Interesting thread.

As a very minimal social drinker (I maybe drink 3 or 4 times a year), I'm no longer in the loop on booze.

Years ago, when I did drink, I drank some Vodka. I never even thought to try "American" vodka. It was just not on my radar.

I do remember the buzz in America many moons ago over "Passport Scotch". Evidently fairly popular in parts of Europe, yet in the US, it was rather inexpensive - and thought of by many as rather cheap and not worth drinking. Something about Tariff laws if I recall, made it inexpensive in the US and it got the false reputation of being bottom shelf stuff. So I drank it and did not know any better. But when it came to Vodka I usually stuck with the top shelf stuff. I don't even recall American Vodka being offered or available at most restaurants I drank at. Back then anyway.