Potatoes: An Origin Story
Potatoes were not the original ingredient used for making vodka. That privilege goes to wheat or rye. Thats because potatoes are not native to Europe they originally came from Peru. The crop wasnt introduced to the vodka belt nations until the 17th century.
Potatoes were originally a luxury of the wealthy and didnt become a staple crop for the masses until the 18th century. How did that happen? It happened when the Swedish scientist and agronomist Countess Eva Ekeblad discovered that potatoes could be used to make flour and wait for it alcohol!
For her discovery, Ekeblad was admitted to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1746 at the young age of 24. You can bet that was quite an induction party!
The use of potatoes in the production of vodka picked up steam over the next 200 hundred years, only experiencing a brief decline during the great potato blight of the 19th century. Among the traditional materials used to produce vodka, potatoes tend to be the most labor-intensive because preparing them for the mash stage requires additional steps, like peeling the skin.
Compared to wheat- or grain-based vodkas, potato vodka is usually a bit heavier with a dense feel in the mouth, while the flavor profile tends to be more flavorless with a bit more natural sweetness.
These qualities make potato vodkas great for use in cocktails since they dont overpower with their own natural flavor.
Why Choose Potato Vodka
Vodka made from potatoes tends to be more mild and neutral than its grain and corn-based counterparts. While this might seem like a bad thing , I find it very much the opposite.
Corn and wheat-based vodkas arent overpowering, but the sweetness and flavors brought out by the base starch can be a little much for some pairings and some drinks. With vodka from potatoes, the clear neutral base of the potato vodka serves as an incredible vehicle to carry the subtle flavors of the vodka itself. It also mixes incredibly well with just about anything, especially vermouth.
When you take the time to carefully compare potato and wheat-based vodkas, youll notice even more differences. Potato vodkas tend to feel heavy, full, and dense in the mouth, giving it a thick, often buttery mouthfeel when compared to brands like Grey Goose and Absolut.
Best Flavored: 44 North Huckleberry Vodka
Courtesy of Wine.com
Region: Idaho | ABV: 35% | Tasting Notes: Huckleberries, Vanilla, Lemon
Distilled using Russet Burbank potatoes and Rocky Mountain water in the town of Rigby, this spirit is also infused with local Idaho huckleberries. A flavored potato vodka might seem like an unusual thing, but according to Torres-Cooke, it works. The fruit adds a sweet-tart flavor that lingers with help from the weighty body that the potatoes bring. Its so good with just a splash of lemon, she says.
Region: Poland | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Green apple, Potato bread
This copper-pot still vodka speaks to that European style, says Seymour. Its more full-bodied and rustic, and I like that it has weight and heat to it.
Torres-Cooke calls it smooth and velvety but with a little bit of fuzz. Thats just what Abou-Gamin wants from a vodka. They keep a lot of the oils and esters and richness in it, he says. It has a bit of viscosity for a vodka, so its fit for a dirty martini. His go-to is Gibson style, with no vermouth and a couple of cocktail onions.
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What Is Absolut Vodka Made Out Of
The main ingredients in Absolut Vodka are water and winter wheat. The water comes from a deep well in Åhus where it’s protected from impurities. Winter wheat differs from other crops: it’s sown in fall, and harvested the next one. Days in between it grows under the Swedish snow developing its hard grain.
Is Flavored Vodka Taboo Among Experts
Adding artificial flavors to spirits is a bit of a hot topic among the tasting community. While the addition of natural flavors can make vodka incredible, some purists think that it diminishes the work that goes into carefully cultivating the natural impurities formed by the distillation process.
In other words, they think its essentially cheating. Why spend time adding a subtle vanilla note when you can just chuck a couple of vanilla beans in the bottle and call it a day?
Just like with temperature, however, the key to success here is to simply ignore them. If you like flavored vodka, drink it! Its essentially a mixed drink that you dont have to mix yourself. If you prefer the taste of straight vodka, however, or you want more power to customize your mixed drinks, theres nothing wrong with enjoying it straight. Either way, youre not infringing on other peoples ability to enjoy their favorite kinds of vodka.
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Gluten Free Vodka List The Ultimate Guide
Last updated on by Adam Bryan. This post may contain affiliate links.
Is vodka gluten free?
Lets find out!
You probably already know that you cant drink most beer due to its hops and glutenous ingredients. But hard liquor, especially vodka, may seem like a safe bet.
NOPE.
Traditionally, vodka is made from grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. Some specialty vodkas would even come from corn, potatoes, and even grapes.
These specialty vodkas are quite possibly the best options when it comes to trying to find the perfect gluten free vodka for you to enjoy.
If youre allergic to gluten or Celiac, youve probably already known that you cant drink most normal vodkas mainly because they have been distilled from glutenous grains.
To some, it may seem like there are little to no options left.
But thankfully youre in luck because there are actually a number of grain-free vodkas for you to enjoy.
But just remember
Ranking The Big Vodka Brands From Worst To Best
We’ve all been cooped up inside forever, but as coronavirus restrictions ease, the idea of getting together with friends for a night of cocktails and conversation is finally feasible. A lot of us spent our days in quarantine just eyeing the clock for 5 p.m. when we could make a margarita or have a glass of wine after a long day of sitting on the couch, working, or just watching everything on Netflix. Now that the possibility of actually getting together with other people is turning into a reality, don’t you want to impress your friends with your innate knowledge of good versus bad alcohol?
When it comes to spirits, there are so many options that it can be difficult to even know where to start. A lot of people may go for the visual method whatever bottle has the coolest label gets chosen but is that really the best way to find the good liquor? After all, some of the best brands when it comes to quality may not have the best marketing. Maybe the bottle that is at your eye level in the liquor store is distracting you from a really good find.
When it comes to vodka, the possibilities are endless, so we’ve put together a list ranking the best and worst big vodka brands. You’re welcome.
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What Is Vodka Made From
Vodka is one of the staple alcoholic beverages in kitchen bars. BUT, have you ever wondered where that clear water-like liquid comes from?
This versatile spirit has an interesting story behind what we know it as today. You might be surprised to know its origins and how its actually made.
Lets take a closer look at one of the crowd-favorite alcohol in the world.
Which Vodkas Are Grain Free
Here are the best gluten-free vodka brands:
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Courtesy of Drizly.
- Crystal Head Vodka. Courtesy of Drizly.
- Ciroc Vodka. Courtesy Reserve Bar.
- Grey Goose Vodka. Courtesy Reserve Bar.
- Cold River Vodka. Courtesy the Whiskey Exchange.
- Ocean Vodka. Courtesy Mel & Rose.
- Dixie Vodka. Courtesy of Dixie Vodka.
- Chopin Vodka.
. Also, what flavored vodkas are gluten free?
Here’s a short rundown of some brands that are gluten-free and perfect to serve at your next cocktail party.
- Iceberg Vodka.
- Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka.
- Boyd & Blair Vodka.
Additionally, what alcohol is grain free? Some people who can’t consume gluten react to liquor that’s made with gluten grains, including vodka, whiskey, bourbon, and gin. Look for liquor that is distilled from something other than wheat, barley, or rye. Most plain rum and tequilas are gluten-free.
Thereof, is rice vodka gluten free?
Yes! Vodka is alcohol distilled from grainsincluding corn, sorghum, rice, wheat and rye. The National Celiac Association considers distilled spirits gluten–free, even if they’re made with gluten-containing grains. So, all kinds of vodka should be safe for people who can’t eat gluten.
What grain is Skol vodka made from?
Vodka is traditionally made from potatoes or cereal grains. However, today many vodkas are made from other food items, including fruits, corn, rice or wheat. Skol Vodka specifically is made with 100 percent grain-neutral spirits.
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What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Vodka
Grey Goose Vodka
Historically, vodka was a medicine much like many of Europes other clear distilled spirits. This notion has actually persisted over the centuries and it is still considered as such by many to this day. In fact, a popular remedy for a cold or cough is ground pepper in a shot of vodka.
Yet, there is some truth to these claims. Firstly, vodka is a natural disinfectant. Therefore, it can be drank to soothe sore throats and tooth ache or even applied topically on injuries.
Furthermore, vodka can help reduce cholesterol, improve circulation, and has been proven to help reduce stress even more than red wine.
Additionally, vodka contains very few impurities. Therefore, its actually considered safer than most spirits. Being a purer spirit, there are reduced side effects from excessive drinking.
While it is still a strong spirit that can cause heavy intoxication, the pains of the morning after are said to be milder than other more flavoursome spirits.
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Swedish Gin From Hern Gin
If you had to guess where the best gin in the world is from, you probably would not think of a tiny distillery in the village of Dala just outside Härnösand in Ångermanland, in northern Sweden. For people in the know, however, it will come as no surprise. Named the worlds best gin at the World Gin Awards 2017, the spectacular, handcrafted gin from Hernö Gin has received more awards than any other gin in Europe since production started in 2012.
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Things You Should Know About Skyy Vodka
Every third drink ordered in the U.S. is a vodka drink, Melanie Batchelor, VP marketing, Campari America, wrote VinePair in an email. Skyy is often whats in the glass: It ranked eight out of 10 in the worlds best-selling vodka brands in 2018.
Launched in San Francisco in 1992, Skyy sold to Gruppo Campari in 2006. Its now a household name among vodka drinkers, and its history spans attention-grabbing ads and LGBTQ initiatives around the globe.
Read on for nine more things you should know about Skyy vodka.
drop!
Vodka Drinks With Calories
When youre enticed by tempting hurricane glasses loaded with frozen concoctions and tropical, extra-potent tiki drinks, then it can be difficult to order intelligently at a bar. However, there are lots of healthy drinks that are equally as delicious as the sugary and fatty ones. Below are some of the vodka drinks that are low in calories and high in calories.
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Kors Vodka 24k George V Limited Edition $24500
Kors combines delicious vodka and history in its bottles. Each bottle is handmade out of crystal and its recipe is an ancient one ordered by Russias Czar Nicholas II. Its thought that the Czar created it as the perfect-tasting vodka using a complex method involving solid gold pipes and infusing it with diamonds. Its limited edition label comes from the fact that only 250 bottles of this vodka were ever released.
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What About Flavored Vodkas
Flavored vodkas are trendy and obviously have developed a huge following. If you need vodka that’s not made from gluten grains, you do have some excellent alternatives: try Iceberg Vodka’s Chocolate Mint or Devotion’s Blood Orange, for starters.
Unfortunately, sticking with gluten-free vodka will mean you can’t experiment with some of the top flavored vodkas on the market today, such as Effen’s cucumber vodka . But any of Smirnoff’s wide variety of flavors should be safe, since Smirnoff is made from corn.
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What Is The Smoothest Vodka
The smoothest vodka is Belvedere vodka, which is almost velvety on the tongue and has a premium flavour to match. Is Titos vodka good? Titos is a multi-billion-dollar small batch brand and is a bestselling vodka in the United States. Its a smooth vodka filled with character that comes at a good price.
What Vodka Goes Down The Easiest
The 13 Best Cheap Vodkas Under $25 That We Promise Wont Taste Like Rubbing Alcohol
- Titos Handmade Vodka. BEST OVERALL.
- Deep Eddys Lemonade Vodka. BEST FLAVOR.
- Prairie Organic Vodka. BEST ORGANIC.
- Ketel One Vodka. MOST SURPRISING.
- Svedka. BEST FROM THE FUTURE.
- Russian Standard Vodka.
- Seagrams Peach Tea Flavored Vodka.
- Cupcake Frosting Vodka.
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Why Choose Top Brands
As I mentioned earlier, theres a world of difference between cheap vodka and a quality bottling. With potato vodka, however, theres an additional thing to keep in mind: price. The worlds best tasting bottles of potato vodka are almost all available for under $40, while many top-tier brands produce incredibly high-quality bottles of potato vodka for less than $20. This means you dont need to spend a lot of extra money to get an incredible experience.
The Difference Between Potato And Grain Vodka
Experts believe that grain vodka winds up with less of a flavor than potato vodka, which tends to have a distinctive taste to it. Therefore, if you’re looking for a vodka with a little more character, you’d be better off looking for one made with potatoes. If you’re looking for one to blend in cocktails without imparting a taste of its own, grain vodkas are the better choice. Popular grain vodkas include big names like Grey Goose, Smirnoff, Stolichnaya, and Ketel One. While many people think that Russian vodka is often potato-based, this is actually incorrect as the number of Russian potato vodkas on the market is close to zero. Potato vodka brands include Boyd & Blair and Woody Creek.
While there isn’t any gluten in potato vodka, it might be surprising to find out that vodkas made from grains even wheat are gluten-free as well . This is because the distillation process removes the gluten from the finished product.
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Which Vodka Brands Are Made From Potatoes
Popular Potato Vodka
- Chopin Potato Vodka. 4.9 out of 5 stars.
- Leopold Bros Silver Tree Vodka. 5 out of 5 stars.
- Luksusowa Vodka. 4.6 out of 5 stars.
- Blue Ice Potato Vodka. 4.7 out of 5 stars.
- Monopolowa Vodka. 4.7 out of 5 stars.
- Vesica Vodka. 4.8 out of 5 stars.
- Bakon Vodka. 4.3 out of 5 stars.
- Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka.
Pau Maui Vodka Isn’t For Everyone
Pineapple is a controversial fruit. Some people love a piña colada more than life itself. Others can’t stand pineapple on top of pizza, and some find even the scent of the tropical fruit off-putting altogether. So this next vodka might be a winner for some and an absolute loser for others. The Pau Maui Vodka, intermixed with the flavor of pineapple, goes for $19.98 a bottle and is the creation of Mark Nigbur. According to Flaviar, Nigbur and the LeVecke family created a micro-distillery in Maui and went to town, creating the Hali’imale Distilling Company and the Pau Maui spirit in the process.
So how do the reviews for this particular vodka run? A lot of them go in completely different directions, with some being harsher than others. For instance, one customer said that the vodka had a “pretty harsh flavor” and that they preferred using it as a mixing spirit rather than something to drink straight. Another reviewer said that the vodka was “on the low end of average,” and yet another said that it had a “very strong nose curling aftertaste.” So we’ll leave the decision to try this one up to you.
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Which Vodkas Are Made From Grain
Popular grain vodkas include big names like Grey Goose, Smirnoff, Stolichnaya, and Ketel One. While many people think that Russian vodka is often potato-based, this is actually incorrect as the number of Russian potato vodkas on the market is close to zero. Potato vodka brands include Boyd & Blair and Woody Creek.
What Does Potato Vodka Taste Like
Even though one definition of vodka is that it should be tasteless, odorless, and colorless, vodka lovers know that different vodkas can have different aromas and complex flavor profiles. So what does a potato vodka taste like? Well, that depends.
Distilling and filtering methods can affect the overall quality and taste of any vodka. There are additives that can alter the taste as well. With that in mind, potato vodkas are often described as old world style vodkas, because they have a heavier feel in the mouth.
The viscosity, texture, and creamy feel that these vodkas are known for is often accompanied with a slightly earthier and more savory flavor, increasing the feeling that you are enjoying your drink at the Russian Tea House. Chilling almost any vodka will further bring out its flavor.
These vodkas can also have a harsher feel, which is one of the characteristics that those who prefer wheat or other grain-based vodkas will point to in their criticisms.
Because these vodkas do tend to be a bit more savory, they are a great candidate for a Bloody Mary, a dirty martini, or any other savory mixed drink.
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