*Vodka

Question 1

What is the key to vodka’s global success?

Answer 1

It’s neutral and flexible - which makes it ideal for mixing and for cocktails
(and for people to get pissed on the quiet. Not a L2 answer btw)

Question 2

What raw materials can be used to make vodka?

Answer 2

Anything. In theory.
In practice, commercial pressures narrow the range:
* Grains (Barley, Wheat, Rye)
* Potatoes
* Grapes

Question 3

How does potato starch get converted (2) to something fermentable?

Answer 3

1. The spuds get boiled until liquid.

2. Purchased enzymes are added (nothing malted here) to convert the starch to sugar.

Question 4

What is the target ABV for distilled vodka and…

… what kind of still is needed to do this?

Answer 4

1. 95%-96% ABV

2. A tall column (obvs)

Question 5

How is the quality of neutral spirit (possibly bought in) improved?

Answer 5

The rough texture is smoothed out by diluting with water and then redistilling.

Question 6

Why would a distiller produce low-wine vodka in a pot still before redistilling it in a column (2)?

Answer 6

First off, the producer is probably creating small batches of vodka.
Second, the goal is to produce a smoother, silkier texture for the spirit.

Question 7

Why would a distiller buy in neutral spirit, dilute it and redistill (2)?

Answer 7

First off, the producer is probably creating vodka on a large scale.
Second, the goal is to produce a smoother, silkier texture for the spirit.

Question 8

What is a hybrid vodka still?

Answer 8

A pot still connected to a rectifying column.

Question 9

Post distillation, what sort of receptacle is vodka kept in?

Answer 9

Something inert. Usually stainless steel.

Question 10

Name the two finishing techniques that distillers use to improve the vodka.

Answer 10

1. Filtration through activated charcoal

2. Tossing in a some additives that improve the texture and/or aromatise the spirit.

Question 11

What is the final stage of vodka production prior to bottling?

Answer 11

Dilution to c.40% ABV

Question 12

A characterful vodka? What can be characterful?

Answer 12

There are subtle flavours but it’s as much to do with mouthfilling texture as anything.

Question 13

You’ve bought some 96% ABV spirit and you’re going to redistill it. What have you got to do first?

Answer 13

Dilute it.

Slightly obvs really

Question 14

The glass of vodka is exactly neutral. How did the flavour get there?

Answer 14

Most probably added post-distillation