History
11 Generations in Schiedam
The city of Schiedam in the province of South Holland was historically the centre of the Dutch gin and spirits industry. In the 17th century dozens of distilleries operated here, built along the canals — water was needed both for production and transport. One of them was the Nolet family distillery, founded in 1691.
For 300 years the Nolet family produced spirits and distillates, adapting to changing markets. In 1983 the eleventh generation of the family — Karel Nolet — decided to create a vodka brand for the American market. Ketel One was born.
The name "Ketel One" comes from "Distilleerketel No. 1" — the historic copper pot still installed at the distillery in 1864. Having operated for more than 150 years, it was retired from production only in 2016. Today the still stands on the distillery grounds as a historical artefact.
In 2008 Ketel One entered into a joint venture with Diageo — the world's largest spirits group. The Nolet family retained production control and operational management of the distillery in Schiedam.
Production
Pot Still and Column — a Unique Blend
The Ketel One production process is one of the most unusual among major vodka brands. Most premium vodkas use exclusively column rectification, which delivers maximum neutrality. Ketel One deliberately departs from this norm.
The wheat distillate passes through copper pot stills — traditional batch stills that preserve more of the grain character in the product and create an oily texture. This distillate is then blended with wheat rectified spirit from column stills. The ratio is kept a closely guarded secret.
After blending the vodka is filtered through loose activated charcoal — not pressed into blocks but poured loose. This method achieves gentle impurity removal without stripping character. The product then "rests" in tile-lined tanks before bottling.
Tasting
The Pot Still Gives Body
Nose
Fresh, lemon zest, light honey, herbal notes. Grain base without harshness.
Palate
More "bodied" than purely column-distilled vodkas. Oiliness from the pot still, citrus, a caramel note.
Finish
Clean, soft, medium length. Light lemon warmth on the exhale.
Range
From Classic to Botanical
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Ketel One Original
40%
The flagship. Classic profile with pot still character.
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Botanical: Peach & Orange Blossom
30%
Peach and orange blossom. Light, floral, for summer cocktails.
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Botanical: Cucumber & Mint
30%
Cucumber and mint. Refreshing, ideal in a spritz.
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Botanical: Grapefruit & Rose
30%
Grapefruit and rose. Citrus-floral profile.