It began in 1691 in the Dutch town of Schiedam when Carolus Nolet distilled his first spirit with the aim of creating an exceptionally fine, smooth vodka. More than three centuries later—327 years and 11 generations—the Nolet family still produces vodka in Schiedam, combining time-honored techniques with modern methods. The family continues to use Carolus’ original copper pot still alongside other stills and contemporary distillation equipment.
The vodka’s name honors that heritage. Derived from the Dutch word for “pot still,” distilleerketel, the family chose the name Ketel One to recognize the historic copper still used to craft their first vodka.
Today’s Ketel One is the result of a hybrid approach that blends tradition and innovation. Production starts with carefully selected European winter wheat, which is ground and mixed with water to create a mash. The mash is fermented and passed through column distillation to produce a clean base spirit. A portion of that wheat spirit is then re-distilled in copper pot stills. During the slow, eight-hour pot-still run, the distiller discards the initial and final fractions—the heads and tails—retaining the prime “hearts.” Those hearts are filtered and blended to achieve the vodka’s characteristic silky texture.
The Nolet family offers three expressions of this vodka, each bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume and all crystal clear. Despite their common base, each expression delivers a distinct tasting profile while preserving the signature smoothness that defines the brand.
Ketel One Vodka is known for its fine texture and remarkable smoothness; it glides easily across the palate. Its body is rounded and polished, presenting an elegant, refined character with a long, satiny finish.
Ketel One Citroen showcases citrus oils and essences derived from two varieties of lemon, with a hint of lime to balance and brighten the profile. The result is a clean, zesty aroma layered over the vodka’s silky base, with the citrus notes lingering through a prolonged finish.
Ketel One Oranje offers an aromatic combination of Valencia and mandarin oranges. Those fruit essences impart a delicate floral quality and a subtle sweetness that enhances the vodka’s finish without overwhelming its smooth character.
Availability and pricing vary by market, but Ketel One typically sells for around $36 for a standard bottle in many locations.