Good choices. When can I come over for a cocktail (assuming you stock the two spirits quoted above)? :D

LOL of course ;)

Popov

let's talk vodka
 

I'm a vodka martini guy (please no commentary about how these aren't real martinis - I get it and agree with you; I like the glasses and the olives). I used to be a Grey Goose guy. But recently I've been experimenting with other brands, both at home and in restaurants. I gotta say, Russian Standard is pretty good. Goes down smooth and is reasonably priced. Still like the Goose, but RS is inching up there in my preference profile.

Ketel One and Chopin are also quite good.

What is your vodka of choice? And how do you order it? Martini-style with a twist/olives? Over rocks?

I gotta go with the Burnetts... lol, maybe not for vodka in a martini, but for a mixing vodka it is cheap and good. A favorite summer cooler: Burnetts Pomegranete and Crystal Light lemonade.

As far as better vodkas? I am a Stoli or Three Olives fan.

My preferred way? In lemon drop form. (chilled, sugared rim, and a slice of lemon and then you shot it.)

I've been meaning to try Three Olives. What is the country of origin there? USA?

Those are ok, but my real preference is Pearl Vodka, from Canada.
It has a silky texture and great taste, not overly clean.

Next is Gvori, from Poland.

Always very dry, with a twist.

Although after the first one, doesn't much matter.

Used to have vodka blind taste tests with friends, its a good way to learn them. But limit it to like five.

It helped at a dive bar when I told them the Stoli they served me wasn't Stoli.
They gave up and opened a new bottle.

I've been going through a 3L of Roth for the past few months, and also have some Tito's for special occasions. Just taking a break from the Grey Goose and Ketel for a while.

Past few months? That would last maybe two weeks in my household. ^

Damn, another two to try.

Very dry indeed. Too much Vermouth gives me a headache. I must be half Russian.

Agreed. After 1 martini they could give me gin instead and I wouldn't know the difference. After 2 and they could give me gasoline and I wouldn't know the difference.

Actually by "very dry" I mean NO vermouth.
Think that definition is bar tender standard.

The last bar I was at (Rasika in DC - excellent Indian food), the guy pour a drop of vermouth into the martini shaker and then wiped it out, then he poured my grey goose. I appreciate the care. :)

I find Belvedere pretty good.

Hangar One. Nothing else even close.

Welcome to FT!