT, MOST COMMONLY GRAINS OR POTATOES. TYPICALLY DISTILLED TO 95% ABV. WATER IS ADDED TO BRING THE SPIRIT DOWN TO AS LOW AS 37.5% ABV IN THE EU AND 40% ABV IN THE US. IT IS USUALLY FILTERED, OFTEN WITH CHARCOAL, PRIOR TO BOTTLING. IT IS ALMOST ALWAYS CLEAR AND UNAGED.
CASK TYPE
UNAGED
TASTING NOTES
“Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka is fairly neutral on the nose save a few dusty grain notes. The vodka feels soft on the palate with a touch of grain sweetness, but is mostly neutral. A little oily. Finishes clean and a touch spicy. Best served on the rocks or in a cocktail. For those that prefer neutral vodka.”
