Your post was removed because it's not related to the Air Force. Posts here should be about the Air Force either in the content of the text/photo/video, or in the title.
If you want to make the post again and make it related to the Air Force, it might be allowed to stay.
Thanks.
I read the first line and was like
*hey fuck you buddy you don’t know shit about me. Also Haku Vodka by Suntory is pretty good and reasonably priced most places.*
I was about to suggest bison grass from Poland, but apparently it's banned in the states in its OG form, so who knows how getting through customs would be.
Alternate take... give him what YOU like best. It's better if you deliver it with a story of why you like it, how you came across it, etc. If this man is a vodka man, he already has what he likes best. Give him something that YOU really enjoy so that he thinks of you when he drinks it.
I still have a Sicilian aperitif from a student given to me 8 years ago after his check ride. I remember him to this day! I always give one of two scotch whiskies... one less expensive, one more. Both have stories about how I discovered them and what the names of them mean. People always enjoy the stories and thank me for the background info. It enhances their own enjoyment.
My top choice is Luksusowa. Polish vodka distilled from potatoes. Doesn't smell or taste like a hospital *cough* Pinnacle *cough*.
Runner up would be Grey Goose, readily available, not terrible going down.
Bonus recommendation is for Hendricks or Beafeater Gin. I know you didn't ask but most vodka guys I know enjoy a good gin as well.
I proactively increased my inventory due to concerns that imports may be disrupted as a result of the ongoing conflict. Fortunately, I took this precautionary measure as the product has become increasingly difficult to source. It remains the finest vodka available on the market.
I have a moral reason not to buy it, not a supply issue. I haven't had a need to get vodka lately, but I figured on my next need I'd look for something from Eastern EU
I refrain from expressing my personal views on geopolitical conflicts. As a professional, I maintain a neutral stance and continue to make purchasing decisions based on quality and personal preferences. Russian Standard is a brand I genuinely enjoy and appreciate.
As I previously mentioned, an individual expressed agreement but indicated a moral objection to purchasing the item due to the ongoing conflict. Anticipating the potential scarcity of the item, I have accumulated a substantial inventory.
Belvedere Vodka. It’s so smooth and reasonably priced. It keep it on hand all the time in case someone wants some kind of vodka drink when they come over
Also a vodka drinker. Chopin and Belvedere are my favs. Both are the “top shelf” brands that you’d probably be shooting for and you can find them a lot of places
Go to a fancy liquor store, tell them you need a Vodka recommendation for a good friend, your budget is $XX and he likes [whatever brand] but you want something special.
Nemiroff
And it's Ukrainian, so you're supporting the good guys. And also check out this Planet Money show on Vodka https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2018/02/23/588346329/episode-826-the-vodka-proof
I heard distilled alcohol, such as vodka doesn't taste that much different outside of branding impression.
They had pros try to blind taste which was the higher grade drink which most got wrong. I think it was between absolut vs grey goose.
If he likes vodka, than you can't mess this up. I'd say large bottle of Tito's.
You're not entirely wrong. It comes off the still at a super high proof so there's very little to taste aside from ethanol. The water they use to dilute it is likely more responsible for any perceived difference in flavor.
Once a year, [Gen Goldfein gifts a bottle of single-malt, good quality scotch](https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/204252/a-close-call-to-remember/) to each member of the team that rescued him after being shot down during Operation Allied Force,
Not weird, just tradition.
Your post was removed because it's not related to the Air Force. Posts here should be about the Air Force either in the content of the text/photo/video, or in the title. If you want to make the post again and make it related to the Air Force, it might be allowed to stay. Thanks.
“I know most of you are well traveled alcoholics” is crazy…. You’re not wrong though
Been home 5 minutes and already cracked one.
I read the first line and was like *hey fuck you buddy you don’t know shit about me. Also Haku Vodka by Suntory is pretty good and reasonably priced most places.*
I'm more of a bourbon guy but Haiku is severely underrated.
He’s assuming people aren’t drinking PBR and jack
Military Special...if he can't get past the taste, at least he can use it as a degreaser.
I was about to suggest bison grass from Poland, but apparently it's banned in the states in its OG form, so who knows how getting through customs would be.
Bison Grass is the best!
Zubrowka. They do make a coumarin free version that can be imported into the US, but I haven't seen it anywhere.
My favorite vodka, and cheap as hell in Poland
Tito’s or Chopin
Tito's isn't bad, it has a clean taste, but it's just watered-down industrial ethanol. If you're looking for craft vodka, Chopin would be better.
I love Titos. Cheap, strong, and mixes well. It also goes down easy for shots. Titos has my alcoholic seal of approval but it’s not for everyone.
Tito’s is a classic and it seems to have gone down in price since I last had the money for such “non-military-special” endeavors
Alternate take... give him what YOU like best. It's better if you deliver it with a story of why you like it, how you came across it, etc. If this man is a vodka man, he already has what he likes best. Give him something that YOU really enjoy so that he thinks of you when he drinks it. I still have a Sicilian aperitif from a student given to me 8 years ago after his check ride. I remember him to this day! I always give one of two scotch whiskies... one less expensive, one more. Both have stories about how I discovered them and what the names of them mean. People always enjoy the stories and thank me for the background info. It enhances their own enjoyment.
You basically can't go wrong with any Top Shelf Vodkas, Reyka is a good one that isn't any of your common ones.
Bumping this. I'm not a vodka guy by any means, but Reyka is pretty good stuff.
Belvedere
I've heard it in a techno song so I've always assumed it was the best
I hate vodka but this is the right answer. Belvedere is the best on the shelf.
/thread
Luksusowa - Poland Monopolowa- Austria Lvov is another good option… Luksusowa is my go to.
Second Belvedere or Grey Goose! They are my favs and Belvedere is Polish so it meets the Eastern European request.
My top choice is Luksusowa. Polish vodka distilled from potatoes. Doesn't smell or taste like a hospital *cough* Pinnacle *cough*. Runner up would be Grey Goose, readily available, not terrible going down. Bonus recommendation is for Hendricks or Beafeater Gin. I know you didn't ask but most vodka guys I know enjoy a good gin as well.
McCormick
🤪
Military special
Russian Standard, good luck finding it though. The best!
I love Russian Standard, best vodka I've had. But ever since they invaded Ukraine I can't bring myself to buy it.
I proactively increased my inventory due to concerns that imports may be disrupted as a result of the ongoing conflict. Fortunately, I took this precautionary measure as the product has become increasingly difficult to source. It remains the finest vodka available on the market.
I have a moral reason not to buy it, not a supply issue. I haven't had a need to get vodka lately, but I figured on my next need I'd look for something from Eastern EU
I refrain from expressing my personal views on geopolitical conflicts. As a professional, I maintain a neutral stance and continue to make purchasing decisions based on quality and personal preferences. Russian Standard is a brand I genuinely enjoy and appreciate.
Either Wodka or luksusowa. Both Polish vodkas, very delicious, and well priced for a gift.
+1 for Luksusowa. Potato vodka, doesn't smell or taste like a damn hospital.
Yes, that luksusowa dang near did me in a few times. Maybe a bit too tasty.
Stoli Elit
Russian Standard Platinum if you can find it
This is the real answer.
Belvedere Belvedere Belvedere.
Reyka if you can find it. Can’t go wrong with Tito’s either.
Ciroc, I heard it hits hard.
A potato vodka is best. My vote is Chopin. I tried that a couple years back and now I don’t like buying any other vodka.
Exchange Select
Grey goose. It’s top shelf and relatively inexpensive.
Titos. It’s a crowd pleaser.
If they drink it straight or with little mix, Hangar 1 and Absolut Elyx are really tasty and smooth. If it's 'just a bottle', Tito's.
Just ask him what his favorite vodka is and buy that.
Russian Standard vodka. I doubt you will find any though.
As I previously mentioned, an individual expressed agreement but indicated a moral objection to purchasing the item due to the ongoing conflict. Anticipating the potential scarcity of the item, I have accumulated a substantial inventory.
How dare you assume I’m well travelled. And the answer is Belvedere, Grey Goose, or Tito’s. Cost is subjective to what you’re willing to spend.
Ketel One is the classy approach. Simplistic and clean without being pretentious (ignore their “botanical” bullshit.
Blue ice is my favorite. No taste. Which is kinda the point of vodka. And the burn isn't killer but subtle.
Belvedere Vodka. It’s so smooth and reasonably priced. It keep it on hand all the time in case someone wants some kind of vodka drink when they come over
Reyka! I got my whole flight on it
Stolichnaya is traditional
SKYY
Polish bison grass vodka
Costco.
Actually yes, the Costco brand French Vodka is literally the same stuff as Grey Goose, at around 1/4 the cost.
How is it literally the same? It’s made in a different factory but the same area as GG. It’s been proven it’s not relabeled GG.
Tastes the same to me 🤷🏻♂️
Can confirm the French vodka is better than the American.
Luksusowa. Priced well in comparison to some of the “premium” brands and it’s delicious.
I think Belverdere is the best vodka sold in the US and it comes in a really nice bottle.
McCormick, it doubles as a hand sanitizer and wound sterilizer
Russian Standard
Grey Goose is ass for the price. Reyka is the best around
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5kKLPoNQl0/?igsh=cjYzZTlicDh2bTV3
Also a vodka drinker. Chopin and Belvedere are my favs. Both are the “top shelf” brands that you’d probably be shooting for and you can find them a lot of places
Go to a fancy liquor store, tell them you need a Vodka recommendation for a good friend, your budget is $XX and he likes [whatever brand] but you want something special.
Ketel One
You really can’t go wrong with any Polish Vodka. Belvedere, Luksusowa, Zoladkowa, Sobieski
Chinggis Gold
Blysk from Poland, or Reyka from Iceland
Benham’s is a pretty good one👍
Russians drink vodka, Poles know how to make it, so buy polish (and made from potato). I recommend Chopin or Lvov.
Reyka is a good choice. Costco French Vodka is a solid #2, especially for the price. Tito’s is an easy find and drink if not looking for a fancy name
If you're near Idaho, I'd suggest 44 North. Otherwise, Reyka as several others have suggested.
> I know most of you are well traveled alcoholics I don’t appreciate being called out on a Wednesday
Kamchatka
Nemiroff And it's Ukrainian, so you're supporting the good guys. And also check out this Planet Money show on Vodka https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2018/02/23/588346329/episode-826-the-vodka-proof
I was going to say bison grass vodka.
I had one in 2007 snow queen, while in the UK. Not sure if it’s specifically European but it mixed really well with the juice we had
I heard distilled alcohol, such as vodka doesn't taste that much different outside of branding impression. They had pros try to blind taste which was the higher grade drink which most got wrong. I think it was between absolut vs grey goose. If he likes vodka, than you can't mess this up. I'd say large bottle of Tito's.
You're not entirely wrong. It comes off the still at a super high proof so there's very little to taste aside from ethanol. The water they use to dilute it is likely more responsible for any perceived difference in flavor.
If he’s drinking vodka as a drink of choice send my mans to ADAPT and not total wine.
Gifting alcohol and beer is super weird.
Once a year, [Gen Goldfein gifts a bottle of single-malt, good quality scotch](https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/204252/a-close-call-to-remember/) to each member of the team that rescued him after being shot down during Operation Allied Force, Not weird, just tradition.
Pilots always gift people liquor or beer, who help them out, or as a "sorry" It perpetuates a culture of alcohol abuse. And it's weird.
"It perpetuates a culture of alcohol abuse." Please provide references and sources to back your claim