History & Background
Smirnoff 100 Vodka: The Smirnoff brand was founded in 1864 in Moscow by Pyotr Arsenyevich Smirnov. Smirnov was a pioneering figure in the well-known “charcoal filtration” or charcoal filtering technology. After the Russian Revolution, the family moved to Europe and later came under the ownership of Diageo in India. Today it is one of the most well-known vodka brands worldwide. finewinehouse.com, Big Bear Wine & Liquor – South, ,The Spruce Eats
Smirnoff 100 Vodka is a “high proof” vodka at 50% ABV (100 proof) and is part of Smirnoff’s series of 80 (40%) and 90 proof (45%) versions. Liquor.com It was released in 2009 and is produced by Diageo in Plainfield, Illinois, USA. Liquor.com
Fast Facts of Smirnoff 100 Vodka
• Classification: Vodka
• Proof: 100 (50% ABV) Liquor.com
• Place of Origin: Plainfield, Illinois, USA Liquor.com
• Other versions: 80 and 90 proof Old Smirnoff 100 Vodka as well as Liquor.com The Spruce Eats
• MSRP (USA): Approx. $20 Liquor.com
• Awards: Gold, 2018 SIP Awards Liquor.com
Tasting Notes & Characteristics
According to Liquor.com reviews:
• Appearance: Clear Liquor.com
• Nose: High proof of alcohol and subtle sweetness from corn are evident from the first sip. Liquor.com
• Palate: The strength of the proof comes immediately, with subtle hints of sweet cereal or oil occasionally disappearing. Light dilution reduces the sweetness of the cereal grain and makes the taste somewhat “hollow.” Liquor.com
• Finish: Cracker dry, lip smacking, with a slight peppery linger. Liquor.com
FineWine House / NapaCabs Description:
• Triple distillation and ten-times charcoal filtration produce a clean, crisp, and bold experience. Subtle grain and sweetness are reminiscent. finewinehouse.comnapacabs.com
• Palate: Powerful and refined, smooth texture, and a dry finish. finewinehouse.comnapacabs.com
Big Bear Wine Analysis:
• Triple distillation and ten-times filtration yield exceptional purity. Big Bear Wine & Liquor – South, ,
• Mid palate: Subtle vanilla undertones, crisp mineral quality; Finish: Long, warming sensation, and clean aftertaste. Big Bear Wine & Liquor – South, ,
• It works great in mixes—maintains the flavor in classic cocktails like Moscow Mules, etc. Big Bear Wine & Liquor – South, ,
• It pairs well with food—works as a palate-cleansing accompaniment to rich or spicy foods. Big Bear Wine & Liquor – South, ,
Distiller’s Community Review (Smirnoff 100 Vodka Blue):
• “Getting too close to the glass, you’ll get the alcohol burn, but not much else … Tasting neat, … a little oil slickness … The finish is clean … best mixed.” Distiller—The Liquor Expert
Summary of Flavor Profile
• High proof, clean and neutral flavor
• Useful as a “blank slate” (cocktails, punches)
• Less suitable for sipping or spirit-forward use like Martinis
• Good in intense mixers, preserves flavor
• The finish is dry, lip-smacking, and lingeringly peppery.
Price of Smirnoff 100 Vodka
• US MSRP: ~$20 (750 ml) Liquor.com
• Large format (1.75 L) available for around $40, suitable for cocktail batches Liquor.com
• Price variation in markets like India or Bangladesh includes import duties, taxes, and retailer prices—no specific information here.
Large-format versions are relatively affordable for cocktails.
Test & Usage Tips
• Cocktail Use (High dilution): Highballs, punches, pitcher cocktails—keeps proof intact without being overpowered by mixers. Liquor.com, Big Bear Wine & Liquor – South,
• Straight / Sipping: Not suitable for sipping or spirit-forward cocktails like martinis due to its high proof and neutral flavor. Liquor.com
• Mixing Benefits: Add ginger beer, lime, cranberry, tomato juice, citrus, or coffee liqueur for added flavor presence. Big Bear Wine & Liquor – South, ,
• Food Pairing: Brightens Russian-style pickles, caviar, smoked fish, and spicy cuisine; works to neutralize hard fats and strong flavors. Big Bear Wine & Liquor – South, ,
• Shelf life: Has an indefinite shelf life after opening if stored properly (cool, dark, airtight); best consumed within 10 years. Big Bear Wine & Liquor – South,.
Community Feedback
• One user on Influenster said:
“Smooth, clean, and super versatile. Great on its own or mixed in cocktails.” Influencer
• Another said:
“Strong, practical, and easy to combine. Intense when solo, but neutral enough to let the mixer shine.” Influencer
• Several reviews have said, “smooth enough for mixing… noticeable bite when straight… clean flavor.” Target+1
• Some real feedback from Reddit:
“40% abv, 45% abv, and 50% abv. Usually the more alcohol, the more it tastes like alcohol.” Reddit
“It’s up to the drinker to decide
FAQ of Smirnoff 100 Vodka
1. What are the proof variations? What is the difference between Smirnoff Red (80), 90, and 100?
A: Differences by ABV: 80 proof is ~40% ABV, 90 proof is ~45%, and 100 proof is ~50%. More proof means more alcohol presence, which can be harsher in taste. Reddit
2. What is safe in straight (neat) cocktail quantities?
A. It’s possible, but many people think it’s harsh; it’s easier to cool in the freezer or dilute with a mixer. Reddit +1
3. What are Smirnoff 100 Vodka’s good features?
A. High dilution maintains alcohol presence in cocktails; prices are also relatively low.Liquor.com ,The Spruce Eats.
4. How does Smirnoff 100 Vodka go into food?
A. Palate-cleansing with spicy, rich, fatty, or pickled foods; retains flavor from dilution in frozen cocktails. Big Bear Wine & Liquor – South,
5. How long is the shelf life?
A. Indefinite in proper storage; however, best quality within 10 years of consumption. Big Bear Wine & Liquor – South,
6. Why is it good for party or batch cocktails?
A. Reasonable price, high proof that keeps the flavor intact in mixers, “blank slate” flavor. Liquor.comBig Bear Wine & Liquor – South, ,
Conclusion
Smirnoff 100 Vodka is a strong, neutral, high-proof vodka, especially suited to cocktail-making, punch-batching, or high-dilution drinks. It is affordable, readily available, and has a “blank slate” flavor profile. However, it is less suitable for straight sipping or spirit-forward cocktails, as the proof is too sharp and the flavor can be minimal or hollow.
If you plan on making cocktails in large quantities, such as at parties or events, this is a smart, cost-effective choice. If you are looking for sipping or a subtle flavor, you may be better off choosing a smooth or premium vodka.
