Stoli Vanil Vodka 750ML is a natural vanilla-infused vodka bottled at 35% ABV (70 proof), made with Madagascar vanilla beans and Russian winter wheat. This expression earned a 92-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, distinguishing it from competitors with a lighter, less cloying approach to vanilla flavor. Quick Facts: ABV: 35% (70 Proof) | Origin: Riga, Latvia | Flavored Vodka – Natural Vanilla Infusion | Distillery: Latvijas Balzams Production & Heritage Stoli Vanil is produced at the historic Latvijas Balzams distillery in Riga, Latvia, one of the oldest spirits producers in the Baltic region. The base spirit is distilled from Russian winter wheat grown in the Tambov region, then undergoes quadruple filtration through quartz sand, birchwood charcoal, and woven cloth before the vanilla infusion takes place. All-natural flavors derived from Madagascar vanilla beans — widely considered among the finest in the world — are infused directly into the Stolichnaya base vodka, resulting in a spirit that carries authentic vanilla character without relying on artificial sweeteners or synthetic flavoring. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with elegant vanilla pod and crème anglaise, followed by darker notes of chocolate and toasted buttery grain. Subtle white pepper lingers beneath, adding complexity that prevents the aromatics from becoming one-dimensional. Taste: The entry is creamy and light, with vanilla custard and cocoa powder arriving on the mid-palate alongside a gentle butterscotch sweetness. As it develops, white and dark chocolate flavors emerge, balanced by cracked black pepper and a sweet spicy undercurrent. The mouthfeel stays surprisingly lean for a flavored vodka, avoiding the heavy syrupy quality common in the category. Finish: Medium in length, with vanilla ice cream and custard biscuit trailing off alongside faint black pepper warmth. A soured cream note adds a savory counterpoint that keeps the finish dry and clean. How to Drink Stoli Vanil Stoli Vanil works well chilled and sipped neat or over a single large ice cube, where the vanilla character emerges gradually as the spirit opens up. It also excels in cocktails: Vanilla Espresso Martini — the cocoa and vanilla notes complement fresh espresso and coffee liqueur without added sweetness. Vanilla Moscow Mule — ginger beer's spice plays against the butterscotch and pepper notes for a more layered take on the classic. Creamsicle — combined with fresh orange juice and a splash of cream, the natural vanilla infusion mimics the nostalgic flavor profile without tasting artificial. Best For Building a dedicated dessert cocktail menu at home Upgrading Espresso Martinis with a richer vanilla backbone Gifting to someone who enjoys flavored spirits that avoid artificial sweetness After-dinner drinks when a full liqueur feels too heavy Frequently Asked Questions What does Stoli Vanil taste like? Stoli Vanil delivers creamy vanilla custard and cocoa powder flavors balanced by cracked black pepper and light butterscotch, finishing clean and dry rather than syrupy sweet. How does Stoli Vanil compare to Absolut Vanilia? Both are natural-vanilla-flavored vodkas, but Stoli Vanil is bottled at 35% ABV compared to Absolut Vanilia's 38% ABV, and tends to present a lighter, less overtly sweet profile with more cocoa and pepper complexity. Absolut Vanilia leans toward a richer, more pronounced vanilla sweetness that some drinkers prefer in cocktails. Is Stoli Vanil good for cocktails? Yes — its restrained sweetness and 35% ABV make it highly versatile in mixed drinks, particularly Espresso Martinis, Vanilla Mules, and cream-based cocktails where artificial-tasting vanilla would be a distraction. Where is Stoli Vanil made? Stoli Vanil is produced at the Latvijas Balzams distillery in Riga, Latvia, using a base spirit distilled from Russian winter wheat grown in the Tambov region of Russia. What foods pair well with Stoli Vanil? Chocolate truffles or dark chocolate desserts complement the cocoa undertones; crème brûlée echoes the vanilla custard character; apple tart benefits from the butterscotch and spice notes; mild blue cheese creates an unexpected savory-sweet contrast; and vanilla panna cotta reinforces the spirit's core flavor without overwhelming the palate. What sizes does Stoli Vanil come in? The standard widely available size is the 750ml bottle, which is the most common format found across retail markets. Is Stoli Vanil worth the price? Stoli Vanil positions as a mid-range flavored vodka that over-delivers on quality relative to its price tier, backed by a 92-point Wine Enthusiast rating and a production process that uses all-natural Madagascar vanilla rather than synthetic flavoring. Why Stoli Vanil? What separates Stoli Vanil from the crowded vanilla vodka category is its sourcing and restraint. The use of Madagascar vanilla beans — infused into an already quadruple-filtered wheat vodka base — produces a spirit that reads as authentically vanilla without tipping into candy-like territory. The 92-point score from Wine Enthusiast reflects that balance, placing it among the higher-rated flavored vodkas on the market. For drinkers who want genuine vanilla character that performs equally well neat or in cocktails, Stoli Vanil remains a benchmark in its category.
