As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that there is minimal, if any, discernible difference in taste between expensive and inexpensive vodka. The notion that expensive vodka tastes better is largely driven by marketing and branding, rather than actual differences in flavor.
Vodka, by definition, is a neutral spirit that is distilled multiple times to remove impurities and flavor compounds. The objective of vodka production is to create a clean and pure spirit that is devoid of any distinct taste or aroma. This means that regardless of the price point, vodka should have a relatively neutral taste profile.
Expensive vodka brands often tout their use of premium ingredients and elaborate production methods as reasons for their higher price tags. However, the reality is that the distillation process for vodka is highly standardized and regulated, and most vodkas on the market, regardless of price, adhere to these industry standards. Expensive vodka may be distilled more times or undergo additional filtration, but these processes do little to alter the overall taste of the spirit.
In fact, cheaper vodkas may even have a slightly more pronounced flavor compared to their expensive counterparts. This is because cheaper vodkas often take a wider cut during distillation, meaning that more of the flavor compounds from the base materials are retained in the final product. While these flavor compounds may not be desirable or intentional, they can contribute to a subtle difference in taste between cheap and expensive vodka.
However, it is important to note that the taste of vodka is often masked or altered by the mixers or cocktails it is used in. Vodka is a versatile spirit that is commonly consumed in cocktails like martinis, vodka tonics, or vodka cranberries. In these mixed drinks, the nuances of vodka's flavor are often overshadowed by other ingredients, such as fruit juices, syrups, or vermouth. Therefore, the perceived taste of vodka becomes even less significant when it is used as a base for cocktails.
Personal experiences and blind taste tests have further reinforced the notion that expensive vodka does not necessarily equate to a better taste. Many individuals, including myself, have participated in blind tastings where different vodkas, both expensive and inexpensive, were sampled without knowledge of their price points. In these blind tastings, it was often challenging to distinguish between the vodkas based on taste alone. This further supports the idea that the price of vodka does not necessarily correlate with its taste quality.
The idea that expensive vodka tastes better is largely a myth perpetuated by marketing strategies and branding. The taste of vodka is primarily influenced by the distillation process, which aims to create a neutral spirit devoid of flavor. While cheaper vodkas may retain slightly more flavor compounds, these differences are often subtle and overshadowed when vodka is used in cocktails. Ultimately, the taste of vodka is subjective, and individuals should choose a vodka that they enjoy, regardless of its price tag.