Vodka originally the number one drink of Eastern Europe has become a favorite of drinkers all over the world because of its high alcohol content, smoothness, and easy ability to make mix drinks with. Vodka’s fame has grown so big that there seems to be hundreds of different brands producing their own version. All boasting their own unique recipes, tastes, alcohol content, or flavor yet at their heart all of these different brands are similar. There may be a huge number of vodka brands but there are actually only a few different types:
Country of Origin
Every country in the west produce its own version of vodka, with Russia and Poland being the most famous. Countries all over Europe have been distilling the drink for centuries, over time creating their own methods and ingredients to make a unique blend. Differences in water and techniques differ so much from one region to the next that distinct types have developed.
Vodka Base
Despite what many people believe Vodka is made from more than potatoes. Over the centuries people have used a wide range of ingredients as a base for the drink including rice, corn, fruits, wheat, etc. The type of base used in the distilling process can have a major effect on the vodka’s alcohol content, smoothness, or even its medicinal value like plum vodka. A few types of vodka are only produced in small quantities because of how rare their ingredients are.
Flavored and Non-Flavored
Flavored: These types of vodka have a special flavor and aroma added to them. The most popular aromas and flavors are fruits (cherries, peaches, berries, etc), honey, chocolate, and coffee. Flavored vodkas are a favorite for many people because of their pleasantly smooth flavor. In fact customers have come to expect their vodka to have a strong aroma and scent which is why flavored types have become so popular recently.
Non-Flavored: These types of vodka have a neutral taste with no strong aroma but can still have a base of fruit, honey, or anything else. While the main ingredients don’t come out in a strong aroma or smell they can still be felt in the drink. Customers have to pay closer attention to feel out the flavors. These types of vodka work best for mixed drinks like the screwdriver.
Alcohol Content
Types of vodka often stand apart based on their alcohol content and percentage, that varies from one region or country to the next. The most popular is percentage and content is 40% (80 proof) with 37.5% being a close second. There are plenty of types of Vodka that reach higher than this however. Home-made vodka for example can reach as high as 70-80%. The reason 40% is such a favorite is because it’s the “golden middle” between how easy it is to drink and how quickly it will get you drunk. Any lower is to easy to drink in big quantities and higher makes it tough to get down. Customers also prefer the 40% ration because they can drink a good amount without getting drunk right away.
Production Technology
No matter how it’s made, whether it’s home on a personal distiller or by a company with professional equipment the technology to make vodka is always different. Those differences can affect taste, alcohol content, and more. Filtration systems are a prime example of how technology makes different types of vodka. There are those who use a single filtration method while others use two or more. Then there are different types of filtration from coal to diamond crystals to many others. Each of these different filtration techniques produces a different type of vodka.
Obviously these are not the only things that produce different types of vodka but they are the most commonly cited cause for the different types. There are so many things that create different vodkas from one region to the next that it can be difficult to keep track of them all. This guide should act as a starting point for you to learn more about the different types of the worlds favorite liquor.