Ketel One Vodka, a family-made spirit, has been meticulously crafted by the Nolet family for over three centuries, spanning eleven generations. With its roots in the Nolet Distillery located in Schiedam, Holland, this distinguished vodka has earned a reputation for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. Recognized as the top-trending vodka at the 2020 Drinks International awards, Ketel One Vodka has firmly established its presence in the competitive world of premium distilled spirits.
Produced using exclusively non-GMO European wheat, Ketel One Vodka is carefully distilled in copper pot stills and filtered over loose charcoal, resulting in a beautifully smooth and clean taste. With a signature silky softness that coats the tongue and a long, subtle finish, the crisp and lively character of this spirit sets it apart from its counterparts.
Ketel One Vodka History
Nolet Distillery
Ketel One Vodka originated in Schiedam, Netherlands, at the Nolet Distillery. The distillery dates back to 1691 and was founded by the Nolet family, French Huguenot refugees. The distillery's name is derived from the original coal-fired copper still, known as Distilleerketel #1.
Nolet Family
The Nolet family's rich heritage and 11 generations of distilling experience play a crucial role in Ketel One's exceptional quality. With 325 years in the distilling business, the family members have followed traditions and knowledge passed down through generations to create their premium vodka. Their dedication to the community and focus on bartenders around the world have been essential in cultivating the brand's reputation.
Martini
Ketel One Vodka has become the vodka of choice for many bartenders when crafting the perfect martini. The spirit's smooth, refined taste and absence of impurities make it an outstanding base for this classic cocktail.
- Classic Martini Recipe:2 oz Ketel One Vodka
0.5 oz Dry Vermouth
Ice
Garnish: lemon twist or olives
- Combine vodka and vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish as desired.
With its rich history and dedication to quality, Ketel One Vodka has become a favorite among connoisseurs and cocktail enthusiasts. Its roots in the Nolet Distillery and the contributions of the Nolet family have shaped the spirit into the exceptional vodka it is today, perfect for mixing classic martinis or enjoying neat.
Production Process
Wheat
Ketel One Vodka begins with the finest quality, 100% GMO-free Winter Wheat, which is grown in Europe. The wheat contributes to the smooth mouthfeel and distinct character of this premium vodka.
Copper Pot Stills
An integral part of the production process is the use of traditional copper pot stills. Copper is known for its excellent heat conductivity and its ability to remove impurities during the distillation process. This results in a cleaner, smoother vodka.
Distilleerketel #1
The name "Ketel One" is derived from the original copper pot still used in the production process, called "Distilleerketel #1". This pot still has been a key element in the production of the spirit, ensuring the consistent taste and quality that the brand is known for.
Charcoal
After the distillation process, Ketel One Vodka undergoes a charcoal filtration. This step is essential for removing any remaining impurities and refining the spirit, imbuing the vodka with a clean, crisp taste.
Coal-Fired
The use of coal-fired boilers is a unique aspect of Ketel One's vodka production process. These boilers deliver consistent heat during the distillation process, ensuring that the spirit reaches its full potential and maintains the highest quality possible throughout the production.
Taste and Flavor Profile
Flavor
Ketel One Vodka offers a subtle, yet distinguished taste, derived from its 100% wheat base. This base imparts a soft, restrained sweet wheat aroma with a very slight hint of citrus and fresh herbs. The result is a delicate, well-balanced flavor that makes it a highly sought-after choice for vodka connoisseurs.
Texture
The texture of Ketel One Vodka is notably smooth and plush. The 100% wheat base not only contributes to its pleasant flavor but also lends the vodka a toasty and slightly sweet taste. This combination gives it a round, smooth texture that feels velvety on the tongue.
Smoothness
One of the key factors that set Ketel One Vodka apart from other brands is its exceptional smoothness. The meticulous distillation process and attention to quality make it easy to sip, either neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of cocktails.
80 Proof
Ketel One Vodka is bottled at 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). This level of alcohol content strikes a balance between providing a full-flavored experience without being too overpowering, making it a versatile option for mixed drinks and sipping alike.
Alcohol Content
As mentioned before, the alcohol content of Ketel One Vodka is 40% ABV. This standard level of alcohol content helps to maintain the drink's smoothness, flavor profile and presence in cocktails.
Botanical
While Ketel One Vodka itself does not specifically emphasize botanical infusions in its classic offering, it is worth noting that their product range also includes a line called "Ketel One Botanical." These infused vodkas offer unique combinations of botanical flavors such as cucumber & mint, grapefruit & rose, and peach & orange blossom for those seeking a more adventurous and dynamic flavor experience.
Ketel One in the Market
Diageo
Ketel One Vodka is a popular brand that is distributed by Diageo, a global leader in alcoholic beverages. Diageo acquired the distribution rights to Ketel One in 2008, further expanding its portfolio of premium spirits. As a result, the brand benefits from Diageo's extensive marketing capabilities, strong partnerships, and global presence.
San Francisco
In the San Francisco market, Ketel One has established a strong foothold. One of the reasons for its success is the city's reputation for embracing crafted, high-quality, and artisanal products. Ketel One Vodka, with its traditional distilling expertise and Dutch heritage, aligns with these values and appeals to discerning, trend-setting San Francisco consumers.
Drinks International
Ketel One has consistently performed well in the annual Drinks International rankings, a respected source for evaluating spirits in the industry. Over the years, the vodka has consistently ranked amongst the top brands worldwide based on factors such as taste, quality, and brand value. This recognition has helped Ketel One to further solidify its position in the market and attract attention from both consumers and industry insiders.
Bartenders
Bartenders play a crucial role in shaping consumers' preferences for spirits, and Ketel One has managed to win their favor. Numerous bartenders appreciate the brand's smoothness, versatility, and taste. The vodka's ability to blend well in various cocktails, as well as offer a pleasant drinking experience in classic vodka-based drinks, has made it a popular choice among mixologists and bartenders alike.
Grey Goose
In comparison to competitors like Grey Goose, Ketel One has managed to hold its own and maintain a strong presence in the market. While Grey Goose is primarily known for its French origins and marketing efforts emphasizing luxury, Ketel One stands out due to its commitment to tradition, Dutch craftsmanship, and high-quality ingredients. Both brands cater to the premium vodka segment, providing consumers with diverse options that suit different preferences and occasions.
Cocktail and Drink Recommendations
Imperial Eagle
The Imperial Eagle cocktail is a popular drink featuring Ketel One vodka. It combines the premium vodka with fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, and ginger beer, creating a delightful and refreshing beverage. Garnish this drink with a lemon wheel and enjoy the Imperial Eagle's unique flavor profile.
Cocktail
Ketel One vodka is incredibly versatile and can be used to create various tasty cocktails, such as the Raspberry Lime Vodka Soda. This cocktail combines Ketel One Citroen Vodka with Spindrift Raspberry Lime Sparkling Water, resulting in a light and flavorful drink without added sugar or calories. Other popular cocktails using Ketel One include the juicy Bloody Mary and the refreshing Passion Fruit Martini, both of which showcase the vodka's smooth, high-quality taste.
Gin
Though Ketel One is primarily known for its vodka, the Nolet family, which has been distilling spirits for centuries in Schiedam, Holland, also produces gin. The Nolet Family's outstanding Dutch gin, known as Schiedam gin or genever, blends perfectly with Ketel One vodka in original and creative cocktails.
Spirits
Ketel One vodka stands as a premium spirit with a rich history and excellent quality. Carolus Nolet and the Nolet family's distilling experience and dedication to crafting the finest spirits ensure that Ketel One remains a top choice for mixologists and vodka enthusiasts alike.
Beer
While beer might not be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing Ketel One vodka, mixing the spirit with beer can result in intriguing and delectable cocktail combinations. Experimenting with different ratios, flavors, and combinations can yield delicious and unexpected results.
Jenever (Genever)
Jenever, also known as genever or Dutch gin, is a traditional distilled spirit from the Netherlands. It is typically made with a blend of malt wine, grain alcohol, and juniper berries. Ketel One vodka's roots can be traced back to the Nolet family's genever production in Schiedam, Holland. Incorporating Jenever in cocktails with Ketel One vodka can bring a nod to the spirit's rich lineage and create a delightful mix of flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Russian origin?
Ketel One Vodka is not of Russian origin but is actually a Dutch vodka. It was developed by the Nolet family, who have been in the distilling business for over 300 years. The name "Ketel One" is derived from the distillery's original copper pot still, referred to as "ketels" in Dutch.
Premium quality?
Ketel One is considered an ultra-premium vodka due to its high-quality ingredients and meticulous distillation process. It is made from 100% GMO-free European wheat and distilled with a combination of column and pot distillation techniques. Part of the distillation process includes using a coal-fired copper pot still, which adds a textural mouth-filling component to the vodka.
Low price reasons?
While Ketel One offers great quality, it may not necessarily have the lowest price compared to other vodkas in the market. It is typically priced in the mid-range compared to other premium vodkas, reflecting its quality and craftsmanship.
High-end status?
Ketel One holds a high-end status in the world of vodka, as its premium quality ingredients and distillation processes set it apart. Furthermore, the brand has a rich family history, having been developed by the Nolet family over 300 years ago. Its distinctive packaging, featuring an image of the original Distilleerketel #1 copper pot still, also adds to its prestigious appeal.
Distillation process?
Ketel One's distillation process is unique due to the combination of column and pot distillation techniques. After the initial distillation in column stills, a portion of the vodka goes through another round of distilling in coal-fueled copper pot stills, which adds a textural mouth-filling component to the mix.
Flavor profiles?
Ketel One Vodka is known for having a clean, crisp, and neutral flavor profile. Since it's made from European wheat, it has a subtle sweetness, while the combination of column and pot distillation processes result in a smooth and balanced finish.