Elixir Edit - Building The Home Bar: Vodka
Igor Dudchak
Vodka, perhaps the most versatile spirit, is used in a wide range of cocktails from Moscow mules to cosmopolitans. Its versatility comes from the neutral and mild flavor, making it the perfect choice to complement vibrant mixers like cranberry or orange juice. It can be adapted for any cocktail and any setting. Read on to discover the rich cultural history of vodka along with an analysis of how to best enjoy the spirit.
History
The exact origins of vodka are murky, as it wasn’t initially consumed for enjoyment. There is much debate over whether Poland or Russia was the first to invent the popular liquor. Polish documents from the 14th century described a burning water known as “wódká” that was used for medicinal purposes, often as an antiseptic. However, linguists speculate that the name is derived from the Slavic word “voda”, meaning water. It was also used for religious reasons, often used ceremoniously or as an offering to ward off evil spirits. While both countries invented early forms of vodka, the final product was vastly different from what we’re used to drinking today. The earliest bottles of vodka lacked any distillation process. Wine or beer would be left overnight in the cold, Slavic winters, freezing the water content of the beverage, which would later be skimmed off. This left a much stronger spirit with an estimated ABV of 25%-35%. The taste was strikingly bitter and loaded with contaminants, so bottles were often flavored with herbs or fruits. Vodka was certainly first enjoyed for the feeling, rather than the flavor.
Distillation Process
Both the invention of the pot still and the column still revolutionized how vodka was made, increasing the ABV and removing impurities. Pot stills, unlike the continuous column still, make batches of spirits. The distillation process begins with a liquid, typically one with lower alcohol content like wine, that is dumped into the pot and heated until it becomes a vapor. Since alcohol vaporizes faster than water, this vapor is carried into the “neck”, which is a pipe attached to the pot. Once this vapor cools, it is condensed back into liquid form, producing a stronger alcohol. The modern pot stills have a much more complicated distillation process, often utilizing a device called a “dephlegmator” to cool the vapor. But the earliest pot stills reshaped how vodka was made and consumed. Column stills, which were first patented by Aeneas Coffey in 1830, have a continuous model. This means that “wash”, or the fermented liquid, is constantly being poured into the still while the distilled, final product emerges. Similar to the pot still, liquid is heated and turned to vapor, then cooled and turned back into liquid. The difference between the two stills is that this process of heating and cooling is repeated multiple times for a clearer spirit. Particularly, since vodka is usually odorless and colorless, there is a higher degree of purification needed for a proper final product.
Types of Vodka
Vodka is labeled as neutral, which can be true depending on the type of vodka you’re consuming. Distillers and mixologists alike disagree with the notion that all vodka tastes the same. Rye vodka, for example, is distilled from rye grain and has a more intense kick with subtle notes of black pepper. Most popular vodka brands like Absolut and Wheatley produce wheat vodka, which is described as the most crisp type of vodka with a hint of sweetness. Titos Vodka is made from corn, which makes it efficient for large-scale distillation. Many brands located in the Midwestern part of the United States produce corn vodka, as it is highly accessible. Smaller distilleries may use potatoes as the base ingredient for their vodka, which offers a creamy or buttery quality.
Bottles to Build The Home Bar
Not sure which bottle to purchase? Below, we offer three excellent vodka selections depending on your price point and occasion.
SKYY Vodka (750 mL, $16)
A bottle hailing from the Compari Group, this vodka is produced in a column still and is corn-based. Due to the rigorous distillation process, the taste is gentle and crisp. It’s perfect for drinkers who don’t like intense flavors. This vodka is a clean canvas for any cocktail recipe. We recommended this bottle for large gatherings due to its accessibility and low price tag. SKYY has several flavored vodkas, which would pair well with lemonade or spritzes. This bottle is best suited for fruity cocktails, like a screwdriver or a pineapple mule.
Beluga Gold Line (750mL, $100)
This bottle is grain-based and created with pure spring water. Beluga was originally a Russian brand created by the Mariinsk distillery; however was later purchased by Noblewood Group in Montenegro. After the final distillation, this bottle is left to mature for 90 days. This rounds out the vodka and creates a much softer taste. According to Beluga’s website, this vodka is best enjoyed on the rocks or in a classic martini, allowing for the elegant flavor to take center stage. Pair with caviar for an elevated experience.
Belvedere 10 (750 mL, $145)
Belvedere is a Polish brand, and this is their most premium bottle. This vodka is rye-based and rested for ten months in steel tanks. It’s a small batch distillation process, and is only distilled once compared to the rigorous distillation processes of other premium vodkas. The “10” alludes to Belvedere’s vodka-making process in 1910, when it was first established. While the distillation process has been remastered, the goal of this bottle is to pay homage to the brand’s rich history and return to a simpler time of vodka craftsmanship. It has notes of caramel and coffee with a nutty finish, and is enjoyed best on the rocks. The aesthetic of the bottle, with the white geometric shaping and gold accents, makes this an excellent choice for collectors and vodka connoisseurs.
