Which Is Better: Grey Goose Or Belvedere
It is said that when Grey Goose was named the “Best Tasting Vodka in the World” in 1998 by the Chicago Beverage Testing Institute, Belvedere complained that the verdict was unfair. Over two decades later, the Grey Goose vs Belvedere vodka rivalry doesn’t seem like it’s ending anytime soon.
So, between Grey Goose vs Belvedere vodka, which is better?
Welcome to the face-off!
Grey Goose vs Belvedere: History
Belvedere is the product of 600 years of traditional Polish vodka-making craft. The brand is named after Belweder, the Polish presidential palace in Warsaw, and is produced in one of the world’s oldest and longest continuously-operating Polish distilleries. The Belvedere distillery was built in 1910, although the production of this top-shelf brand began in 1993. Luxury brand Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) — producers of Ardbeg, Hennessy, and Dom Pérignon — officially acquired the brand in April 2005.
Grey Goose’s history began in 1997 as Sidney Frank’s dream of creating a premium, world-class vodka from France. While the world-class vodka brand is entirely produced in France, Frank created the luxury vodka brand to cater to American liquor consumers. He selected France because of the country’s rich culinary history and his committed desire to create a distinct vodka known and accepted throughout Eastern Europe. Bacardi Limited acquired the Grey Goose brand in 2004.
Grey Goose vs Belvedere: Source of Ingredients
The Belvedere brand is strictly committed to its traditional production guidelines. To keep its consistently premium taste, the brand ensures that each step of the process occurs in Poland, using locally-sourced raw ingredients. The pure, satisfying vodka is produced from premium Polska rye and pristine water from a natural well, distilled four times, and contains no additives or sugar.
Grey Goose uses two quality ingredients: single-origin Picardie wheat and water from its natural limestone well in Gensac-La-Pallue to produce a smooth vodka with a classic taste. This unique blend of French homegrown ingredients is distilled once using traditional column stills and is filtered through limestone. It’s an elegant, tasteful vodka — a product of expertise and years of experience — courtesy of the brand’s Maître de Chais, François Thibault, who developed the original recipe for the vodka in Cognac, France.
Grey Goose vs Belvedere: Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
The Grey Goose vs Belvedere debate seems to find a common ground here. The classic Belvedere and Grey Goose products and many variants are bottled at the standard 40% ABV (80-proof) for classic vodka, although there are few exceptions.
Belvedere Intense, a limited-edition release contains 50% ABV (100 proofs). On the other hand, all the 3 flavored vodka products in the Grey Goose’s Essences line (Strawberry & Lemongrass, White Peach & Rosemary, and White Peach & Rosemary) are bottled at 30% ABV (60 proof). The low alcohol vodka proof and fruity essence of Grey Goose vodkas make them an ideal choice as a good mixer for dessert-style cocktails.
Grey Goose vs Belvedere: Tasting Notes
Belvedere gives an inviting aroma of fresh grass and a subtly sweet taste of vanilla and cream on the palate. It has a clean finish and hints of black pepper sustained with notes of almonds and brazil nut.
Meanwhile, Grey Goose offers the smell of black pepper and rye to the nose. On the palate, it’s quite crispy and culminates in a creamy but biting finish.
Grey Goose vs Belvedere: Available Flavours
Other than their original, classic versions, both Grey Goose and Belvedere also have different fruit-flavoured variants to appeal to their fans. For instance, Belvedere’s Maceration Line offers 8 exciting flavours, such as the Belvedere Mango Passion, Bloody Mary Vodka, and Ginger Zest.
On the other hand, Grey Goose released its first flavoured variant, L’Orange in 2001. Other varieties in their portfolio include Le Citron, La Poire, Le Melon, Watermelon & Basil, and Strawberry & Lemongrass.
Grey Goose vs Belvedere: Price Point
The prices of Grey Goose and Belvedere vodkas depend on the variety released by each company. On average, Belvedere seems to be in the higher range than Grey Goose vodkas.
Grey Goose vs Belvedere: The Verdict
On the smoothness scale, Grey Goose edges out Belvedere. While both are top-shelf vodkas, gluten-free, lower-calorie vodkas, Grey Goose follows a stricter processing method. It uses locally-sourced French wheat and water that came 500 feet below its main facility, while Belvedere follows the strict rules of Polish vodka.
Of course, both brands are great for drinking straight, on the rocks, or even in vodka-based cocktails. They also have the same alcohol concentration in their original variety and are marketed by world-acclaimed outfits such as Bacardi and LVMH. However, Grey Goose has always come out on top during blind test tastings.
