To the untrained eye, vodka is vodka. There aren't many differences but all the vodkas aren’t the same either. Water, ethanol, and trace levels of flavour don't sound like the components for one of the world's most popular spirits, yet that's exactly what vodka is made of. There are many different types of vodka. The plain version is certainly the most popular, but there are also flavoured and fruit vodkas that one can try. Each one has its own distinct flavour profile and alcohol content, so the next time you pick up a bottle, seek something different to add some variety to your life.
Plain vodkas
This vodka has a high alcohol concentration, typically in the upper 90s. Many people believe this to be a standard drink and are unconcerned about the taste. This is the foundation for all other drinks. They are nearly pure, with only a trace of impurities, and have no discernible taste. Some companies, however, have been experimenting with crucial components to enhance the plain flavour. Plain vodka with a hint of spice and fruit is available. However, ordinary vodka excels at one task: providing the kick we require in our cocktails. The flavour of simple vodka varies greatly depending on the type of alcohol used to make it.
Fruit vodkas
These vodkas are made from fruit infusions, as the name implies. Herb-flavoured vodkas are made in the same way and can be grouped together in this category. These types of vodkas require much longer to make than regular vodka. However, their flavour profile, aroma, and colour are simply far more complex than any other form of mass-produced vodka.
These vodkas begin with a 50 to 80 per cent alcohol base. The fruit combination is immersed in the liquor for up to three weeks to fully extract the fruit taste. The rind is filtered carefully after three weeks to avoid disturbing the alcohol.
Grain vodkas
This is one of the driest forms of vodka available, with a starting alcohol concentration of almost 96 per cent. To begin the infusion and distillation process, the alcohol is normally pure rye, which is blended with water. To be sure, this isn't everyone's cup of tea, and only die-hard vodka fans will love it.
Most grain vodkas are typically sold in countries with harsh winters, and this drink is said to be ideal for keeping warm during this time. This is not the type of liquor you'll find in your typical grocery liquor section.
Although this seems like the purest, most scorching, and straight alcohol, grain vodkas are enhanced in a way that does not reduce the alcohol concentration but does add flavour. Lemon or lime skins, pepper, and bison grass are commonly used to flavour these types of vodkas.
Flavoured vodkas
These vodkas have exploded in popularity in recent years for one reason: they require far less effort because they already have a flavour profile. Once you've found a taste you like, you won't need to buy mixers or juices to enjoy it. Cinnamon, blueberry, orange, green apple, lemon, lime, and so much more may be found in the flavour profiles.
Russia, Finland, Sweden, and the United States are among the major vodka producers. Vodka is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages, outselling whiskey, gin, and brandy.
Fruit vodkas and flavoured vodkas are not the same things. However, they begin with 95 per cent alcohol and are then infused with a flavour profile by distillation to give them a distinct taste. All of these vodkas are 40% alcohol.
The essential components are the same as in regular vodka. Fruits, grains, potatoes, and other ingredients can be used to make vodka. The drink is then sweetened to at least 5% to balance out the strong notes of the plain drink. This vodka is classified as dry. The amount of sugar in what is known as crème rises to roughly 40%. The semi-sweet type, which can contain up to 22 per cent sugar, lies in the middle of the spectrum.
The type of flavour profile created by each brand is usually different. As a result, you won't get the same flavour in lime vodkas from two separate companies. It may take some trial and error to get the right flavoured vodka, but every sip is well worth the effort.
