Hellgate #3302 L Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 OK, So I took a lot of chemistry courses in college. In one experiment we measured specific quantities of sugar, water, yeast and let it ferment and then distilled it. There were 3 phases of the condensation. The first was at fairly low temperature condensate that held the highly volatile vapors with some water vapor, then I remember that at a certain temperature just below the boiling point of H2O you'd get a distillate that was 95/5 (95% ethanol/5% water) then when that middle portion cooked off the third portion was condensed at the higher boiling point of water. The first and third fractions contain the bad stuff and the middle the good stuff, the 95% alcohol. Now, my question is, is there any difference between some real cheapo vodka (pretty much all say triple distilled) and the expensive stuff? My chemistry mind says ethanol is ethanol and any flavoring is due to the storage container (e.g. charred oak barrel, etc). Whether the fermentation is from potatoes, sugar, molasses, sour mash, malted grains, etc. it ought to all taste the same if distilled carefully so I'm wondering if a lot of booze is distilled at a different temperature depending on the mash/mix of the ferment. I've tasted Georgia Moon (a moonshine sold in mason jars) and it has a corny taste that makes me wonder how it got in there since it was not aged. My thinking is that Everclear might as well be the vodka of choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 I like Skyy martinis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 It's still just potato squeezings. Put'n flavor in Vodka, is like when you put lipstick on a tur.............OH, nevermind. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 Mind you... none of that flavored stuff for my martini. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Douglas Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 I don't know about the differences between how they make the different brands, but there is certainly a difference in taste. Skyy is my everyday drinking vodka, while Grey Goose is my treat myself vodka. Both are 40% by volume. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 2 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said: It's still just potato squeezings. Put'n flavor in Vodka, is like when you put lipstick on a tur.............OH, nevermind. OLG Couldn't have said it better myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Riot Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 There is a difference but I don't really know why. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finagler 6853 Life Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 I learned a long time ago,buy the best liquor you can afford. I prefer potato vodka. For grain vodka the lowest grade I drink is Smirnoff. Skyy is good, Chopin is better. The Midwest has a number of boutique vodkas but I don't follow fashion trends. If I have my choice,I drink Lusosova Polish vodka. Tastes a bit sweeter than grain vodka. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abilene Slim SASS 81783 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 Filtration is important. More filtered, smoother taste. Even my pedestrian palette can taste the difference. In my area, locally distilled Most Wanted compares very well or better than many more expensive national brands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 Most vodka is made from wheat, not potato. Europe did not even know what a potato was until sometime after 1492 and they were making vodka a long time before that. Skyy is made from wheat. Vodkas made from potato are listed here. http://vodka.underthelabel.com/d/d/Potato I never heard of any of them. the difference in vodkas is how well all of the other non etahanol are removed. SKYY claims to be nearly congener-free as do most vodkas and commercial moonshines. Maybe the difference is the water they use to get it down to a sellable percentage of alcohol. I suppose the simple answer is that Vodkas are not only ethanol and water but perhaps.001% something else that does not need to be listed as an ingredient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Harley, #14153 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 What Marshal Mo Hare said. "the difference in vodkas is how well all of the other non etahanol are removed." To a college freshman chemistry student, ethanol is ethanol and theoretically that is all you get after distilling a grain. Theoretically it all tastes the same and Everclear is as good as Grey Goose. To a seasoned chemical engineer, master distiller, or aficionado of find distillates, there is SO much more that goes into the flavor of an un-aged grain-neutral alcohol. What grain was used? Vodkas tend towards wheat or potatoes. Whiskeys towards corn and rye. Each grain adds its own flavor even before being put in an oak barrel or having something added. What yeast was used? How much sugar went into the process? What's the composition of water used in the process? This will have a huge impact on final flavor. Most distilleries and breweries now use RO water purification systems to produce H2O that is so pure it will not conduct electricity. Then they add back minerals and elements to achieve a repeatable water composition that provides the final flavor they're seeking. I hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dantankerous Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 14 hours ago, Hellgate #3302 L said: ...Now, my question is, is there any difference between some real cheapo vodka (pretty much all say triple distilled) and the expensive stuff? Yes there is. The hangover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawg Hair, SASS #29557 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 Ahh'll drink to that.......................HIC! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Harley, #14153 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 I will also add this personal observation... When using vodka as a mixer, especially when its overwhelmed with juices and its function is reduced to little more than inebriation, I tend to use cheaper brands. In a martini, the nicer brands' flavors show through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hellgate #3302 L Posted March 30, 2017 Author Share Posted March 30, 2017 My palate is so unsophisticated that I suspect that a premium vodka would go unnoticed and under appreciated. Since most of my imbibition is with mixed drinks I'll probably always be a "bottom shelf" shopper. However, I appreciate the lessons posted here. I just knew that a saloon was the best place to ask a drinking question. Thanks all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 HI Folks, Not all Vodka is made from potatoes. However, it is growing in popularity. Hubby's cocktail of choice was a Vodka Tonic. When we found out he was allergic to Gluten, I found out that many Vodkas are made from grains. At that time a potato Vodka was a rarity. My mixer Vodka is Absolut and Martini favorite is Grey Goose. Regards, Allie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 PS My favorite place to have lunch, The National Hotel in Jackson CA, uses Luksusowa Vodka as their well Vodka. It is No. 1 on Marshal Mo Hare's link. Previously, they used Titos. PPS When I was researching Vodkas, Chopin was grape-based. I see it is now potato. In the taste test Hubby liked Monopolwa, which I bought at Trader Joe's. They still carry it for $10.99. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Clayton Conagher #43872 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 Quality vodka will lessen the after effects. Granted I know if you drink an entire bottle you will like crap. But my buddy who drinks martini's regularly only buys Gray Goose because he feels better the next morning after a couple drinks. I don't drink vodka much myself but the vodka my pal brought back from Poland was Aaaaaamazing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finagler 6853 Life Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 Trader Joes sells wodka? Hot diggity. I mis-spelled Luksusowa. Thanks Allie. I think it is purty good stuff. It is good with tonic water. I think even Chopin makes a grain vodka along with a potato one. Using grapes if made into wine would get you brandy after distillation. I guess if you made a mash of it or a wort, didn't take it all the way to wine, it could be made into vodka. All liquors are clear after distillation, I think. They get their color from the storage containers used to age them. Someone who knows what they are talking about chime in here. I know just enough to be dangerous. If you want some really funky grain liquor, try Aquavit. As the story goes, Aquavit is aged in barrels and is transported across the sea to below the equator and back. The trip supposedly gives it time to age and get its distinct flavor. So my dad says. Maybe in a day before liquors were aged or stored properly, this was the case. I still won't drink it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 When I can, I bring back a liter of Staritsky - Levitsky, and some Fanta for my grandkids. European Fanta is different, they use sugar and real orange flavorings. must watch the weight of the suitcase or I'd bring a case Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frio Kid, SASS #31915 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 2 hours ago, Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 said: HI Folks, Not all Vodka is made from potatoes. However, it is growing in popularity. Hubby's cocktail of choice was a Vodka Tonic. When we found out he was allergic to Gluten, I found out that many Vodkas are made from grains. At that time a potato Vodka was a rarity. My mixer Vodka is Absolut and Martini favorite is Grey Goose. Regards, Allie He can go back to the wheat Vodkas if he is a mind to, although made from wheat all gluten is removed in the distilling process. No gluten in any distilled spirits whiskey, vodka, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 3 minutes ago, Frio Kid, SASS #31915 said: He can go back to the wheat Vodkas if he is a mind to, although made from wheat all gluten is removed in the distilling process. No gluten in any distilled spirits whiskey, vodka, etc. Thanks for the thought, Kid. However, he rarely drinks anymore (maybe four beers a year). If he does, it is Coors Light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootin' Shu Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 Real martini's are made with gin. Pack your glass with ice and water, dump when glass to cold, rinse glass with vermouth, take your bottle of Beefeaters out off the freezer, add 2.5 oz and top with an olive or twist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sawhorse Kid Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 On 3/29/2017 at 5:08 PM, Hellgate #3302 L said: ...... Now, my question is, is there any difference between some real cheapo vodka (pretty much all say triple distilled) and the expensive stuff? .... .......My thinking is that Everclear might as well be the vodka of choice..... Yes, there is a big difference between cheap crap and expensive stuff. I am not one for vodka, but Reyka is really damn smooth. Everclear is not ment to be drank straight, it is a mixer.....tastes really bad too. (yes....I was dumb enough to taste it straight) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 Everclear is good for cleaning corks when I make wine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 The thing about distillation and filtering is that it is not only pure ethanol and water. There are traces of other things that go along for the ride. That is why they distil more than one time and why they get a 195 proof ethanol, a little H20 goes along with it because alcohol loves water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 I just bought my permitted one liter of Staritsky-Levitsky. I declined the premium "10,000 liters per year 12 times filtered stirred in a copper vat with an iron paddle 99 euros" bottle in favor of the 8 times filtered platinum edition stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocWard Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 If I am at a cocktail party or such, which is maybe once or twice a year, I will typically have vodka and tonic. Yes, even my unseasoned palette can taste the difference between a better vodka and a cheaper one. I tend toward Absolut when I can. I have had a bottle of Stolichnaya held up next to a bottle of very cheap vodka, and the Stoli was clear like water, while the cheaper one was, for lack of a better description, "oily" looking. It put me in the mind of kerosene or something. I'm sure it had to do with filtration and all that. Generally, I will stick to Guinness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chili Ron Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 Howdy, One day feeling adventurous I had a Guinness with lunch. First drink I thought it was terrible, But after a few more sips it got better. At the end of the mug, I had another. Limit 2 at lunch. Give things an honest try. First sip can be deceptive. Best CR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpo Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 5 hours ago, DocWard said: If I am at a cocktail party or such, which is maybe once or twice a year, I will typically have vodka and tonic. Yes, even my unseasoned palette can taste the difference between a better vodka and a cheaper one. I tend toward Absolut when I can. I have had a bottle of Stolichnaya held up next to a bottle of very cheap vodka, and the Stoli was clear like water, while the cheaper one was, for lack of a better description, "oily" looking. It put me in the mind of kerosene or something. I'm sure it had to do with filtration and all that. Generally, I will stick to Guinness. That's why you sprinkle pepper in it. Ain't you never read James Bond? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 On 3/29/2017 at 4:22 PM, The Original Lumpy Gritz said: It's still just potato squeezings. Put'n flavor in Vodka, is like when you put lipstick on a tur.............OH, nevermind. OLG Not all vodka is made from potatoes. Wheat - Absolut, Renat Barley - Finlandia Grapes - Ciroc Grain - Skyy, New Amsterdam Corn -Tito's My personal favorite these days is Tito's. made in Texas. Okie Sawbones recommended it to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 You can also add soybeans, sugar beets and rice to the list. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted July 25, 2017 Share Posted July 25, 2017 http://homedistiller.org/ i remembered this topic while I was reading this website about home distilling (New Zealand). The fermentation process produces many compounds which evaporate at temperatures near to that of ethanol and water. Thus the difference between unflavored vodkas depends on how well those other compounds are removed from the distillates and, if not removed, what those compounds are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted July 25, 2017 Share Posted July 25, 2017 My go to Vodka. Yeah. It's from Texas. http://crasstalk.com/2013/05/booze-review-titos-vodka/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tennessee Trapper Tom Posted July 25, 2017 Share Posted July 25, 2017 On 4/6/2017 at 1:54 PM, Utah Bob #35998 said: Not all vodka is made from potatoes. Wheat - Absolut, Renat Barley - Finlandia Grapes - Ciroc Grain - Skyy, New Amsterdam Corn -Tito's My personal favorite these days is Tito's. made in Texas. Okie Sawbones recommended it to me. I usually would buy Absolut or Grey Goose for vodka. Would never think about using vodka in a martini ( which I love). Gin only. Then I got introduced to Svedka. Really smooth and great in a Bloody Mary. Taste of the liquor does does a difference in a mixed drink. Then the other day I got turned on to Titos and it's great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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