Originally Posted by
Shangri-La
I'm actually trying to read up on the actual process of distilling vodka (good vodka). Any good links or informational pieces on it?
Do you think a grain vs. potato vodka have a big difference? What creates the smoothness and if it has a bite (or to the degree)?
One viewpoint is that distillation is to cover up (or remove) the faults in the fermentation process
See
http://www.squareoneorganicspirits.c...tillation.html
As for potato vs. grain, there is a huge difference in flavour and even the cheapest potato vodka is instantly recognizable (and better than most grain vodkas in terms of taste and texture). Monopolowa is a great potato vodka (made in Austria) that is sold by TJ in US (so quite cheap and readily available). It was the highest rated vodka in the 2003 International Review of Spirits, beating all of the other vodkas mentioned on this thread so far, fwiw. That is how much of a difference being potato based makes!