Don't miss out on the community! Join Today

Vodka Review: Stolichnaya (Stoli) by VodkaBuzz

Rating
3 out of 5 shots
Bang For The Buck
4 out of 5 shots
User Rating
4.0000 out of 5 shots
Rate It Now!
You can rate if you join VodkaBuzz.
Average Price
$22.49 per 750 mL / See By State / You add a price you've seen if you join VodkaBuzz.
Percent Alcohol
40
Distilled From
Grain
Charcoal Filtered
Yes
Produced By
S.P.I. Group
Imported By
Allied Domecq Spirits
Website
Stolichnaya (Stoli)
Cap Type
Metal Screw On

Identifying Features

Red and gold labels.

Written on the Bottle

Stolichnaya is the most distinctive vodka in the world. Distilled from rich grain and finished with pure natural waters, Stolichnaya is from Russia, the birthplace of great vodka. Try it chilled neat (traditional Russian style), on the rocks or with your favorite juice or mixer. You'll taste why "Stoli" is The Russian Phenomenon.

Review

Stolichnaya vodka (commonly called Stoli) was a favorite of mine in California. It's a great vodka for the dollar. It comes straight from Russia, diluted to 40% alcohol by volume with artesian water from 96% grain alcohol. It doesn't get more authentic than that.

The Shot

The flavor is muted at first but slowly starts to reveal itself as bitter-sweet. The swallow, while smooth, burns slightly and warms on the way down, leaving a bitter taste behind. It's not a bad flavor, but it certainly isn't sweet like other vodkas.

The Mixed Drink

The mixer on hand tonight is Red Bull. While drinking, the Stolichnaya complements the bitter undertones in the Red Bull, making the sweet flavors more apparent. Once it's down, however, the bitter flavors of the Stoli linger momentarily. After knocking back a drink, the aftertaste becomes invisible.

Opinions

Unfortunately, I didn't take opinions on Stoli. We were all busy having fun. I can say that Stoli is a a great vodka to take to parties. Not only is it a known brand, it's a great vodka for the dollar. It's smooth, tastes good, and mixes well.

Comments On Stolichnaya (Stoli)

  1. Ben said on Mar 17, 2009 at 10:20 am...

    My first vodka. I wanted to try a vodka, and decided not to cheap out on something like Popov. I figured if I was going to have vodka, I might as well cut to the chase and get a real Russian vodka. I liked it. Now looking back at it, it tastes a bit harsh and pricey, but still a decent vodka (plus the whole Soviet-esque label and bottle design is fun at parties.)

    Reply to This

  2. vegasvodkalover said on Sep 15, 2009 at 8:17 am...

    I do not like Stoli as a vodka. I think no matter the type - flavored or unflavored - it just isn't that good. They constantly have promotional parties in vegas w free drinks all night of this stuff - and even then - it's hard to swallow. It just leaves a bad biting taste in the mouth, and is definitely detectable in drinks. Plus it doesn't give that good of a buzz. It's just a hype due to the russian name! pick something else =)

    Reply to This

  3. Stoli_hands_down9 said on Oct 01, 2009 at 2:25 pm...

    After trying a bunch of cheap and some expensive vodka I have to say that Stolichnaya stole my heart, Its great with mixed drinks, the shots burn a little but you get used to it. Its sort of cheap and you can make killer drinks with it. I would definitely recommend this vodka to people who have never tried vodka before or who are just looking to have a good night. It doesn´t give you a hangover and it gives you enough "battery" to dance the night away.

    Reply to This

  4. Robert said on Oct 02, 2009 at 6:58 pm...

    Stoli was my vodka of choice for the three years I lived in LA, CA. It's a great vodka. I attribute a lot of the bitters to it being a Russian vodka. That would explain the taste vs lack of hangover. I don't really remember the last time I had Stoli, though. Maybe I should try it again.

    Reply to This

  5. taffyg2003 said on Jan 10, 2010 at 10:40 pm...

    Stoli was the fourth vodka in my quest to educate myself about the world of vodka. To this point, I had a new favorite in Tito's, followed by Ketel One, and finally Grey Goose (as compared in a martini straight up with olives). This time, my wife and I shared two martinis while out to dinner: one with Ketel One and one with Stoli. My impression of Ketel One remained the same as in my previous tasting; smooth, minimally bitter, neutral, and a little oily. By comparison, the Stoli martini had significantly more flavor (a nice bittersweet), was crisper, but was a little less smooth and burned more on swallowing. My wife liked both, and I think actually preferred the martini made with Stoli, but I still preferred the smoother and gentler character of Ketel One.

    I think that Stoli is similar to Grey Goose, but has a stronger flavor that has a little better bittersweet balance. So, to this point in my taste testing experience, I would rank the vodkas that I had tasted starting with my favorite as follows:

    1) Tito's Handmade 2) Ketel One 3) Stolichnaya 4) Grey Goose

    Next, on to Crystal Head.

    Reply to This