The Dedly Blog

Vodka Wars?

In case you haven't gotten enough war in your news diet, here's an article on a looming trade war over vodka. Apparently, traditionalists are upset over what people are making vodka from these days.

Until recently (vodka's roots go back at least 600 years old), vodka was always made from potatoes or grain. Newcomers have been making it from corn, beets, and grapes, which is considered rather blasphemous to the traditionalists. The split can be mapped geographically. Eastern Europe, where vodka originated, is upset that the newcomers (Britain, France, Austria, some USA) are getting away with an apparent hypocrisy. You see, France gets pretty upset if anyone tries to make wine from anything but grapes. And it's against the law to market "sparkling wine" as champagne if it doesn't come from the Champagne region of France.

I'll side with the traditionalists on this because of the French hypocrisy. I hate hypocrites. That's not to say that I'm not willing to try out the new vodkas. Friend and faithful blog reader, Jim, has offered me a chance to sample some of that Ciroc (grapes, France) vodka. I just have to bring over some of the Blueberry Ales that I reviewed in this blog.

I drink Skyy Vodka (grain, American). The quadruple distillation and triple filtration removes so many impurities that it's probably cleaner than the water from most cities. The end result: I have yet to have a hangover after drinking the stuff (kids don't let you have hangovers). It mixes well with everything too. Apologies to those who insist on having their vodka neat, but I can't drink like that anymore.

Back in the 80's and 90's I used to sample the vodka market, much like how I sample the craft beer market these days. But once I hit Skyy I stopped. The vodka market has exploded with flavors and brands, but I just don't have the desire to go around sampling like I used to. In fact, I find that the market has become so inndated with trendiness and slick marketing (Skyy is just as guilty as the rest) that I'm turned off to it. Yeah, I tried Grey Goose (wheat, France). Big deal. It wasn't any better than Skyy, though it is about twice the price. I think that I've hit the sweet spot on the vodka chart (taste vs. price) with Skyy, though I wouldn't mind a bottle of Wyborowa (potato, Poland) again.

\_/
DED

posted by DED at 3:01 PM

 jnubel said...

A wise man once said, motor oil is motor oil. So take a road trip and stock up on Liquor Square premium Vodka. You know you want to...

7/28/2006 12:55 PM

 DED said...

===shudders at the thought of Liquor Square "premium" vodka===

Even when I was dirt poor in college and I couldn't afford mixers to go with my bottom shelf, plastic, economy sized bottles of vodka, I still wouldn't buy that brand. If it wasn't their own brand, it wouldn't even merit bottom shelf status. They'd have to keep it in the automotive section next to the carburetor cleaner.

7/28/2006 3:17 PM

 Alan P. said...

Speaking of degreasers, How about McCormick? Cheaper than B-12 too. Doesn't matter how you cut it, it still tastes bad and has vicious effects on the precious bodily fluids. Much as I hate to admit it, I like the taste of Grey Goose regular. Rarely drink it though. Some of the spicy Absoluts in a Bloody Mary ain't bad either. Or you can just put Tabasco in the mix instead, yummy!

7/31/2006 10:46 AM

 DED said...

McCormick? You got me there Mort. Don't know that one. Sounds pretty bad though.

8/01/2006 12:05 PM

 paul_t said...

Vodka made from grapes...isn't that just another name for grappa? Speaking of which I could bring over some homemade stuff (by my relatives in Italy) for the Ciroc tasting.

8/01/2006 3:27 PM

 Alan P. said...

You'll find it to the left of the Tvarski at the liquor store. I don't recommend it. Hey, thanks for adding petropest to your links!

8/01/2006 5:18 PM

 DED said...

Hey Paul! Glad you could join the "party." Go ahead and bring the Grappa. I'll try it out.

Mort: I liked the fact that your blog is open-minded when it comes to looking to alternatives to oil. You also appear to be doing your homework and practicing what you preach.

8/08/2006 2:23 PM