2018Q1SpiritedVirginia - 29

P

erhaps no liquor deserves to
be called a "spirit" more than
vodka. Like a ghost that wanders
corridors unseen, vodka is clear.
But this alcoholic spirit can impart
a potent burn or afford a pleasant
taste and effect.

NEUTRALITY IS IN THE EYE
OF THE BEHOLDER
By legal federal definition, vodka
is a neutral spirit "distilled from
any material at or above 95 percent
alcohol by volume (190 proof), and
if bottled, bottled at not less than
40 percent alcohol by volume (80
proof)." Further, it's a neutral spirit
that has been "distilled or treated
after distillation with charcoal or
other materials so as to be without
distinctive character, aroma, taste
or color."

Since the U.S. legal definition
doesn't require any specific
ingredient, distillers can and do
use a variety of base ingredients
to create the stuff-grains,
potatoes, grapes, beets and more.
All that's needed is a source of
natural sugars, which the yeast
eats to make alcohol, which is
then distilled, typically re-distilled
(sometimes many times over), and
filtered. Water is added to ensure
the proper proof.
To most consumers, the glory of
vodka is its tasteless quality. After
all, how else can you savor the
summer essence of watermelon
or sip spiced tomato juice at
breakfast, each with the slightest
kick?
A discerning palate, however,
can pick up the differences
between vodka brands. To many

connoisseurs, the best distinctions
make a vodka enjoyable on its
own, not just as a neutral addition
to a mixed drink. A better vodka
can also make a better cocktail.
First, shades of difference come
from the base ingredients: potato
can offer a creamy mouthfeel with
earthy notes, rye can impart the
spiciness of the grain and corn can
lend its sweetness.
Distilleries are quick to point
out the importance of the water
that they use, too, like Finlandia's
spring water from a 10,000-yearold glacial moraine or Grey Goose
water filtered through Champagne
limestone.
Distillation and filtration
processes affect the final product
as well. Premium vodkas are
carefully distilled-multiple
times. "The more you distill it, the

SPIRITED VIRGINIA | JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2018 29



2018Q1SpiritedVirginia

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2018Q1SpiritedVirginia

2018Q1SpiritedVirginia - Cover1
2018Q1SpiritedVirginia - Cover2
2018Q1SpiritedVirginia - 1
2018Q1SpiritedVirginia - 2
2018Q1SpiritedVirginia - 3
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2018Q1SpiritedVirginia - 29
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2018Q1SpiritedVirginia - Cover3
2018Q1SpiritedVirginia - Cover4
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/spirited-virginia-q1-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/SPVAQ42021
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/SPVAQ32021
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/SPVAQ22021
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/SPVAQ12021
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/SPVAQ42020
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/SPVAQ32020
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/SpiritedVA-Q2-2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/SPVAQ12020
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/SPVAQ42019
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/VTCRecipeBook
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/2019Q3SpiritedVA
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/2019Q2SpiritedVA
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/2019Q1SpiritedVA
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/2018Q4SpiritedVA
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/2018Q3SpiritedVA
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/2018Q2SpiritedVA
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/2018Q1SpiritedVirginia
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/Spirited_Virginia_Q4_2017
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com