The intelligent investor's guide to spirits

These days, liquor store shelves are crowded with "super-premium" vodkas costing up to $70 a bottle. These tout multiple distillations and, often, unusual bases - maple, grapes, soy and so on. Ignore this hype, says Dushan Zaric, co-owner of New York City hot spot Employees Only. Distillation numbers are bunk. (Unlike with Scotch, there's no standard definition.) Also, you'll notice a difference in bases only if you drink vodka straight - which Americans rarely do, says Zaric. As a result, you'll find the picks below hold their own against the $70 bottles.

Our picks:

Ketel One, $25: Technically a super-premium vodka, it sells for far less than others in the category.

Charbay Distillers, $28: Produced in California, it's twice been Spirit Journal's No. 1 vodka in the world.

Russian Standard, $21: It's just as good as the company's $35 super-premium Imperia.

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