The World’s Best Vodka, According To The 2024 IWSC Judging

The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) has awarded Maison Solignac, Initiale Vodka the 2024 Vodka Trophy. The IWSC’s distinguished panel of judges chose the spirit as the World’s Best Vodka, giving it a score of 99/100 points. The IWSC, the oldest spirits competition in the world, holds one of the biggest yearly spirits judging and is arguably the most prestigious spirits competition worldwide.

Maison Solignac, a renowned French producer of premium spirits, is celebrated for its unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern distillation techniques. The company’s strong emphasis on artisanal methods and carefully selected raw ingredients result in high-quality products. Maison Solignac’s Initiale Vodka, a flagship product, stands out for its exceptional smoothness and purity, making it a favorite among discerning spirits enthusiasts.

Initiale Vodka is produced using high-grade French rye with trace amounts of lemon, milk and cumin and pristine water from natural springs in France. Maison Solignac employs a multi-distillation process to achieve a high purity level and a smooth mouthfeel while preserving the character of the base ingredients. The vodka is distilled in copper stills, which help remove impurities and enhance the spirit’s clean, crisp flavors. Maison Solignac’s commitment to craftsmanship ensures that Initiale Vodka is sophisticated, complex, and approachable.

The vodka offers a delightful sensory experience. Its clean and crisp aroma, with subtle grain and freshly baked bread notes, reflects the high-quality wheat used in production. The delicate hints of citrus and a slight mineral note on the nose indicate the pure water used in the distillation process, setting the stage for a truly premium drinking experience.

Initiale Vodka is exceptionally smooth and balanced on the palate, with a smooth, creamy texture, a pronounced mouth weight, and a distinctive viscosity. The flavor is mild but rich, with hints of vanilla, a touch of sweetness from the wheat, and a faint nuttiness. There is also a refreshing lightness, with soft citrus undertones adding to its crispness.

The finish is long, smooth, and slightly dry, with lingering notes of cooked cereal grains and a hint of pepper. There is no harsh burn, making it an ideal vodka for sipping neat or enjoying in cocktails.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the vodka as exhibiting:

Delight in a rich tapestry of flavors: biscuity sweetness, honeyed warmth, and fragrant meadow notes. Balanced with subtle fennel and caramel nuances. A silky, creamy texture leads to a slow, warm finish.

Initial Vodka is not just a spirit; it's a versatile companion for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on its own, sipped neat to savor its elegant, balanced flavor profile, or used in premium cocktails, its smoothness and purity shine through. Its versatility makes it a perfect choice for martinis or simple, classic vodka-based drinks, adding a touch of sophistication to any gathering.