Vodka - Wodka
Vodka or Wodka (from 'voda' = water) is a mostly colourless spirit with an alcohol content between 37.5% and 80%. It is distinguished by its almost neutral taste. Besides these pure Vodkas there are many aromatised varieties today, which are made of fruit, spices, extracts or essences.
The most important, traditional countries of origin are Poland, Russia, Finland, Sweden and the Ukraine. After the October Revolution of 1917, many Russians were forced to emigrate thus helping the world-wide triumphant success of Vodka.
To this day, the traditional grain for Vodka production in Eastern Europe has been rye. The Vodka types made of this grain taste smooth, mild and slightly sweetish; this is why rye is regarded as the best source ingredient. In western countries, wheat is mainly used since it is cheaper and available in larger quantities. Potatoes have also been used for some centuries. The taste of potato-based Vodkas is usually richer and drier. Molasses (= treacle, a by-product of sugar production) is regarded as the cheapest and worst source ingredient for Vodka. The taste of Vodka distilled from molasses is usually a bit sweeter than that of grain Vodka.
Vodka is one of the few noble spirits which are served and drunk well-cooled!