Vodka Flashcards
What are the 2 theories surround the original creation of vodka?
1) It was designed with a high alcohol content so as not to freeze in the low temperatures of its homelands.
2) It was originally a flavoured spirit and the high alcohol content helped extract flavoured from whatever was macerating in the spirit.
Which countries does vodka originate from?
Russie and Poland
When and where did charcoal filtration originate?
Poland in the 17th century. However it was being used to filter the water being used, rather than the final product. By the 18th century both Poland and Russia were using charcoal filtration on their final spirit.
What process dramatically increased vodka’s quality and when did this happen?
Continuous distillation which was introduced in the 19th century.
When did vodka first become popular?
In the 1950’s in American, the post-prohibition palates preferred the clean, pure taste that was to become synonymous with vodka.
What raw materials are used to make vodka?
Any raw agricultural product can be used to make vodka. Typically this includes commercial crops such a barley, wheat and rye. Potatoes are also used, as is molasses. In 2003 a grape vodka entered the market.
How are grains processed for vodka production?
They are cooked to hydrolyse the starch and then commercial enzymes are added to convert the starch to sugar.
How are potatoes processed for vodka production?
They are peeled and cooked in to a runny mash which hydrolyses the starch. Commercial enzymes are added to convert the starch to sugar.
Why is the yeast important when producing vodka?
The yeast is one of the main producers of congeners which will go on to be concentrated through the distillation process. A distiller may choose a yeast that produces as few congeners as possible for a light, neutral spirit.
What equipment will producers use during fermentation during vodka production?
They’ll utilise continuous fermentation because it is efficient in producing large amounts of alcoholic liquid.
How will high volume vodka be distilled?
It will be distilled in a two column still using continuous distillation. There will be 42 rectifying plates within the still.
It is likely a de-methylising column will also be needed, particularly for vodka made within the EU.
What unusual method will small producers employ when making vodka?
They will use batch distillation using a closed column still.
The fermented liquid will be placed inside the column still and it will be run for several hours. During this time the liquid will separate in to fractions across the plates. Because nothing leaves the still the ethanol will cycle through the still continuously. Once enough refraction has taken place the distiller will draw off the liquid, first the heads, then the heart. The bottle neck is broken and the still will run as normal until the ethanol runs out.
How are pot stills utilised in vodka production?
To have any effect it will be used after a HRS has been produced. The HRS will be diluted and re-distilled in the pot still with cuts made as necessary. It is argued that this smooths out the mouth feel.
Examples of this are Ketel One and Smirnoff Copper Still.
What are the perceived negatives of charcoal filtration in vodka production?
That if a product is made well enough it should already be pure, therefore filtration is pointless.
That it strips the product of positive congeners as well as negative ones.
Charcoal filtration is a choice, what other type of filtration is necessary in vodka product?
Chill filtration. Vodka is often served chilled and must keep its pure appearance under such conditions.
