Smirnoff No. 21 Triple Distilled – My first objection to this vodka is it comes in a plastic bottle. Vodka is a solvent, so putting it in plastic means some of the plastic is dissolving into the vodka. Granted, it probably isn't a large amount, but it is still happening. Unlike the other 3 vodkas on this page, this bottle has been open and used for several weeks now. This is the bottom of the handle (a handle is a 1.75 liter bottle with a handle built in for easy pouring). The smell is like a bottle of rubbing alcohol. There is a bit of sour taste on my tongue as the alcohol burns its way down my throat. This is not a smooth drink at all, making me shudder. The aftertaste resembles grains and dirt.
Seagram's Extra Smooth Vodka – This comes in a glass handle and is about 80% the price of the Smirnoff. Had I seen this in the store the first trip, I would have bought it instead of the Smirnoff. The top actually hissed when I opened it, either meaning there was an excellent seal or the stuff was partially cooked. It doesn't smell like rubbing alcohol; the bouquet is more fruity, reminding me of old peaches. A fruity taste could interfere somewhat with infusions and extracts. It is definitely a smoother drink than Smirnoff with little, if any, discernable taste. The burn is much less than the Smirnoff, and the alcohol shows up prominently in the aftertaste.
Woody Creek 100% Potato Vodka – Colorado is pretty high on the list of locovore-conscious states, and this product demonstrates that. It is made in Colorado from Colorado potatoes. The smell is about half way between the other two vodkas, reminding me of mentholated rubbing alcohol. This scent, however, disappears quickly, giving way to a fresh raspberry note. Taste-wise, it is almost like drinking water filtered through earth. The alcohol presents slowly as an increasing warmth in the throat with no aftertaste.
Svedka Imported Swedish Vodka – Another grain alcohol, and the only import of the lot, this is a sweet-smelling vodka. If "bright" and "clean" were actually smells, this vodka would smell bright and clean. The taste, however, is anything but. Though probably the smoothest of these four products, drinking it makes me wince in disgust. It has an unpleasant, long-lasting flavor I am finding hard to describe. After taking a few more sips, it reminds me of mothballs. Definitely not the profile I want in my extracts.
Until more vodkas present themselves, then, I am going to go with the Seagram's. It is the least expensive of the lot, and with no taste of its own, it is the blankest canvas upon which to infuse my art. For sipping, however, I might just pick up some Woody Creek and keep it chilled.
PS: A special thanks to the folks at Andy's Liquor Mart. Not the least expensive place in town, but their fantastic customer service and knowledge is worth the extra 2¢.
The pictures on the page appear smaller than they are. To see them larger, simply double click on the picture. Also, I always welcome your constructive criticism. Click on the Comment link below next to the icon of a pencil; it may say "No" or have a number in front of it.
Seagram's Extra Smooth Vodka – This comes in a glass handle and is about 80% the price of the Smirnoff. Had I seen this in the store the first trip, I would have bought it instead of the Smirnoff. The top actually hissed when I opened it, either meaning there was an excellent seal or the stuff was partially cooked. It doesn't smell like rubbing alcohol; the bouquet is more fruity, reminding me of old peaches. A fruity taste could interfere somewhat with infusions and extracts. It is definitely a smoother drink than Smirnoff with little, if any, discernable taste. The burn is much less than the Smirnoff, and the alcohol shows up prominently in the aftertaste.
Woody Creek 100% Potato Vodka – Colorado is pretty high on the list of locovore-conscious states, and this product demonstrates that. It is made in Colorado from Colorado potatoes. The smell is about half way between the other two vodkas, reminding me of mentholated rubbing alcohol. This scent, however, disappears quickly, giving way to a fresh raspberry note. Taste-wise, it is almost like drinking water filtered through earth. The alcohol presents slowly as an increasing warmth in the throat with no aftertaste.
Svedka Imported Swedish Vodka – Another grain alcohol, and the only import of the lot, this is a sweet-smelling vodka. If "bright" and "clean" were actually smells, this vodka would smell bright and clean. The taste, however, is anything but. Though probably the smoothest of these four products, drinking it makes me wince in disgust. It has an unpleasant, long-lasting flavor I am finding hard to describe. After taking a few more sips, it reminds me of mothballs. Definitely not the profile I want in my extracts.
Until more vodkas present themselves, then, I am going to go with the Seagram's. It is the least expensive of the lot, and with no taste of its own, it is the blankest canvas upon which to infuse my art. For sipping, however, I might just pick up some Woody Creek and keep it chilled.
PS: A special thanks to the folks at Andy's Liquor Mart. Not the least expensive place in town, but their fantastic customer service and knowledge is worth the extra 2¢.
The pictures on the page appear smaller than they are. To see them larger, simply double click on the picture. Also, I always welcome your constructive criticism. Click on the Comment link below next to the icon of a pencil; it may say "No" or have a number in front of it.
