The Russian national spirit, downed between zakuski and toasts. Grain or potato spirit, run by state monopoly from the fifteenth century onward, and at points it funded a third of the imperial budget.
Distilling is illegal without a licence, and rectification to vodka strength needs a column that has no domestic equivalent.
What goes into it
- rye, wheat or potato
- yeast
- water
How it is made
Grain or potato is mashed and fermented, then distilled repeatedly — in a modern plant through a tall rectification column — to strip out nearly everything but ethanol and water. It is then filtered, often through charcoal, and cut with soft water to strength. A vodka is defined by what has been removed, not what has been added, which is why the water matters as much as the grain.
How long it takes: days to ferment and rectify; no ageing
How it is eaten
Ice cold in small glasses, downed in one, with zakuski and a toast before each.
History
Grain or potato spirit; the state ran vodka monopolies from the fifteenth century onward, and it funded much of the imperial budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vodka?
Vodka is a wine & spirit from Russia: the national spirit, downed with zakuski toasts. Grain or potato spirit; the state ran vodka monopolies from the fifteenth century onward, and it funded much of the imperial budget.
How is Vodka made?
Grain or potato is mashed and fermented, then distilled repeatedly — in a modern plant through a tall rectification column — to strip out nearly everything but ethanol and water. It is then filtered, often through charcoal, and cut with soft water to strength. A vodka is defined by what has been removed, not what has been added, which is why the water matters as much as the grain. It takes days to ferment and rectify; no ageing.
Can I make Vodka at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. Distilling is illegal without a licence, and rectification to vodka strength needs a column that has no domestic equivalent.
What goes into Vodka?
Rye, wheat or potato, yeast, water.
How is Vodka eaten?
Ice cold in small glasses, downed in one, with zakuski and a toast before each.
