Information About Vodka Is At The End Of This Page.

Vodka is synonymous with a Slavic word meaning water. The history of Vodka is ancient, dating back to medieval times, when the alchemists held the secrets of distillation. It was probably popularized in Eastern Europe, Poland or Russia, being the best bets. Gradual improvements to the process of distillation developed and in 1771, the Liebig condenser was invented by German chemist Christian Ehrenfried Weigel. This is very close to the condensing process of today.

Vodka is made from neutral spirits, (which are distilled spirits produced from any material at or above 190° proof). Usually it is distilled from grain or potatoes. The end result is ethanol. It is then charcoal filtered, rectified or distilled again to ensure all congeners and taste is removed. In the United States, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms' law states that "Vodka is neutral spirits so distilled, or so treated after distillation with charcoal or other materials, as to be without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color." The exception to this law is flavored Vodkas.

Vodka made its way to America when Vladimir Smirnoff sold the American rights to his family's vodka formula to a Rudolph Kunett, an immigrant in the 1930's. It had practically no popularity until 1946, when a bartender at the Cock 'n Bull in California mixed Vodka with ginger beer to create the first Moscow Mule.

Vodka is not always clear, nor is it flavorless. Most western Vodkas are generally tasteless and more suited for mixing cocktails. The Eastern European Vodkas have a tradition of adding subtle distinguishing flavors ranging from herbs to peppers. They even have different customs for drinking Vodka. Paul Harrington of the Alchemist does not particularly care for Vodka, and confesses his prejudices. Yes, it is true that in a mixed drink, it is very difficult to taste the difference in Vodkas. However you can tell the difference the following morning. The superior Vodkas are filtered many times and some, Ketel One for example, is only bottled from the middle of the batch. But, if you drink enough of anything, a hangover will result!

Vodka has lately become the best selling liquor comprising over 20% of the American market. The trend to drink better, not more has new Martini lovers in praise of Vodka. The Russian and Polish markets have been affected with the political changes of the 90's. It has been considered a crisis in Russia and Poland is still sorting out the Polmos spirits monopoly.

All in all, Vodka's new found popularity is a blessing for those of us who love it! New Vodkas are pouring into the market. I recently had the pleasure of tasting Charodei, a Russian Vodka which is now available in the States. I see why it is award winning! Also an email arrived just the other day from Luba Caruso. Here is a quote; "I visit your website often and I enjoy the wide ranging information.  I would like to inform you this time, however, of a product I have tasted and love.  Goldenbarr Chocolate Vodka is an 80 proof vodka that has a delicious chocolate flavor to it."  It is hard to keep up with all the new Vodkas, but each one seems to be a surprising specialty in its own.

"Vodka Straight" from The Washingtonian's January 1996 issue by Thomas Head, reports on an independent taste test. There were sixteen Vodkas, and six judges. (Stoli ranked # 1.) I Vodka collects Vodka bottles and has compiled a lot of Vodka references. It is slow loading, but worth the wait. I welcome all of you to post to the boards exclaiming your favorite Vodka.