Because like Taylor Swift or Miley Cyrus repertoire, you may not publicly admit to enjoying it, but you sure dont mind belting out a few lyrics when you think no ones looking.

The thing is, vodka doesnt judge. So, heres a crazy thought: maybe we shouldnt judge it, either. Truth is, it can be every bit as nuanced and complex as whiskey or tequila.

What were saying is, vodka deserves every second of the spotlight.

We’re not ones to take sides on vodka’s true homelandhey, as long as there’s good vodka and good friends, we all win! Truth is, vodka’s a global citizen these days.

But, lets get back to basics for sec: what exactly is vodka? Essentially, its a clear, distilled spirit made from fermented foodstuffs containing sugar and starch. Although potatoes have historically been a popular option, vodka distillers have also been known to ferment cereal grains (like rye and sorghum), rice and even grapes or beets. Its typically regarded as a neutral spirit something flavorless that can be easily tossed in with a mixer, drunk, and forgotten.

But dont dismiss it that easilyvodka does have flavor. The ingredients used to make a particular bottleespecially the water sourcecan lend vodka subtle tasting notes. Some are slightly sweet to the taste, others a touch medicinal. The mouthfeel can differ from bottle to bottle, usually as a result of the water being used.

However, the samples presented in this Tasting Box add their own ingredient to the listcall it the V-factor. Take Pau Maui, for instance. Its a Hawaii-based vodka distilled from pineapples (so appropriate). Then theres Awakened Spirit Vodka with Coffee, a caffeine-fueled sipper from Albania. And finally, ubrwka Bison Grass Vodka, a flavored Polish vodka featuring a touch of bison grass in every bottle.

So, whether youre burning that midnight oil with the help of Espresso Martini, sipping a tropical concoction on the shores of a Hawaiian island, or just taking back shots with some buds, theres probably a really good chance vodkas a headlining act.

Smartass Corner

1) Vodka knows no bounds. it can be made anywhere. As for where it originated, its a toss-up between Poland and Russia, but trust us thats not a fight you want to get in the middle of.

2) The craft movement isnt just relegated to beer. Craft vodka is very much a thing, with more producers going back to high-quality ingredients and looking for ways to flesh out long-ignored flavor profiles from the spirit.

3) Theres a reason why people stick their vodka in the freezer. Keeping the bottle ice cold not only tames some of its fiery heat, but it brings out some of the richness and viscosity of the Spirit.

4) Hate hangovers? Start cozying up with your old pal vodka. A study found that the severity of a hangover can be reduced by drinking clear alcoholic beverages (ahem).

5) Unbelievably, vodka has no sugar, carbs, fat, cholesterol, fiber, sodium, vitamins or minerals. Consumed on its own, its just straight-up ethanol and water.

6) Vodka makes a great addition to your first aid kit. Its a disinfectant, an antimicrobial, and an anesthetic that can wash out wounds, prevent infection, and sterilize equipment.

7) Today, vodka comes in all sorts of crazy flavors: bacon, maple syrup, PB&J, dill pickle, and even smoked salmon BYO-blinis and caviar.

8) Vodka is the most consumed spirit in the U.S. and Russians have been known to take it down like its fresh spring water, drinking a whopping 17.3 shots per month on average.