Vodka

Question 1

Basic definition of Vodka:

Answer 1

A neutral spirit that has been diluted with water.

Question 2

USA definition of a neutral spirit:

Answer 2

Distilled to at least 95% abv.

Question 3

EU definition of a neutral spirit:

Answer 3

Distilled to at least 96% abv.

Question 4

What are the Canadian restrictions on raw materials for vodka?

Answer 4

According to the WSET textbook, Vodka may only be made from grains or potatoes.

But…although it hasn’t been noted in the textbook addendum, this regulation changed in 2019.

Question 5

In general, what types of raw material may be used for Vodka production?

Answer 5

For most countries, any type of product suitable for human consumption is allowed.

Except in Canada, where only grain and potatoes may be used.

Question 6

Today, what is the most common source of enzymes used in vodka production?

Answer 6

Exogenous enzymes.

Question 7

What are the two factors a distiller faces in selecting raw material for Vodka production?

Answer 7

1. Having enough supply to meet the demand
2. What are the aspirations of the distiller’s brand

Question 8

Raw materials often associated with high-quality Vodka production?

Answer 8

• Barley
• Rye
• Wheat
• Potatoes

which are all associated with Eastern European quality production

• as well as Grapes (Ciroc)

Question 9

What are several inexpensive sources of raw materials for vodka?

Answer 9

Molasses and Corn

Question 10

What type of yeast would be common in Vodka production?

Answer 10

Yeast that produced a low level of fruit esters and aromas.

Question 11

What type of still must be used to produce a spirit of 95-96% abv?

Answer 11

Column Still

Question 12

What are two types of filtration commonly used in Vodka production?

Answer 12

• Chill-filtration
• Activated charcoal filtration

Question 13

True / False:

It is easy to identify a Russian Vodka through taste alone?

Answer 13

False

The production of vodkas from country to country is not universally regulated, therefore it is impossible to identify a unique style by country.

Question 14

How does Vodka differentiate from one to another?

Answer 14

Aromatically and Texturally

Question 15

What is the goal of a Neutral Vodka?

Answer 15

To have aromatic and textural simplicity and purity.

Ethanol is the principal aroma.

Question 16

Describe the finish of a Neutral Vodka?

Answer 16

• Short
• Neutral
• Clean
• No lingering tastes

Question 17

What is the minimum bottling strength of vodka in the US?

The EU?

Answer 17

• US is 40% abv / 80º proof
• EU is 37.5% abv / 75º proof

Question 18

What is Ethyl Alcohol?

Answer 18

• The official name for a neutral spirit in the EU
• Must be distilled to 96% abv / 192º proof

Question 19

When must you state the raw material on the label of Vodka in the EU?

Answer 19

If the raw material is not grain or potato.

Question 20

Distillate in the EU:

Answer 20

Any spirit that does not qualify as ethyl alcohol.

Question 21

What is the US Federal definition of Vodka?

Answer 21

A neutral spirit that is without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color.

Question 22

How much sugar is allowed in Vodka in the EU?

Answer 22

Up to 8 g/L.

Question 23

How much sugar is allowed in US Vodka?

Answer 23

Up to 2 g/L, as well as some citric acid.

Question 24

Two ways in which Vodkas may have more character?

Answer 24

1. Raw material derived aromas
2. Texture

Question 25

Style of a characterful Corn-based Vodka:

Answer 25

• Soft, rounded mouthfeel
• Delicate corn aromas

Question 26

Style of a characterful Barley-based Vodka:

Answer 26

• Will have a distinct grain bite
• Lean palate feel

Often associated with Russian and Finnish Vodkas.

Question 27

Style of characterful Rye-based Vodkas:

Answer 27

• Often associated with Polish Vodkas
• Will have the zesty, spicy character of rye

Albeit in a more subdued manner than what is present in Rye Whiskey.

Question 28

Style of characterful Potato-based Vodkas:

Answer 28

• Closely associated with Polish Vodka
• Can have an earthy, rooty aroma, sometimes smoky
• Rich, mouth-filling texture

Question 29

Why may congeners stand out in a neutral spirit?

Answer 29

They do not have a lot of complex flavors to compete with, as is the case in other spirits.

Question 30

What kind of spirit is often used for less expensive Vodka brands?

Answer 30

Bought-in neutral spirit, that can often show some coarseness of texture.

Question 31

True / False:

Chill-filtration is the norm in Vodka production

Answer 31

True

This is done so the spirit will not go cloudy when added to ice for drinking.

Question 32

What is charcoal filtration used for in Vodka production?

Answer 32

Used to adjust the texture and mouthfeel of the Vodka.

Question 33

What is the average percentage of water in Vodka?

Why is this significant?

Answer 33

• Approximately 60% of the liquid is water
• A producer must have a reliable, clean water source as it will affect the flavor and texture of the final product.

Question 34

What are some ways to remove anything that may be dissolved in water?

Answer 34

• Filtration
• UV light
• Ion Exchange
• Reverse Osmosis

Question 35

What additive may be used to create a feeling of smoothness in Vodka?

Answer 35

Sugar

Question 36

What are the two broad categories of Vodka?

Answer 36

1. Those made from scratch
2. Those made using neutral spirit produced by another distillery