Smirnoff No.21 Red is a grain vodka from a brand belonging to the Diageo group, known in many European markets as Red Label. Smirnoff No.21 is produced according to recipe no. 21, developed around 1917 by Vladimir Smirnov. The No.21 recipe was created after Vladimir, the son of the brand's founder, left Russia during the October Revolution.
The base is grain spirit. The vodka is triple distilled from a blend of various grains and filtered ten times through seven columns of charcoal, which yields an exceptionally clean-tasting, smooth distillate. The brand states that filtration takes place through seven columns filled with sustainably sourced charcoal. This is a filtration method with a long pedigree – Pyotr Arsenyevitch Smirnov, who founded the distillery in Moscow in 1864, pioneered charcoal filtration as early as the 1870s.
The sensory profile is dominated by neutrality. The vodka is known for its clean, neutral character with subtle grain notes on the nose; the palate is smooth and dry, with a light peppery touch and a clean finish. The producer itself describes it succinctly: a smooth character with a hint of sweetness and a subtle note of pepper.
It is bottled at 37.5%. Its neutral, dry profile makes it a typical cocktail base. Smirnoff No.21 is a frequently chosen vodka for a wide range of cocktails, such as the Passionfruit Martini, Espresso Martini or the classic Bloody Mary.