Difference Between Cheap Vodka VS Premium Vodka

When you’re debating between buying cheap vodka or shelling out the extra dollars for premium vodka, many people believe it’s all the same. But there is so much more that goes on behind the scenes — from ingredients and distillation to purity, taste and overall drinking experience. And in the era of bag in a box, this knowledge is becoming increasingly important especially for people in NZ who are seeking value without sacrificing taste because we all like to indulge and have a bit of fun with drinks.

In this blog, we’ll share all the things that set low-price vodka apart from high-quality premium vodka — in a clear manner and with expert knowledge plus applicable tips for smart buying.

Why is some Vodka ‘cheap’ and other ‘premium’?

The major points of divergence between the two categories tend to be:

• Ingredients
  
• Distillation and filtration
  
• Purity
  
• Taste and smoothness
  
• Brand reputation and craftsmanship
  

Knowing how each of these things influences the ultimate drink you make can help you figure out if premium vodka will be worth it to you.

1. Ingredients: Base Materials Matter More Than You Think

Low cost vodka is typically made with the cheapest possible base, which includes:

• Corn
  
• Sugarcane
  
• Cheap grains
  

These materials ferment very fast and reduce costs but can also affect both the smell and aftertaste.

Premium vodka brands often use:

• Winter wheat
  
• High-quality rye
  
• Fine potatoes
  
• Spring water or mineral-rich water sources
  

Quality Ingredients lead to a cleaner fermentation – which means less funk and a better finished product.

2. Distillation Process: How Many Times Is Enough?

It is in distillation where quality differences show up.

Cheap Vodka

• Usually distilled 1–2 times
  
• May still contain congeners — unwanted chemical compounds that affect taste and can cause harsher hangovers
  
• Lower-quality stills may lead to less purity

   

Premium Vodka

• Multiple times distilled (usually 5x or more)
  
• Utilizes filtration such as charcoal, quartz, or even diamond dust
  
• Results in:

   

  • Smoother taste
    
  • Cleaner aroma
    
  • Fewer impurities
    

The more refined the process, the more enjoyable it is to drink.

3. Filtration: A Clear Difference in Purity

Low-quality vodka filters out just a few large particles and impurities. On the other hand, premium vodka is typically treated with fancy filtration like:

• Charcoal filtering
  
• Silver filtration
  
• Crystal filtration
  

This is the way it cleans and stands to reason— that’s why it feels smooth, that’s why the finish looks a lot cleaner.

4. Taste Profile: Smooth vs Harsh

Taste is where most people will feel the difference right away.

Cheap Vodka

• Strong, sharp alcoholic “burn”
  
• Harsh aftertaste
  
• Slight chemical or medicinal notes
  

Premium Vodka

• Soft, smooth mouthfeel
  
• Clean and neutral flavour
  
• Characters from base ingredients (for example, potato vodka yields a creamy mouthfeel where as wheat vodka would yield smooth mouthfeeling).
  

This is typically what people pay a premium for.

5. Taste Profile: Smooth vs Harsh

Taste is where most people will feel the difference right away.

• Higher-quality ingredients
  
• Extensive distillation and filtration
  
• Better packaging
  
• Brand craftsmanship
  
• Regulatory quality checks

   

Cheap vodka skips many of these steps for affordability. You’re not just paying for the name; you’re paying for the entire production experience.

Cheap Vodka vs Premium Vodka: What’s Best for Cocktails? 

Of course, this varies by what kind of drink:

Cheap Vodka Works Well For:

• Mixed drinks with strong flavours
  
• Large parties where quantity matters
  
• Cocktails using heavy mixers (cola, juice, energy drinks)
  

Premium Vodka Is Ideal For:

• Martinis
  
• Vodka sodas
  
• Neat or on-the-rocks sipping
  
• Cocktails where vodka’s smoothness stands out
  

If you want the vodka to “disappear” into whatever your drink is, use cheap vodka. If you want your vodka to really stand out, premium is the way to go.

Where Does Vodka RTD Fit In?

As vodka RTD (ready-to-drink) becomes increasingly popular, what consumers are seeking today is convenience without compromise. Some of the premium brands now have vodka RTD options that mix their brand of vodka with the perfect balance of mixers — which means they’re smooth, refreshing and just right every time!

Dirt cheap vodka RTDs can err on the side of too sweet, or artificial-tasting, or sharper.

 If you are looking for the ease of having a perfectly clean, delicious cocktail that you didn’t have to make yourself, premium RTDs represent great value and taste consistency.

(Note: “vodka rtd” included twice as requested.)

Health Impact: Does Premium Vodka Give a Better Next-Day Experience?

Moderation is paramount, however, vodka with fewer impurities often means a decrease in:

• Headaches
  
• Nausea
  
• Hangover intensity
  

Less filtered cheap vodka that contains more congeners can be harder on the system.

Final Verdict: Is Premium Vodka Worth It?

Yes — if you appreciate vodka that’s pure, clear and smooth. But if you’re doctoring a cocktail heavily or throwing a party, cheap vodka is still fulfilling its end of the bargain. But for heavily mixed cocktails or crowds, cheap vodka can also do the job. 

Quick Breakdown:

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between cheap and premium vodka means you can make better decisions—whether you’re out drinking, grabbing a vodka RTD on your way home, or buying fresh supplies for a well-stocked home bar. Top-shelf vodka can be described as the ideal in purity, refinement and softness; bottom shelf was character for being affordable and also versatile.

If you are living in New Zealand and searching for premium options, you can check out an impressive number of choices at Pakuranga Liquor Spot, a reputable store that includes low cost through to top shelf spirits for all tastes.