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Definition: vodka (meaning “little water” in Russian) is made primarily with water and ethanol alcohol of agricultural origin, such as wheat, rye, potato, corn, or barley. ... In the US, domestic vodkas are defined as "neutral spirits without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color."

If distilled many times, to a high enough proof in a column (Coffey) still, a neutral spirit can be achieved from any grain, starchy vegetable, or fruit. At that point the source of the starch/sugar will have no impact on the taste of the spirit, as it is supposed to be flavorless. Vodka can also be made in copper stills and typically run thru the still only a couple times. When distilled as such, the actual flavor of the grain, vegetable or fruit can, and likely will, come through.

There is no such thing as "un-aged bourbon". Bourbon by definition has to be distilled from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in virgin oak barrels. An "un-aged bourbon" is a vodka.

Traditionally, spirits/whiskey was made from left-over grain. Rather than let excess grain rot, farmers utilized their grain to have it made into whiskey as a way of using this grain and making some extra $. The grain that was used was determined by what grain were primarily grown in a particular region. This is why rye whiskey was popular in the NE and Canada as it is a hearty, cold tolerant grain that was grown in those areas. Corn was the dominant grain in Kentucky/Tennessee which is why it was primarily used to make bourbon. The same goes for barley in Scotland/Ireland. Malted Barley is typically used in most spirits mash as it contains the enzymes necessary to convert starch to sugar. Strains of yeast are added to convert sugar to ethanol.

,...and everybody made sure that they had some left over grain.

I was inspired by some of the suggestions, and did a little sipping. For reference, I like Bridge City but realize that it's probably not widely available. I also like the Stoli, neat. Not a fan of Tito's but it's been awhile since I've had it.

I tasted each, at room temp., neat. My preference, from bottom to top:

Smirnoff was as bad as I remember. Sorry Brad

Pinnacle wasn't bad, and lowest cost.

Svedka is fine.

New Amsterdam, also fine+.

Luksosowa - I think this my new favorite, for cheap vodka.

I'm glad that I saw this thread, otherwise I'd probably never try the Luksosowa.

Having had a bit of Smirkinoff, tried & read about Svedka, tested Pinnacle, i should recommend Seagrams. It tested second to Svedka in their price range & the test said both should be in the next level, or superior to anything in their price range.

Svedka leaves me with an unfavorable aftertaste, but Seagrams is my go to for a liquor taste shielding mixer. If the alcohol is to be the main flavor I go way above in price over the Seagrams. Several friends agree.

I used to have a 3rd cousin twice removed that was famous for his shine.

He didn't start his mash with left over grain. He raised a crop of corn just for the purpose. Stories about him are numerous.

Im telling you guys, Zyr... its the smoothest of smooth, no freezer needed.

#vodkasucks
Drink bourbon

I'll add it to the list. Sounds good, thanks.

J

Русский Стандарт

yep good stuff for the price

Or Stolichnaya elite for special times

The 2foot high bottle of tater vodka from ... Poland...close the thread

New Amsterdam vodka for the mid-shelf decent priced win.

Wow, some people knowledgeable about distilling here. So, why the emphasis on *copper" stills and one-time-through? Just tradition to use copper?

Also, are some vodkas still neutral spirits or have they all gone to leaving some flavor in?

Yes this. That Polish potato vodka is the bomb. There's another from Iceland but can't place cause I've drank it.

Oh shidt, I don't know about that one. That said I polished off more than half of the Dripping Springs Gin at the bar of the Contessa in San Antonio over a couple of nights before the campfire hog hunt. Actually brought one home with me. Well another trip to Texas not a bummer.

Covington. Made in North Carolina.

http://www.covingtonvodka.com/our-spirits/

Or for an "heirloom" corn vodka try Troy & Sons Platinum.

https://ashevilledistilling.com/

Interesting read, not much of a vodka fan at all. Simply no flavor IMO.

I have found gin to be a great substitute for almost any vodka recipe and actually have some flavor. I drink bourbon during the winter season, and rarely mix it with anything.
An occasional beer/wine and that is the extent of my alcohol enjoyment. I can enjoy good tequilla, but do not actively seek it out. I have had some moonshine that was fantastic, and some that was best used in an alcohol burner.

I long ago gave up drinking to get buzzed or drunk. Sign of serious issues if that is your main goal.

That's insulting to call that vodka.

More than good, it's outstanding & is the #1 rated vodka in Poland (the potato version).

Especially when chilled.

MM

You're right. Troy&Sons deserves more respect than that. And both those I mentioned are actually flavor distinguishable.

Why the emphasis on copper stills? What other kinds are there and why aren't they as good?