Ketel One Vodka
Ketel One Vodka is a premium, family-made vodka from the Netherlands, known for its exceptional smoothness, crisp taste, and subtle hints of citrus and honey. Crafted from 100% non-GMO European wheat using a unique combination of traditional copper pot stills and modern distillation techniques, it's a favorite among bartenders and connoisseurs for its versatility and quality.
Ketel One Vodka embodies over 330 years of distilling expertise from the Nolet family in Schiedam, Holland. This renowned vodka is meticulously crafted from carefully selected non-GMO European wheat. The distillation process is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation: a portion of the spirit is distilled in the family's original coal-fired copper pot still, "Distilleerketel #1" (from which the vodka gets its name), while the rest undergoes advanced column distillation. This dual process, followed by charcoal filtration and resting in tile-lined tanks, results in a spirit of unparalleled smoothness and purity.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Freshness with delicate hints of citrus and sweet honey.
Palate: Crisp and lively, with a smooth character and a subtle sweetness.
Feel: Silky and soft, with a clean mouthfeel.
Recognition
Consistently voted the #1 best-selling and #1 top-trending vodka by Drinks International (e.g., 2020, 2023).
Food Pairings
Seafood: Oysters, ceviche, grilled fish.
Light Appetizers: Fresh salads, cucumber bites, mild cheeses.
Savory Dishes: Dishes with bell pepper, tomato, or even bacon can find a good balance with Ketel One (as suggested by some food pairing resources).
Serving Suggestions
Neat or On the Rocks: Enjoy chilled to appreciate its inherent smoothness and subtle flavors.
With Soda and a Twist: A simple and refreshing serve that highlights its crispness. Try with a lemon or orange twist, or a cucumber ribbon and mint for a "Ketel One Soda with Cucumber Mint."
Interesting Facts
Family Legacy: The Nolet family has been distilling spirits in Schiedam, Holland, since 1691, spanning 11 generations. Every batch of Ketel One is still personally tasted and approved by a Nolet family member.
Name Origin: "Ketel One" is named after the Nolet Distillery's oldest active copper pot still, "Distilleerketel #1."
Bartender's Choice: Ketel One was specifically developed in 1983 by Carolus Nolet Sr., the 10th-generation distiller, with bartenders in mind, aiming to create a vodka perfect for cocktails. It has consistently been voted the world's favorite vodka by bartenders.
Bottle Design: The bottle's traditional shape is inspired by old Dutch stone spirits bottles. The current bottle also features a signature longer neck, designed based on feedback from bartenders for easier grip during cocktail making.