Total BS, I agree if you get “vaule brands” (Absolute, etc) they are all the same and the high end stuff is close to each other in comparison but I can tell an absolute from a grey goose from a Chopin (BEST) and potato vodka is the only way to go! In my opinionthere is three tiers of vodka. Normal Vodka (Absolute, etc,) for mixing with anything, High End (Grey Goose, Ketel One, etc,) I’d hate to mix it but I won’t hurt ya if you do, and High Quality Potato Vodka (Chopin, etc) that should never be mixed with anything but pure filtered ice!

Thats funny. Just had a conversation with a friend this weekend who told me of a similar "study" with Gin. Turns out a gin named Plymouth (sp?) won out over all the other low to high end brands. When he asked for it in a local NYC bar, the bartender said "man, how good is that stuff".

the subjects were all half-drunk by that point

Which Half?

potato vodka is the only way to go!

I agree! For a cheaper potato vodka try Monopolowa, excellent for your gimlet needs.

Monopolowa is a most excellent vodka. And I can tell the difference between that vodka and say, Smirnoff (gag). There's a new chocolate vodka out that I like, too.

Never tried Monopolowa, I'll have to keep an eye out. As far as Chocolate Vodka, I've never been a big fan of anything flavored!

I like vanilla vodka it tastes good straight up or over ice.