What is Vodka?
Vodka, in a simple way it is a distilled beverage composed primarily of water and ethanol originating in Poland, Russia, and Sweden. To can be made from any agricultural products which contain sugar with traces of impurities and flavoring. Traditionally, vodka is made by the distillation of fermented grains and/or potatoes. Vodka doesn’t need aging. It is colorless and odorless.
How Potato Vodka is made?
Step 1 – Boiling
The first Process is Washing, peeling (you can keep the skin if you want additional potato flavor), and boiling of potatoes. Potato contains starch and starch which needs to be converted into soluble sugars to make alcohol
Step 2 – Mashing
Then the potatoes are kept in the mashing process. It has to be fined mash and once it is done, cool down and adds cold water. The starch of potatoes is exposed. This process is normally carried to extract the maximum amount of sugar. You can also add any grain like malted barley, wheat, etc. Mix it well and mash again.
Step 3 – Fermentation These are traditionally made of wood, but now a number of distilleries use stainless steel. Here the yeast is added and the fermentation begins. The yeast turns the sugars into alcohol. The fermentation normally takes around 48 hours to a week to run its natural course, although some distilleries will let it go for longer so as to create further characteristics that they require.
Step 4 – Distillation
Alcohols from the beginning of the distillation (called ‘foreshots’) are very high in alcohol level and very pungent. Alcohols from the end (called ‘feints’) are weak but also pungent. It is only the alcohol from the middle of the distillation that is used and this is skillfully removed by a still man and collected through the spirit safe.
Types of Vodka
Absolut Vodka
Absolut produced near Åhus, in southern Sweden. Absolut is a part of the French group Pernod Ricard. They have a number of different flavors. This brand is the largest brand in the world after Smirnoff and Bacardi. They have received most of their fame from innovative advertising depicting bottles of their vodka in various graphically enhanced situations. However, their vodka is good, but not great. Absolute does give vodka drinkers a quality product. It is clean tasting vodka that will (in moderation) not leave you screaming for ibuprofen in the morning. Absolute is innovation in flavors. Their flavor vodkas are always impressive as they are truly unique flavor combinations that, though they are limited releases, are inspiring for homemade infusions.
Grey Goose Vodka
Grey Goose is a brand of vodka produced in France. It was created in the 1990s by Sidney Frank, who sold it in 2004 to Bacardi, is one of my “go-to” vodkas. When in doubt order Grey Goose, it’s that simple, you will never be disappointed. Grey Goose is one of the smoothest, most mixable vodkas you can find and it is everywhere. Any reputable liquor provider will at least have the Grey Goose clear vodka. This is a staple. Beyond their staple clear vodka, Grey Goose produces a nice line of flavored vodkas. The most impressive is La Poire, their pear-flavored vodka which is a delight and can give you a variety of cocktails choices.
Van Gogh Vodka
It started in 2000 in Netherland by Distillery Cooymans International. When it comes to premium vodkas, Van Gogh is undoubtedly one of the best and their product range tops 20 out at different vodkas as of 2010 and even though it began as a Dutch gin distillery, this brand is one of the best you will find when it comes to vodka. The clear Van Gogh is a benchmark in vodka and is smooth, clean, and refreshing. Though, if you really want a vodka to treat you have to check out the Van Gogh Blue, a triple wheat vodka that is profoundly smooth and surprisingly flavourful. You will find the “average” Orange, Mango, Citrus, and Pomegranate, but you will also find some decadence in the Espressos, Chocolate, and Caramel.
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