Introduction: For the Love of Vodka

Why Vodka?
In part because numbers speak. Vodka is not only the number one consumed spirit in the United States but also ranks number one globally according to the Adult Beverage Resource Group at Technomic. And there is a certain compulsion to respond to the popular-yet-mistaken notion Arent all vodkas the same? Weve all heard itif not uttered it ourselves before learning otherwise. That said, if I am being completely honest, the fact that vodka suffers from a misplaced lack of respect was highly motivating for me to write this book. Often passed over as a spirit category of interest, it is at times unjustly given a bad rap within the bartending community. Vodkas heritage and flavor nuances deserve a measure of reverence; it deserves a place alongside its spirituous cousins whisky, gin, tequila, and so on. Got to love a challenge!

Vodka Not Your Cup of Tea?

No hard feelings. In fact, nothing but respect for knowing your stance. That said, for reasons that largely escape me, it has become vogue in some bartending corners to bash vodka. Not just a particular brand or style, but the entire category. I assert such a stance most likely stems from lack of exposure or knowledge rather than a well-informed or experienced perspective. We are all entitled to our preferences when it comes to enjoying spritsflavor profiles, mixing compatibility in drinks, overall character. Such partiality evolves over time; it certainly has for me. But make no mistake, it has and always will be simply my personal preference, which admittedly is based on probably way too much exposure: 30-plus years of mixing, creating, teaching, and drinking in the bartending world. Exposure that I am fortunate enough to consider my professional experience and that thankfully continues to evolve. Buck the trend. If you enjoy vodka to sip, or lean toward vodka-based cocktails and want to expand your appreciation of its unique position within mixologys sphere, I encourage you to ignore the voice that would persuade you to kick vodka to the curb as unworthy. I maintain such advice is less wisdom than simply a matter of opinion. Read on and enjoy!

Appreciating Subtlety
Despite the widely held view to the contrary, all vodkas are not the same. Qualities and variation from one to another can be subtle, but they are there nonetheless. Think about tasting and comparing one vodka to another, not as comparing apples to oranges but akin to comparing apples to apples apples of the same variety grown in different orchards with differing geography and under various climate and nutrient conditions. All of these influences leave their subtle mark when the fruit is tasted. Wine geeks

would call this the influence of terroir. So it is with vodkasubtle variations, but there nonetheless. Try a blind tasting, and youll soon see this not-so-plain white spirit in a new light.

The Anatomy of Vodka

Vodka is among the least complicated distillates to manufacture. Its primary influences are the raw materials used (water, base ingredient or fermentable sugar source), method of fermentation, distillation and rectification, process of filtration, and water used as diluent. Compared to manufacturing dark spirits such as whisky, tequila, and brandy, vodka production stands out in two distinct ways. First, the distillation process aggressively eliminates elements that influence flavor (often called congeners), which can be desirable in other spirits. Second, the final p roduct is free of the considerable influences of maturation or barrel aging. To a large degree, this makes vodka a more exposed, less forgiving distillate, as impurities and imperfections that occur in the manufacturing process are more detectable in vodka than in spirits influenced by the complexities of aging. This book aims to highlight vodkas virtues, so my discussion of the production process is decidedly basic, exposing points in the process that exert discernable influences on the final product. For an indepth explanation of spirit manufacturing, check out the countless resources dedicated to the craft, whatever your spirit of choice.

Raw Materials
The base ingredients used initially were those most readily and locally available, though that practice evolved as the industry sought more innovative approaches. Vodka can be made from virtually any starch, or fermentable sugar source. Traditionally, as remains the case in Eastern Europe, grain such as rye, wheat, or barleyand potato is used. The rest of the world, however, incorporates what traditionalists call alternative ingredients, such as corn or oats. Grapes, whey, maple sap, rice, and quinoa are among the less familiar and more recent additions. One of the least expensive and little advertised base ingredient is molasses. Derived from sugar beets and sugarcane, it has long been used in the production of large-volume brands that target the bulk or sub-premium market common practice in both the Vodka Belt and the West. Bottom line: A quality distillate starts with quality ingredients. The base ingredients selected impart a constellation of characteristics to the final product. In general, though by no means the rule, the four

most common base ingredient categoriesrye, wheat, potato, and cornfall along lines of expression for nose, palate, and mouth feel distinct to each (see page 130 for the typical vodka-tasting findings related to nose, palate and mouth feel according to base ingredient). Water is arguably the second raw material used in vodka production. I discuss its use and influence toward the final product further along in the Dilution section.

Fermentation
The first step in making any distilled spirit is to produce the equivalent of a fermented alcoholic beverage called a wash. This is achieved by converting the raw materials starch to fermentable sugars. Fermentation is initiated by adding malted grains into a mash of water and raw material. The naturally occurring enzymesalpha amylase and beta amylasein malted grains serve as a catalyst for the conversion process, brought along by adding heat. The mash now contains simple fermentable sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Yeast is then added, which essentially feeds on the sugars. The quality and consistency of the yeast used can influence the quality of the vodka produced, so care must be taken when selecting yeast to ensure the best possible final result. The metabolite byproducts of the fermentation process are ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide. It is this fermented mash, now referred to as wash, that proceeds to distillation. Made up of a relatively low percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV), water, and a small component of impurities, the wash is similar to a beer productraw, unrefined, but full of potential. How this potential is realized relies largely on the distillation and rectification skills of the Master Distiller.

Distillation and Rectification

In the most basic of terms, distillation concentrates alcohol to a desired level, while rectification serves to purify it. The distillation process separates components of a liquid mixture by using boiling points. In the case of vodka, the washs alcohol (ethanol) component is separated from its water component. Alcohol has a lower boiling point than watermeaning, it vaporizes at a lower temperatureso alcohol can be collected separately from the water. Rectification, meanwhile, refers to the process of purifying alcohol of its unwanted elements. Although the term is more commonly associated with continuous distillation than with pot or batch distillation (read on for this discussion), rectification is, in essence, achieved through repeated distillations, leaving the concentrated alcohol free of waste and unwanted elementssuch as congeners (impurities), fusel oils, methanol, and aldehydes that would adversely affect the qualityflavor, aroma and textureof the final product. The two basic methods of spirits distillationpot (batch) and column (continuous)achieve the same ends and require the same considerable expertise of a Master Distiller, though continuous is arguably more efficient. In contrast to distillation of dark spiritswhisky, brandy, tequila, and so onvodka distillation aims to get rid of nearly all congeners and leave only the trace amounts needed to express a

desirable level of flavor, aroma, and texture. Of note, it is these removed elements that contribute largely to the flavor profile of dark spiritsand likely to the depth of any hangover.

Pot or Batch Distillation

Before the column or Coffey still was invented in the 19th century, distillation was done in a pot still. The pot still, sometimes called an alembic, was used as early as the third century in Alexandria. This still has two separate chamberspot and condenserconnected by a tube or swans neck. Fermented mash, at roughly 8 percent ABV, is poured into the belly of the pot still and gradually heated. Once the temperature of the mash reaches the alcohols boiling point, vapors rise upward to the swans neck where the vapors cool. The vapors then begin to travel down the swans neck into the condenser, where the process of returning the alcohol vapors into liquid form is completed. The first portion or fraction of pot distillation is called the heads and is extremely high in impurities, such as methanol, aldehydes, and esters. The Master Distiller cuts (removes) this portion of the distillate and discards it. The middle portion is referred to as the heart and is desirable; the heart is what the Master Distiller works to maintain as the final product . The last portion is called the tails and contains unwanted fusel oils and is high in water content; the tails must also be cut and discarded. A single run yields a distillate of approximately 40 percent ABV. From this point forward the Master Distiller and his proprietary domain rule. The whole process can be repeated many timesby reintroducing the condensate or heart back into the pot for another run or not at all, as deemed desirable for revealing the heart of ideal quality. Again, ideal is a matter of preference. Fewer runs mean more flavor and character are left behind. More runs yield a distillate of greater purity, flavor neutrality, and increasing alcohol content that could be as much as 96 percent ABV in the end. Rarely consumed at such a strength, the concentrated distillate has to be cut with water, usually prior to the filtration process, to dilute it down to the acceptable minimum bottle strength for vodkabetween 37.5 percent ABV (in the European Union) and 40 percent ABV (in the United States). Pot distillation is usually more labor intensive than column or continuous distillation, particularly if a batch is redistilled multiple times. I argue that where the Master Distiller cuts the heads and the tails is more important than the number of distillation runs. Achieving quality spirit is the main goal and depends on how each producer realizes its desired balance of purity and flavor.

Column or Continuous Distillation

Invented by Robert Stein in the 1820s, the column still was first used in Scotch whisky production. In 1831 Aeneas Coffey earned a patent for his improved version, known as the Coffey still or patent still. Regardless of name, the column or continuous still is made up of two cylindersthe analyzer and the rectifierplaced side by side and connected by multiple pipes. In this system the mash is fed into the still, proceeds through the distillation and rectification process, and transforms into a distillate of desired strength and purityall in a constant and seamless motion. This efficiency is unparalleled. You could manufacture a greater amount of spirits at a faster speed with column distillation than with a series of sequential pot distillations. Methods have evolved since Coffeys time, as distillers constantly pursue innovatio ns in technique and equipment. Many manufacturers use still systems made up of several columns to effectively and repeatedly distill and rectify a mixture in order to increase the purity of the final product. It is not unusual for a brand to boast that their vodka has been distilled three, four, five, or even more times.

Dilution
As I mentioned earlier, water is another raw material in vodka production. Most producers insist on using the best quality of water in their vodkaand for good reason. Many vodkas are distilled to 96 percent ABV or 192 proof, but most are sold at 40 percent ABV or 80 proof. To this end, a considerable percentage of water must be added to achieve appropriate dilution and proof. Understandably, water quality ranks a skinny second to base ingredient quality in terms of impact on flavor outcome. Nonetheless, water is significant as a diluent or to reduce the distillates proofsay, from 192 to 80. Using anything less than pristine, flavor-neutral water will adversely and significantly

affect the taste of the spirit. Most brands place great emphasis on their water. Manufacturers source their water from proprietary wells, protected reservoirs, springs, lakes, glaciers, or pristine mountain run-off. Others claim their source locations are free of any pollution. Some use distilled water, while some rely on local tap water that has been filtered and purified. Regardless of source, water added to the spirit must be free of minerals, impurities, and other contaminants. Otherwise all time, money, and effort spent producing a quality distillate are wasted.

Filtration
Faith and Wisniewski aptly observe, Throughout its history vodka has been the object of an underlying tension between those looking for purity at any cost and those looking for positive qualities. Filtration helps the Master Distiller achieve the desired levels of purity and flavor, once the distillation and rectification process has removed the lions share of congeners. Filtration is largely optional, and some vodka producers decide not to employ filtration beyond the function of eliminating obvious particulate matter. Instead, these producers prefer their product to retain some congeners, which imbue the spirit with flavor. Throughout the ages, charcoal or carbon, with its highly absorbent nature, has proven to be among the most efficient, widely-used filtration materials. Preference has even developed for charcoal made from specific treespine, birch, poplar, and oak, just to name a fewbecause of their degree of absorbency. Many producers now use activated charcoal or carbon because its absorbency increases markedly when heated to more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Once distilled and diluted, vodka is typically pumped through a filtration device (sometimes several) filled with activated charcoal. This process scrubs the distillate of any remaining undesirable particulates, leaving only a pure and clean spirit. Aside from charcoal, filtration materials and techniques span a diverse range. According to Pokhlebkin, early on vodka producers used felt of various types; woolen, linen or cotton cloth or cotton wool; paper of various thicknesses and densities; river, sea and quarried sand; (even) broken pottery. Recent additions include ground coconut shells, silver, gold, platinum, and diamonds. Different means, same goal. Again, each brands filtration approach is based on its preference and specifications. Is one material or method better than another? Arguably not, as long as the producer is satisfied that the method is delivering the desired outcome.

Maturation and Mingling

Vodka is for the most part an un-aged spirit. Only rarely does it spend any appreciable amount of time maturing or resting between the filtration and bottling processes. Some producers feel that the rigors of distillation are tempered by resting, which allows the water diluent to integrate into or mingle with the spirit. Unlike for dark spirits, resting for vodka does not occur in a wood container but in a stainless steel or another vessel that is incapable of imparting flavor. There are a few points in the vodka production process where mingling may occur: (1) when mixing several runs or batches in pursuit of overall consistency, and (2) during the resting period. As noted, the

goal of mingling is to give the added water the opportunity to harmonize with the distillate to improve the final product.