Absolut Vodka vs Smirnoff No. 21
Absolut Vodka and Smirnoff No. 21, side by side: what each one is, who makes it, alcohol content, ingredients, sensory profile and flavor notes, all from the Bebidário profiles.
Which do you prefer?
The differences in a few lines
- Both are vodkas.
- Absolut Vodka is stronger: 40% ABV; Smirnoff No. 21 has 36.2%.
- Absolut is owned by Pernod Ricard; Smirnoff, by Diageo.
- Absolut comes from Sweden; Smirnoff, from Russia.
- In Bebidário's sensory profile, Absolut Vodka is fuller-bodied (5 against 3.5, out of 10).
- Flavor notes they share: black pepper.
- Only in Absolut Vodka, cereal, dark caramel, vanilla and licorice; only in Smirnoff No. 21, mint.
Which one to choose?
- Want less alcohol? Smirnoff No. 21 (36.2%).
- Want something fuller-bodied? Absolut Vodka.
- Want something lighter? Smirnoff No. 21.
- Looking for cereal, dark caramel, vanilla and licorice? Absolut Vodka.
- Looking for mint? Smirnoff No. 21.
Based on the differences in sensory profile, alcohol content and calories. In the end, your palate decides.
Side by side
| Absolut Vodka Vodka · Sweden | Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka · Russia | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Vodka | Vodka |
| Brand | Absolut | Smirnoff |
| Brand owner | Pernod Ricard | Diageo |
| Brand origin | Sweden | Russia |
| Alcohol content | 40% ABV | 36.2% ABV |
| Distillation | Continuous, up to 96% ABV, in Nöbbelöv | Three times |
| Bottling | Åhus, Sweden | — |
| Filtration | — | Ten times |
| Manufacturing | — | Fortaleza (CE), Diageo |
| Raw material | Winter wheat from the Skåne region | Grain alcohol |
| Ingredients | Cereal alcohol distillate; water. | Water and rectified ethyl alcohol. |
| Calories per 100 ml | 221 kcal | ≈ 200 kcal (alcohol only) |
| Sweetness | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Acidity | 1 | 1 |
| Body | 5 | 3.5 |
| Bitterness | 2 | 2 |
| Alcohol | 8 | 8 |
| Notes — first sip | cerealblack pepper | black pepper |
| Notes — mid-palate | cerealdark caramelvanillablack pepperlicorice | black peppermint |
| Notes — finish | raisinblack pepperlicorice | black pepper |
Data from the Bebidário drink profiles. The sensory profile goes from 0 to 10 and combines Bebidário's reference with community votes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Absolut Vodka and Smirnoff No. 21?
Both are vodkas. Absolut Vodka is stronger: 40% ABV; Smirnoff No. 21 has 36.2%. Absolut is owned by Pernod Ricard; Smirnoff, by Diageo. Absolut comes from Sweden; Smirnoff, from Russia.
Which is stronger, Absolut Vodka or Smirnoff No. 21?
Absolut Vodka is stronger: 40% ABV; Smirnoff No. 21 has 36.2%.
Are Absolut Vodka and Smirnoff No. 21 made by the same company?
No. Absolut is owned by Pernod Ricard; Smirnoff, by Diageo.
Which is sweeter, Absolut Vodka or Smirnoff No. 21?
They are about as sweet as each other in Bebidário's sensory profile (0.5 and 0.5, out of 10).
Read also
Comments
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