Quote:
Originally Posted by KaptKaos
Isn't it true that the highest form of vodke has no flavor?? If so, what's the point?
(yes - vodak)
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Kinda sorta. The purest form of vodka has no *added* flavor.
Vodka and gin differ from other hard liquors in that the "mash", or original fermentation, is distilled to 100% pure alcohol (or as close as possible). Then water & flavoring are added to suit.
Many people think that vodka is made with potatoes, or beets... but in reality you can make vodka with beer, wine... anything with alcohol in it. The unique flavors of different vodkas comes not from the original "mash", but from the water or flavoring that's added after it is distilled to pure alcohol.
I know someone who has a fractional still and makes vodka in their basement. The original "mash" is just a few bags of sugar in a garbage can with water, lemon juice and yeast. That yeilds 14% alcohol that is distilled out to about 75%, then distilled again to cut out congeners. After the second distillation, it's run through a carbon filter a couple times.
This is great vodka. I like it strong, at about 65%, but that is too strong for some people to enjoy. If it's cut down again to about 40% it is a really nice, pure tasting vodka. Not as medicinal tasting as Smirnoff, but not as oily as Absolute.
I keep mine in a gas can, just for effect
