One of the hottest drinks, among both happy elder and younger generations, one without which cocktails taste incomplete, is vodka.
Get ready to step back in time because according to my watch, it’s vodka time, how about yours?
BUT WHAT IS VODKA?
A typical definition describes Vodka as a distilled beverage which comprises primarily of water and ethanol (produced by the fermentation of sugar and yeasts) sometimes with traces of impurities and flavourings. Vodka is distilled at a high proof mainly from fermented vegetable or grain mash. But have you ever wondered what is the literal meaning of proof?
The Proof is the amount of alcoholic content in vodka. 100 proof means that the vodka has 50% alcohol; that is each degree of proof equals a half percent of alcohol. Thus 90 proof contains 45% alcohol and so on.
From mashing to bottling, the method of preparing vodka involves several steps.
Much like a washing machine, the grains or vegetables are loaded into an automatic mashing tub. Once the mashing process is completed, malt is then added to the mash to promote the conversion of starches to sugar. Yeast is added to the mash and allowed to rest for three to four days. Yeast plays a major role in converting the sugar in the mash to ethyl alcohol.
Once the conversion completes the liquid ethyl alcohol is further processed for distillation by pumping into the vaporization chambers. These chambers are stacked on top of each other. The vapours released are condensed and rise into the upper chambers. The upper chamber or the still heads are where the concentration of alcohol begins. All the impurities are allowed to flow into the lower chamber where they are discarded. The flavoring of vodka is made by adding herbs, grasses, spices and fruit essences during the distillation process.
The fine spirit that is extracted contains 95 to 100% alcohol which is not drinkable. Thus, water is added to the spirit to reduce the alcoholic percentage to 40 that means 80 proof.
Finally, the spirit or the vodka is stored in glass bottles because of its non-reactive nature.
Now you have an idea of how vodka is made! So why not go and grab some for the night? Here are some brands that you must try if you are a vodka freak!
GREY GOOSE
If you prefer vodka smooth on the palate then Grey Goose is one of the best brands that you can purchase in the market. This vodka does not create excess heat while being consumed. From lemon based flavour to caramel flavoured vodka, Grey Goose has almost every flavour one can die for.
Grey Goose Le Citron, a lemon flavoured vodka, Grey Goose Cherry Noir, a black cherry flavoured vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange, orange flavoured vodka are one the most preferred flavours.
ABSOLUT
Have you ever come across miniature sets of Absolut vodka? I’m sure you wouldn’t be able to resist when your eye catches its attention. This Swedish bottle is irresistible. One of the best brand and the most loved one, Absolut is one drink that you shouldn’t compromise on. Unlike other vodkas, Absolut vodka does not contain any added sugar. Rich bodied, smooth and mellow followed by a hint of dried fruit. Some of the best flavours are Absolut Citron, Absolut Peach, Absolut Pepper. Absolut vodka, Absolut facet, Absolut colours, Absolut elyx.
BELVEDERE
Poland made Belvedere, keeps the party rocking. Belvedere Red, Belvedere Silver are quite famous but are only available in limited cities across India. The flavours of Belvedere are filtered through cellulose particle filters to ensure the retention of fruit flavours. Some of the best flavours are Mango passion, Lemon Tea, Bloody Mary, Pink Grapefruit, Orange and citrus.
CHOPIN
You wouldn’t believe but seven pounds of potatoes are used to make every bottle of Chopin. Known as a single-ingredient vodka, Chopin is made by distilling it four times from either potatoes, rye or wheat. Originated in Poland, this vodka is has a distinct flavour that makes it unique as it uses potato as their base to create a superior product.
STOLICHNAYA
Also known as simply “Stoli”, Stolichnaya is a very popular brand of Russian vodka which is made of wheat and rye grain. Some of the delicious vodka flavours are Stoli Chocolat Kokonut, Stoli Razberi, Stoli Hot and Stoli Gala Applik. If you have a more traditional palette then you must go for Stoli Premium Vodka.
The list goes on but I have catalogued the best ones for you. So which one are you going to pick tonight ?
