VinoVonk usually means wine, but premium spirits deserve love, too. Enter Chance Vodka, a new Dutch brand that caught my attention with an interesting pitch: Netherlands-based entrepreneurship combined with authentic Polish production. Complete transparency: this is a paid collaboration, but everything you’re about to read reflects my honest tasting experience.
Why Poland Matters
Stefano Raghoe, the founder behind Chance, made a deliberate choice: produce in Poland, vodka’s ancestral home. Poland’s vodka heritage stretches back centuries—some trace it to the 8th century—and that expertise shows. This isn’t about slapping “Dutch” on a generic spirit. It’s about respecting where vodka comes from while building something new.
The production specs tell you this is serious: five-time distillation, just two ingredients (water and rye), zero additives—no flavoring, no coloring, nothing artificial. At 40% alcohol, Chance positions itself squarely in premium territory. But does it deliver?
Tasting: Three Ways
I tried Chance neat, over ice, and with Mediterranean tonic from Fever-Tree. The first nose surprised me—there’s a clean, almost maritime quality that instantly reminded me of Skyy Vodka, my old favorite from those “powerzone” early-evening days.
Neat, Chance shows real character. Pine needles jump from the glass alongside forest floor notes, bright citrus—lime and lemon zest—and gentle herbal spice. What matters most? No harsh burn. No mouth-puckering astringency. It’s smooth in the way premium vodka should be, with a pleasant salinity that adds interest.
Over ice, the aromatics shift. The cold intensifies those pine and forest notes, creating an almost Nordic character. You lose some citrus brightness, but gain smoothness. Both approaches work.
With tonic, Chance really impressed me. The spirit and mixer achieved instant balance—you taste both components clearly, neither fighting for dominance. I’ve had plenty of vodka-tonics where the two elements feel disconnected, floating separately in the glass. Not here. They harmonize immediately.
The Honest Assessment
Two critical observations: First, Chance faces the challenge every new brand does—building identity in a saturated premium vodka market. Worth noting: I tasted from a clear glass bottle, not the official packaging. The brand launches with frosted glass bottles, which should better convey that premium positioning. Second, at 40% ABV, it plays it safe. A slightly higher proof (42-43%) could offer more character without crossing into harsh territory.
That said, where it matters most—in the glass—Chance delivers. The purity is genuine, the smoothness is real, and it’s genuinely versatile. Whether you’re making cocktails or sipping it ice-cold, this vodka handles both with grace.
The five-time distillation isn’t marketing speak. You taste the difference. That radical simplicity—just water and rye—works. Sometimes less really is more.
Worth Your Attention
Chance Vodka represents a promising debut: Dutch entrepreneurship honoring vodka tradition through authentic Polish craft. The quality backs up the premium positioning, and the upcoming frosted glass packaging should help the bottle match what’s inside.
This was a paid collaboration, yes, but my recommendation stands on merit: this is quality vodka worth trying. If you appreciate craft spirits made without shortcuts, Chance deserves a shot—pun intended.
Find details at chance-vodka.com or follow @chancevodkaofficial
