Keglevich 750ML

Keglevich 750ML is a triple-distilled Czech grain vodka bottled at 38% ABV (76 proof) in a standard 750ml format. Rooted in a recipe dating to 1882, this expression draws on one of the longer-standing vodka traditions in Central Europe, built on a distinctive wheat-and-triticale grain bill.

Quick Facts: ABV: 38%  |  Origin: Plzeň, Czech Republic  |  Style: Pure Grain Vodka  |  Producer: Stock Spirits

Production & Heritage

The Keglevich name traces to Count Stephan Keglevich, a Hungarian-Croatian nobleman from Bužim whose original vodka recipe dates to 1882. Today the brand is produced by Stock Spirits, a company founded in 1884 by Lionello Stock in Trieste, now headquartered and operating a major distillery in Plzeň, Czech Republic. The vodka is triple distilled from a mashbill of 60% whole wheat and 40% triticale — a hybrid grain cross between wheat and rye — which contributes both the soft body typical of wheat vodkas and a subtle cereal depth from the triticale component. The spirit undergoes a multi-step distillation process designed to maximize purity while retaining mild grain character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose is restrained and clean, opening with subtle neutral grain and a faint minerality. There is very little burn on the initial approach, suggesting a well-rectified spirit with minimal fusel presence.

Taste: The entry is soft and almost silky, reflecting the high wheat proportion in the grain bill. At mid-palate, the vodka shows a mild, balanced body with gentle cereal sweetness from the triticale. There is no pronounced harshness or sharp ethanol bite, keeping the profile approachable and neutral.

Finish: Short and clean, tapering quickly with a fresh, almost crisp sensation. There is little residual warmth, making it a straightforward and uncomplicated close.

How to Drink Keglevich

Keglevich performs well chilled and served neat or over ice, where its clean grain character comes through without distraction. Its neutral profile also makes it a reliable base spirit in cocktails. A Moscow Mule benefits from Keglevich's softness, letting ginger beer and lime drive the flavor. In a Vodka Martini, the wheat-forward smoothness pairs naturally with dry vermouth without competing for attention. A Cosmopolitan works here too — the mild body allows cranberry and citrus to remain front and center.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar with a versatile, mixable vodka
• Hosting cocktail nights where a neutral base spirit is essential
• Introducing someone to European-style grain vodkas
• Building classic vodka cocktails without overspending on the base spirit

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Keglevich taste like? Keglevich has a clean, mild flavor profile with soft wheat-driven sweetness and very little ethanol bite. The finish is short and crisp with minimal lingering warmth.

How does Keglevich compare to Smirnoff? Both are affordable grain vodkas, but Keglevich uses a specific blend of 60% wheat and 40% triticale, while Smirnoff No. 21 is made from corn and is charcoal-filtered. Keglevich tends to present a slightly softer, less sharp profile, while Smirnoff leans toward a more neutral, widely standardized character.

Is Keglevich good for cocktails? Yes — its clean and neutral flavor profile makes it a dependable base for classic vodka cocktails like the Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan, and Vodka Tonic. The lack of aggressive grain flavor means it blends easily without distorting other ingredients.

Where is Keglevich made? Keglevich is produced by Stock Spirits at their distillery in Plzeň, Czech Republic. The brand's recipe originates from Count Stephan Keglevich's 1882 formula, rooted in Hungarian-Croatian tradition.

What foods pair well with Keglevich? Smoked salmon or cured fish complement the vodka's clean neutrality. Pickled vegetables and brined appetizers echo the Central European heritage of the spirit. Caviar or blini with crème fraîche are classic pairings. Mild cheeses like fresh mozzarella or young gouda also work, as does dark rye bread with butter.

What sizes does Keglevich come in? The standard bottle available is 750ml. Keglevich flavored variants may be available in other sizes depending on the market, but the classic dry expression is most commonly found in 750ml.

Is Keglevich worth the price? Keglevich positions as a value-tier vodka that delivers a clean, honest grain spirit without pretension. For everyday mixing and casual sipping, it represents solid quality relative to its accessible price point, particularly for those who appreciate a wheat-based vodka with a historical pedigree.

Why Keglevich?

What distinguishes Keglevich from the crowded field of affordable vodkas is its unusual mashbill — the 60/40 wheat-to-triticale ratio is uncommon in mainstream vodka production and gives the spirit a character that sits between the softness of pure wheat vodkas and the mild spice of rye-influenced ones. The recipe's lineage to 1882 makes it one of the longer-running vodka formulations still in production, predating many of today's dominant global brands. Produced in Plzeň by Stock Spirits, a distiller with over 140 years of operation, the vodka benefits from established production infrastructure and institutional knowledge. For drinkers seeking a European grain vodka with genuine heritage and a clean, approachable profile, Keglevich delivers without excess marketing gloss.