Smirnoff RED Triple Distilled No. 21 Vodka 35 cl 37,5%

A small bottle takes up nothing in a bag and does not sit half empty at the back of a cupboard for two years. 35 cl is the size you take to the summer house, into the tent bag or into a gift box alongside two glasses and a bag of limes.

Expert description

Smirnoff RED Triple Distilled No. 21 Vodka 35 cl is a British Vodka made from grain, triple distilled and bottled at 37.5%.

The contents are exactly what sits in the larger bottles. No. 21 is the number of the recipe, and the spirit is cleaned through columns of activated charcoal until there is little left beyond alcohol, water and a dry peppery note. Nothing about the liquid changes, only how long it lasts.

The small format carries a practical advantage people rarely mention. An opened vodka bottle does not fade the way wine does, but the air in a half empty bottle still works away slowly. A 35 cl gets finished while it is fresh, and it is also the easiest way to try a vodka before committing to a litre.

Tasting notes

Nose

Tight and clean. A wisp of charcoal and something close to wet flint.

Palate

Dry from the first sip. The grain is there but brief, with a peppery warmth sitting right behind it.

Finish

Clean and quick with black pepper at the end. No sweetness, no tail.

Specifications

Name: Smirnoff RED Triple Distilled No. 21 Vodka 35 cl
Producer: Smirnoff
Region/Country: United Kingdom
Type: British Vodka
ABV: 37.5%
Size: 35 CL
Distillation method: Triple distilled and charcoal filtered
EAN no.: 5410316671286
Serving suggestion: Ice cold as a shot with herring and rye bread, or in a Screwdriver with fresh orange.

Flavour profile

Dry · Clean · Peppery · Straightforward

Did you know?

Pyotr Smirnov supplied vodka to the Russian imperial court in the late nineteenth century, and that appointment became part of the brand identity. The double-headed eagle on the label comes straight from there, borrowed from the imperial coat of arms.

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Frequently asked questions about Smirnoff RED Triple Distilled No. 21 Vodka 35 cl

What is a 35 cl bottle good for?

Around eight drinks at 4 cl, or a couple of rounds of shots for four people. The format is aimed at travel, holiday houses and festivals, where nobody wants to carry a litre bottle or leave a half empty one behind.

Is the liquid the same as in the big bottle?

Yes, identical. Same recipe, same strength, same filtration. The only things that change are the volume and the fact that this one actually fits in a fridge door.

Can I take it in hand luggage?

No, not through security. The limit for liquids in cabin bags is 100 ml, so 35 cl has to travel in checked luggage. The small bottle is sturdy enough for a suitcase if you wrap it in clothing.

How do I get the most out of a shot?

Cold bottle, cold glass and something salty beside it. Vodka at freezer temperature turns thicker in the mouth and gentler in the throat, and it works better with food than on its own. Herring, smoked fish or a hot soup are the classics.

What exactly is No. 21?

The number of the recipe the entire red range rests on. It says nothing about age or strength but refers to the Smirnov family's own numbered recipes. You will find the same number on bottles in every size.

Does it work as a small gift?

Yes, particularly with something to mix it into. A 35 cl, a bottle of ginger beer and a lime make a complete Moscow Mule kit without filling the whole bag. For a different base, look through our Vodka brands.

Does vodka go off?

Not in any practical sense. An unopened bottle can sit for years without changing, as long as it stays dark and cool. An opened bottle left nearly empty can taste slightly flatter, thanks to the air sitting above the liquid.