Smirnoff No.21 Red is a grain vodka from the brand owned by the Diageo group, bottled in the European version at 37.5% ABV. Commonly known as Red Label, it is made according to the No.21 recipe – a vodka produced to the specifications of Recipe No. 21, developed around 1917 by Vladimir Smirnov.
The brand's pedigree dates back to the 19th century. It was originally founded by P.A. Smirnov in 1864, and after the Russian Revolution his son Vladimir revived it in Europe under an anglicised version of the family name: Smirnoff. Today production is carried out in many countries depending on the market – besides the United States, the vodka is made in, among others, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Jamaica, Brazil, Argentina, India, Indonesia and Kenya.
Its character is determined by the process. Made from grain, Smirnoff No.21 is triple distilled and filtered ten times through charcoal, which ensures purity and smoothness. The filtration is responsible for the neutrality of the profile, without adding new aromas – it is a stage that takes away rather than adds characteristics.
In the sensory profile the producer points to purity and delicacy. The character is distinctly smooth, with a hint of sweetness and a subtle accent of pepper. Expanding on this description: the vodka is known for its clean, neutral taste with subtle grain notes on the nose, the palate is smooth and dry, with a light peppery touch and a clean, smooth finish.
This is a vodka with a mixable profile, intended above all for cocktails. Red Label is the preferred vodka for a wide range of cocktails, such as the Passionfruit Martini, Espresso Martini and the classic Bloody Mary. Among its competition accolades, it is worth noting that the flagship No.21 won a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2019.