We have included Grey Goose Vodka and Grey Goose Essences in Craft Gin Club’s August 2023 Gin of the Month box and we can’t wait for members to give them a try whether on their own or mixed with gin.

But what is Grey Goose Vodka? How is it made? When and where was it invented? And the most delicious question of all, how do you serve Grey Goose Vodka?

In this feature, we reveal all…

What type of vodka is Grey Goose?

Grey Goose is a French, wheat-based premium vodka.

It is special because it is made from scratch by Grey Goose with one specific, carefully-chosen grain - scroll down to find out which. This allows Grey Goose to make sure their product is of the highest quality from start to finish.

Other vodkas can be made with potato (Chase), rye (Belvedere, Smirnoff and Zubrowka), grapes (Au Vodka) or a mix of grains like barley (Black Cow).

When was Grey Goose Vodka invented?

Grey Goose Vodka was founded in 1997 by American entrepreneur Sidney Frank. Inspired by the bar industry’s want for high-quality vodka, he set out to create a premium spirit like nothing the world had seen before and so brought on board noted French Maître de Chai (Cellar Master), François Thibault.

Together, they developed Grey Goose into the incredible brand and spirit it is today.

How is Grey Goose Vodka made?

The amazing team at Grey Goose make their vodka with the finest ingredients from France - soft winter wheat and fermenting it with natural spring water. The resulting high-proof alcohol is then distilled to perfection. 

While the number of times the spirit is distilled varies greatly across different vodka brands, Grey Goose is only ever distilled once, based on the desire to allow the characteristics of the high-quality ingredients to shine through.

Grey Goose take a detailed approach to the whole process, being one of the few premium vodka brands that create their own high-quality base spirit and take charge of the whole vodka-making process from grain to glass to ensure only the best ingredients and processes are used. 

What is Grey Goose Vodka made from?

Grey Goose Vodka is made from just two high-quality, ultra-local ingredients: natural spring water from Gensac-la-Pallue in the Cognac region, and single-origin winter wheat sourced from local farmers in and around Picardy. 

This particular wheat is softer and full of flavour than most, having been sown in Autumn and harvested toward the end of summer.

Image: Grey Goose

Where is Grey Goose Vodka made?

Grey Goose Vodka is distilled in northern France, in the picturesque region of Picardy in an area known as France’s breadbasket. It is then bottled in the famed Cognac region. 

That’s right, every drop of Grey Goose Vodka enjoyed around the world only ever comes from France.

What does Grey Goose Vodka taste like?

Grey Goose Vodka is incredibly pure, crisp and clean, with hints of black pepper and mellow almond on the nose. Those black pepper tones develop on the palate, where it is joined by aromatic rye and anise notes. The finish is wonderfully creamy, warm and spiced.

Grey Goose has also crafted Grey Goose Essences, made with vodka infused with real fruit and botanical essences. Find out everything you need to know about these tasty tipples right here.

How to serve Grey Goose Vodka?

Grey Goose Vodka is fantastic served chilled neat, over ice (“on the rocks”) or with soda water and a slice of lime.

It is also an amazing cocktail ingredient and can be used to elevate any vodka cocktail into a remarkable one.

One of our favourites has to be The Long Martini Cocktail, a fun twist on the classic vodka or gin martini cocktail.

A divine mix of Grey Goose Vodka, dry vermouth and ginger ale, it’s spritely, refreshing and so delicious. It’s an ideal serve on a warm summer evening.

The Long Martini Cocktail:

50ml Grey Goose Vodka
20ml dry vermouth
100ml ginger ale
Orange bitters, optional
Lemon wedge, to garnish

Add everything to a tall glass with ice and stir. Garnish, serve and enjoy!

Of course, we love combining Grey Goose Vodka with gin too. And what better place to start than with the classic gin and vodka cocktail, the Vesper Martini?

Vesper Martini

25ml Grey Goose Vodka
50ml gin
15ml dry vermouth
Lemon peel, to garnish

Shake the gin, vodka and vermouth with ice. Strain into a martini glass. Squeeze the lemon peel over the top of the liquid to spritz with the oils. Garnish, serve and enjoy!

Is Grey Goose Vodka Gluten free?

Both Grey Goose Vodka and Grey Goose Essences are absolutely 100% gluten-free, similar to all vodkas made with distilled alcohol and no additives.

Can Grey Goose Vodka freeze?

Grey Goose Vodka will not freeze in a conventional freezer. Because vodka contains 40% alcohol, it won’t freeze over until around -27 degrees Celsius, much lower than your typical freezer, which is around -18 degrees Celsius.

This means that Grey Goose Vodka can be stored in the freezer and it will remain liquid. However, storing Grey Goose in the freezer is not recommended as the extremely cold temperature will hide some of the vodka’s flavour profile.

To experience Grey Goose Vodka at its optimum, it is best to store it in a fridge between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius. That way, you will get to experience the vodka at its best.

Where can you buy Grey Goose Vodka?

Grey Goose Vodka and Grey Goose Essences are available to buy in most major supermarkets, and premium retailers such as Majestic Wines, Harvey Nichols or online on Amazon.

They are both also available to buy as part of Craft Gin Club’s August 2023 Gin of the Month box. Find out everything you need to know right here…