Leslie Massey
Smirnoff Blue Label is a higher-proof alternative to Smirnoff's ubiquitous Red Label. It is made from grain and distilled through continuous distillation. It is charcoal-filtered and bottled at 50% ABV. While it is available in Australia, it is noticeably absent from stores in the UK, where it cannot be purchased outside of airports. Its higher alcohol content means it is taxed 33% more than regular Smirnoff, which may explain its limited availability in certain markets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| ABV | 50% |
| Price | £50 a bottle |
| Tax | 33% more than normal Smirnoff |
| Purchase Locations | Online from specialist booze places, duty-free |
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What You'll Learn
Blue Smirnoff is stronger than standard Smirnoff
Blue Smirnoff, also known as Blue Label, is stronger than standard Smirnoff. While standard Smirnoff vodka has an ABV of 37.5%, Blue Smirnoff is bottled at a higher proof, with an ABV of 50%. This means that Blue Smirnoff contains significantly more alcohol than the standard variety. In fact, due to its higher alcohol content, Blue Smirnoff is subject to a 33% higher tax rate than regular Smirnoff in some regions.
The increased alcohol content in Blue Smirnoff is achieved through a unique distillation process. Both varieties are distilled using charcoal filtration, a technique pioneered by the brand's founder, Piotr Arseneyevich Smirnoff, in 1864. However, Blue Smirnoff undergoes a more intensive filtration process, being passed through eight tonnes of activated charcoal. This extensive filtration process ensures smoothness and purity, resulting in a clean, crisp spirit with a subtle grainy nose and a hint of sweetness.
The higher alcohol content in Blue Smirnoff also contributes to its distinct characteristics. Unlike standard Smirnoff, which can freeze at extremely low temperatures, Blue Smirnoff is known for its resistance to freezing, even in extremely cold environments. This unique property has been noted by consumers, particularly those seeking a vodka that retains its liquid state in freezers.
The higher alcohol content in Blue Smirnoff may also contribute to its limited availability. In some regions, such as the UK, Blue Smirnoff is primarily available in duty-free shops and airports, rather than in supermarkets or liquor stores. This could be due to licensing laws, taxation differences, or a lack of perceived market demand for higher-proof spirits in certain areas.
Overall, the key distinction between Blue Smirnoff and standard Smirnoff lies in their alcohol content. Blue Smirnoff, with its higher ABV, undergoes a more intensive distillation process, resulting in a smoother, purer spirit. This increased alcohol content also contributes to its unique characteristics, such as resistance to freezing, and may influence its availability in certain markets.
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It has 33% more tax than normal Smirnoff
It is unclear whether Blue Label Smirnoff is illegal in Australia, but it is not widely available. One reason for its apparent absence from the Australian market is its higher alcoholic content compared to the standard Smirnoff vodka. Blue Label Smirnoff is bottled at 50% ABV, which means it attracts 33% more tax than regular Smirnoff, which is typically 37.5% ABV. This higher rate of taxation makes Blue Label Smirnoff significantly more expensive, which may be a deterrent to consumers and retailers alike.
In some countries, such as the UK, Blue Label Smirnoff is available in duty-free shops and airports, but it is harder to find in regular retail outlets. This could be due to the higher tax and subsequent price, as well as a perceived lack of market demand. While some consumers may seek out higher-proof spirits, the increased cost and limited availability of Blue Label Smirnoff could be deterrents for the average consumer.
The higher alcoholic content of Blue Label Smirnoff also means that it is likely subject to different licensing laws and regulations, which may further restrict its availability. These laws can vary from country to country, and even within different regions of the same country. In some cases, higher-proof spirits may only be sold in certain types of establishments or may be subject to additional restrictions on advertising and promotion.
The production process for Blue Label Smirnoff also differs from that of standard Smirnoff. Blue Label is distilled using the same charcoal filtration method as the classic Red No. 21 vodka, but it undergoes additional distillation and filtration processes to achieve a higher alcoholic content. This includes being passed through eight tonnes of activated charcoal to ensure smoothness and purity.
The combination of higher production costs, increased taxation, and potential regulatory hurdles makes Blue Label Smirnoff a less accessible and more expensive option for consumers. While it may be sought after by some, particularly those seeking a stronger alcoholic beverage, the overall market demand may not be sufficient to justify widespread retail availability.
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It is charcoal-filtered and bottled at 50% ABV
It is unclear why Blue Smirnoff is illegal in Australia, however, it is important to note that Blue Label Smirnoff is bottled at a higher ABV (alcohol by volume) than the standard Smirnoff vodka. It is charcoal-filtered and bottled at 50% ABV, which is significantly stronger than the typical 40% ABV found in most spirits. This higher alcohol content results in a 33% increase in tax compared to regular Smirnoff vodka.
The distinctive blue-labelled vodka is produced using a unique distillation process that involves charcoal filtration. This method of filtration is a traditional Russian technique that was originally pioneered by the brand's founder, Piotr Arseneyevich Smirnoff, in 1864. Piotr's innovation lay in his use of larger quantities of charcoal and the development of filtering vodka through multiple columns of charcoal. This process removes impurities and contributes to the smoothness and purity of the final product.
Blue Label Smirnoff, in particular, undergoes an extensive filtration process, passing through eight tonnes of activated charcoal. This meticulous filtration ensures the vodka achieves the desired level of smoothness and clarity, resulting in a clean, crisp spirit with subtle grainy and sweet notes.
The higher alcohol content and specialised filtration process of Blue Label Smirnoff likely contribute to its limited availability. In some regions, such as the UK, it is primarily available in duty-free shops and select online specialty liquor stores, reflecting its niche market. The higher tax rate associated with its elevated alcohol content may also influence its distribution and accessibility in certain markets, including Australia.
While the specific reasons for its illegality in Australia remain unclear, it is evident that Blue Label Smirnoff is a distinct and potent variation of the classic Smirnoff vodka, with a unique production process that results in its characteristic smoothness and strength.
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It is available in Australia at specialist retailers
Blue Label Smirnoff is a higher-proof alternative to the standard Red Label Smirnoff vodka. It is distilled in the same way as the classic Red No. 21 vodka, but it is bottled at a higher proof and has a higher alcohol content of 50% ABV. Due to its higher alcohol content, it attracts 33% more tax than regular Smirnoff vodka, which may be one reason why it is not as widely available.
In Australia, Blue Label Smirnoff is available at specialist retailers, such as Nicks Wine Merchants, and Liquor World, where it can be purchased online and shipped to most parts of Australia. However, it is a premium product and is priced at around $50 AUD per bottle.
Some retailers offer free shipping for purchases over a certain amount, for example, Liquor World offers free shipping for orders over $250 to Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory. It is worth noting that deliveries may be delayed during peak times, such as Christmas, so it is advisable to plan ahead when purchasing.
While Blue Label Smirnoff may be harder to find than other varieties, it is not illegal in Australia. It is simply a matter of finding the right specialist retailers and being prepared to pay a higher price for this premium, higher-proof vodka.
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It is more expensive than other spirits
It is unclear if blue Smirnoff is illegal in Australia. However, it appears that it is not generally available in the UK and can only be purchased in airports or online from specialist retailers. One reason for its limited availability could be its higher price compared to other spirits.
Blue Smirnoff, also known as Blue Label, is a higher-proof vodka with 50% ABV, while the standard Smirnoff vodka has 37.5% to 40% ABV. Due to its higher alcohol content, Blue Smirnoff is subject to a 33% higher tax rate in the UK, which contributes to its higher price. In the UK, a bottle of Blue Smirnoff costs around £50, while other spirits, such as rum, with even higher alcohol content, can be purchased for a lower price. For example, a bottle of Wray and Nephews over-proof rum (70% ABV) costs around £25 for a three-quarters litre.
The higher price of Blue Smirnoff compared to other spirits could be a result of several factors. Firstly, the higher tax rate due to its increased alcohol content directly impacts the final price. Additionally, the specialised distillation and filtration processes used in its production may contribute to a higher cost. Blue Label Smirnoff undergoes continuous distillation, charcoal filtration, and is passed through eight tonnes of activated charcoal to achieve its smoothness and purity. These additional steps in the production process could increase the overall cost of the product.
Furthermore, the limited availability of Blue Smirnoff could also influence its price. As it is not widely available in stores and is mostly sold in airports or online, the distribution and retail channels may differ from other spirits, potentially affecting the price. The demand for Blue Smirnoff may also play a role, as some consumers may be willing to pay a premium for a product that is not easily accessible or widely available.
It is worth noting that the price of spirits can vary based on various factors, including production costs, distribution channels, taxes, and local regulations. The price comparison between Blue Smirnoff and other spirits may vary depending on the specific market and region. However, the higher tax rate on high-proof spirits and the specialised production processes of Blue Smirnoff are likely contributing factors to its higher price compared to other spirits.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue Smirnoff is not illegal in Australia. It is available at Liquor World and Nicks Wine Merchants.
Blue Label Smirnoff is a higher-proof alternative to the Red Label Smirnoff. It is distilled via continuous distillation and made from grain.
Blue Smirnoff is bottled at 50% ABV.
Blue Smirnoff is available in the UK at duty-free shops in airports.
The higher alcohol content of Blue Smirnoff makes it 33% more expensive than regular Smirnoff due to taxes. This may be why it is not widely available outside of duty-free shops.
