The Classic Vodka King Goes…Gluten Free?

Russian vodka is, well, the king of the clear liquor. The premium brands from the mother country reflect the standards we have all come to love, which oddly enough includes a lack of noticeable flavor.

One such premium brand, Stoli, has maintained the title of the classic vodka by many, and with their recipe being largely unchanged for years, it’s a well-deserved title for sure. The classic is quadruple-distilled, then filtered through quartz, sand, charcoal, cloth and possible some of Lenin’s back hair. While I might skip the back hair part, there is a bit of nostalgia that comes from enjoying this solid liquor.

Now, it might come as a surprise to many that Stoli has decided to make a change.to a few of the bottles coming to the shelf. The classic recipe is wheat and rye which might not be the greatest for those that might be a tad bit intolerant of gluten. And Stoli did not want anyone to miss out on their deliciousness.

Introducing Stoli Gluten Free, a vodka made with naturally gluten free ingredients, 88 percent corn and 12 percent buckwheat. Now, I know what you’re thinking – the ingredients are different, so there is no way this is going to maintain that classic experience. And I challenge you to find the difference. Sitting and enjoying the Stoli Gluten Free on the patio over ice, I found it to be just as smooth and almost creamy as the original, and with no noticeable flavor or nuances, just as enjoyable.

Now, I am not of the gluten-free mindset, but with many friends falling in that category, I am happy to say I have a base vodka to help make some cocktails that won’t upset their weak tummies. In most cases, I go for the refreshing with Stoli Gluten Free vodka and Sprite (which is gluten-free) topped with a squeeze of fresh lime. As one of my favorite summer day drinks, I know it’s a hit and easy to make anytime.

So what can I say other than I am sold. Stoli did it; they maintained their standard, kept the classic title, all with a new recipe. I couldn’t find a difference in either vodkas and doubt you would either. So drink up, enjoy, and have a cocktail on me.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Stoli. The opinions and text are all mine.