Our theory is that a simple Brita water filter can be used to make bad vodka into good vodka.
In our case, this meant turning a Vladimir™, into a Ketel One™. At $11.09 for 1.75 liters (Ketel is 11.99 for the 350 ml), Vladimir is a steal. It is, however, painful to drink, has a repugnant aftertaste, possesses a bouquet reminiscent of rubbing alcohol. Our working theory was that these terrible qualities were caused by a lack of proper filtration and that running our Vlad through a charcoal filter would remove some of the impurities causing these odors and flavors.