CHAPTER 2: VODKA Flashcards
True or False: Vodka dominates US spirits category
True
Where can vodka be produced?
Anywhere in the world
How do you define a “neutral” spirit?
Without distinct characteristics, flavor, color or aroma
What are two types of vodka?
- Original
2. Flavored
Does the US or EU have stricter standards for vodka?
US
What is the US definition of vodka?
US Standards of Identification requires vodka to be a neutral spirit, made so as to be without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color.
What is the EU definition of vodka?
A neutral spirit which may exhibit organoleptic characteristics of the raw material from which its made. These must be selected and reduced. The product may be flavored to enhance specific qualities.
True or False: Outside the US, vodka is made to disallow raw materials to express themselves.
False; its made to ALLOW raw materials to express themselves. Many imports have subtle flavors, textures and aromas.
What is the most common type of vodka?
The non-flavored variety, aka “original” type
What is vodka especially prized for?
Its blending ability in cocktails and mixed drinks
When and where are the origins of Vodka?
Russia or Poland in the 12th century
Where did the name Vodka come from in Russia?
The Russian word for water is “voda” and the beverage is referred to as the “water of life”. The k was added in the 14th century.
Where did the name Vodka come from in Poland?
Polish people called the drink “wodka” and it was originally used as medicine
What was the original usage for vodka and when did it begin to be consumed as a beverage?
- Medicines and perfumes.
2. 1500s
What 2 attributes did the grain used for vodka originally have?
Most plentiful and least expensive
What was the reason for such harsh and unpleasant flavors for vodka?
Poor fermentation and/or inadequate distillation methods
True or False: It was unheard of to mask unpleasant flavors with herbs and spices
False; it was and is a common practice
What base material creates a smoother product despite its higher cost?When and where was it introduced?
Potato; introduced by Poland in the late 18th and early 19th century
What was discovered that could removed the most unwanted aromas and flavors by filtration process?
Carbon, in the form of charcoal.
When was vodka brought to the US and why did it take so long?
Early 20th century because of communism in Russia.
When and by whom were the Smirnoff distilleries taken over by?
Taken over by Bolsheviks in 1917 revolution
Who was the first American-made vodka and when was it introduced?
Smirnoff in 1933
True or False: although vodka was produced in US from 1933, it wasn’t commonly consumed in US until 1950’s
False; it wasn’t until after World War 2 in the 1940s
What is the largest selling spirit brand over the years?
Smirnoff
Who were the primary consumers of vodka in the US prior to World War 2? How was it consumed?
- Eastern European immigrants
2. Straight, ice cold, in one gulp from a small glass
During the 1950s, what 3 new cocktails became part of the American social scene?
- Screwdriver
- Bloody Mary
- Moscow Mule
What are the ingredients for the following cocktails: Screwdriver, Bloody Mary, Moscow Mule
- Screwdriver = vodka and orange juice
- Bloody Mary = vodka and spiced tomato juice
- Moscow Mule = vodka and ginger beer, served in a chilled copper mug
Why did vodka become such a popular midday drink?
Because it leaves little evidence on one’s breath.
Why does vodka blend exceedingly well with fruit juices and other flavors?
Because original vodka it has no distinct flavor