Potato Vodka

If you're curious, here is the actual law applicable in the US.

27 C.F.R. (Code of Federal Regulations):

§ 5.22 The standards of identity.
Standards of identity for the several classes and types of distilled spirits set forth in this section shall be as follows (see also § 5.35, class and type):

(a)Class 1; neutral spirits or alcohol. "Neutral spirits" or "alcohol" are distilled spirits produced from any material at or above 190° proof, and, if bottled, bottled at not less than 80° proof.

(1) "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.

As I earlier said, Vodka is legally just diluted ethanol. 190° proof simply means 95% ethanol, and that's as high as you can get using normal distillation procedures. To get above that 95% level, some fancy distillation technology (azeotropic distillation) is needed, but it is not necessary for making alcoholic liquors for human consumption. So long as it is not contaminated with other substances, one could even buy industrial ethanol and dilute it with water to 80 proof (or higher) and sell it as Vodka. And I also believe that there is very little, if any, flavor from potatoes, wheat, or any other carbohydrate which could make it through the distillation operation. Charcoal filtration might make it a little smoother going down.

I am not a Vodka drinker, rather Gin, which is pretty much the same as Vodka, except it's flavored by various botanicals. My favorite brand by far is Fleischmann's, which is also among the cheapest.
 
As I earlier said, Vodka is legally just diluted ethanol. 190° proof simply means 95% ethanol, and that's as high as you can get using normal distillation procedures. To get above that 95% level, some fancy distillation technology (azeotropic distillation) is needed, but it is not necessary for making alcoholic liquors for human consumption. So long as it is not contaminated with other substances, one could even buy industrial ethanol and dilute it with water to 80 proof (or higher) and sell it as Vodka. And I also believe that there is very little, if any, flavor from potatoes, wheat, or any other carbohydrate which could make it through the distillation operation. Charcoal filtration might make it a little smoother going down.

I am not a Vodka drinker, rather Gin, which is pretty much the same as Vodka, except it's flavored by various botanicals. My favorite brand by far is Fleischmann's, which is also among the cheapest.

My favorite Gin was Tanguery for many years....Then I tasted Sapphire. That is one smooth and tasty adult beverage.
 
Regarding charcoal filtration of Vodka, there was an episode of "Mythbusters" which explored that topic. What they did was get various bottles of top-shelf unflavored vodka brands plus some cheap stuff, charcoal filtered all of them, and got some booze tasting expert to judge which was best in a double blind test. As I remember, he couldn't detect any significant differences among the brands. I think the crew also acted as judges, and they couldn't taste much difference either. It's probably on the Mythbusters website if anyone wants to look for it.
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It's in Episode 50 from 2006. Vodka Myths III.
 
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Grain alcohol rips me up. Someone recommended potato vodka and now it's all I drink. What a difference it's made, I can actually enjoy it without side effects. I live in a small town in Oregon, only one liquor store (state run) in the area with limited choices. I've been drinking Luksusowa and like it a lot. I'll ask about Karlsson's Gold, would love to try it. Thanks for the tip.

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That's a good one as well, if you like Luksusowa you will like Karlsson's for sure I think!
 
Buffalo Trace distillary distills a pretty fair vodka. It is call Wheatley after the master distiller, it is distilled 12 times, I don't recall if it is made with corn or wheat. It is pretty good. I prefer broubon made with wheat as the second grain,instead of rye; is not as sweet as rye has less bite.
 
...... I live in a small town in Oregon, only one liquor store (state run) in the area with limited choices. I've been drinking Luksusowa and like it a lot. I'll ask about Karlsson's Gold, would love to try it. Thanks for the tip.
......

Karlsson's Gold is special order here in Oregon. Currently in 13 liquor stores. No need to ask, just check the OLCC website ;).

Find Liquor In Oregon | Oregon Liquor Search
 
Back when I was in college, Vodka in mixed drinks was considered very cool and all the rage, and when I became of legal drinking age (or maybe a little before then) Vodka was what I drank first, I believe in the form of a Screwdriver.
 
I found this stuff in a liquor store here and really like the taste of it. And if I'm buying imported vodka, I like my money going to the Ukraine rather than Russia.
 

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Although I've had vodka, all I really know is that it takes up about half the space in a liquor store shelves.

I have to hunt to find the gin display which is tiny.

Even the whiskey/Bourbon area is dwarfed by the vodka displays and that's just un-American! :eek:
 
Can't wait to try Karlssons Gold. I'm also a bit of a Vodka guy. Mostly Belvedere and Grey Goose on the high end, and Swedish Svedka for a less expensive brand. Thanks for the tip. :)
 
My father used to say that his company wouldn't allow any of the salesmen to drink vodka at lunch. They wanted after lunch customers to know they'd been drinking and not just think they were stupid.

Anyway, Svedka is my new favorite occasionally with a dash of Powers Irish. Have to try Karlsson's Gold. Bored as hell now so I think I'll go find some.
 
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