Ketel One is a wheat based vodka distilled using alembic copper pot stills. It’s the same distillation method that was first adopted by founder Joannes Nolet in 1691. Ketel One is made at the Nolet Distillery in the Netherlands. The heads and tails of every batch is discarded because they’re either too strong or too weak, leaving the heart of the distillate. In June of 2008 beverage giant Diageo purchased a 50% stake in Ketel One. Ketel One received a double gold medal at the 2003 San Francisco Spirits competition.

Kettle One was praised by testers for its mild burn, however, it received some criticism for its harsh taste on the tongue and slightly unpleasant aftertaste. Ketel One is far from the worst vodka that we tested but there aren’t enough positives to justify the higher price tag.