The reason for multiple distillation runs followed by carbon filtering is to make vodka neutral. Filtering over diamonds or tits is completely worthless ecause neither remove flavor. That’s why the vodka sucks.
Like the old favorites rum, whiskey or brandy, vodka is usually started with the same kind of grains, rye, wheat, corn, etc. However, unlike those other grain liquors it can also be made from a vegetable mashes like potatoes or white beets. The difference in producing this pure and colorless liquid however, requires that it must be taken through a few extra steps in the distillation process.
The goal of any vodka distiller is to produce an ethyl alcohol in its purest form. This means that the end result has to be free of any of the old flavors or substances that usually give character to other alcoholic drinks. To accomplish this the distillation process begins with either the vegetable or grain mash. This mash must be distilled at the highest possible proof, usually about 190. This stage of the distillation process needs to be done several times in order to remove any and all traces of congeners. Congeners are the chemical additives that give most liquors their distinctive taste.
Then the distilled vodka needs to be filtered. The filtering process will initally include the use of charcoal and filter pads. Some filters may have activated carbon. This helps to remove any unwanted flavors and aromas that are popular in other liquors. Like with the distilling phase, filtering will likely be repeated several times until the product is considered to be pure ethyl.
Finally, it’s time to add the next important ingredient. The pure ethyl has to be cut with water. You may have already noticed that many distilleries will market their vodka based on the amount of water they use and the type of water. One distiller says they use water from very deep wells and another may say they are using glacial waters. The general idea is that the water used in vodka has to be clean and pure and preferably from extremely cold environments.
The end result is pure liquor that many people believe to be flavorless, colorless and odorless.
If you are on a tight budget you may want to buy one of the less expensive brands. Some of these may be hotter than some of the more high-end brands and in the long run may not be worth the savings. However, there is a relatively new brand Polish Vodka called KU:L Vodka. An inexpensive drink with a smooth taste. Great in a Vodka Martini or another chilled cocktail. You can even drink this one straight if you want.
If you can afford to spend a little more money you might want to try 1.0.1 Iced Vodka. This Vodka is distilled in California from grains that were used to make whiskey but has been enhanced. It has a smooth, clean and warm taste. This Vodka is in the middle of the road, neither too strong nor too light to the palate.
Since most Vodkas are made from the same grains as that used for whiskey it is not surprising that some Vodka can be derived from Cognac. Jean-Marc XO is made from four different kinds of wheat and goes through the entire distillation process for nine times. After all that it is filtered through charcoal. It is an excellent mixer but can also work if you want to do shots. It costs a bit more but for someone who really enjoys good Vodka in all its forms it works well.
This Vodka was named after the famous composer who was also from Poland. Chopin Vodka is distilled from potatoes. The texture seems to be a little oily with just a touch of lemony flavor. A little sweet to the taste. The burn is slight but not too strong. A smooth Vodka that tastes great when it is chilled. Great in mixed drinks. Drop in a lemon twist or an olive to give it a little edge when you want a Vodka Martini.
Xellent Vodka comes from the Swiss. The first Vodka ever made in that country is made from glacier water and rye. To make sure that the end result is pure it is distilled 3 separate times. A pungent Vodka with a strong lemony flavor. It is quite strong so drinking it straight may not be your first choice but serving it over ice or with mixed drinks it works quite nicely.
From the land Down Under you can find 42 Below. New Zealand produces this clean and smooth flavor by using spring water. This Vodka comes in a variety of flavors in addition to their clear. It is a wheat Vodka that is distilled up to 3 times after which it is put through at least 35 different filters. The end result is a smooth and clean taste.
The French are usually known for their cuisine and fashion but now you can add to that their wheat Vodka. Grey Goose is made from spring water that is naturally filtered through limestone in the champagne region leaving it with an extremely smooth taste. It tends to be a little bitter so if you are one of those that prefer this quality in a Vodka it will work well for you. It also comes with a line of the newly popular flavored Vodkas are making it on many of the top favored lists of Vodkas.
In a cool, skull shaped bottle you will find a smooth tasting Vodka with a little burn to follow in Crystal Head Vodka. This pure grain Vodka is filtered seven times. Three of those filterings is through crystals called Herkimer Diamonds giving it its unique name. It is made without any additives, oils or sugars leaving it with a clean and smooth taste.
Finally we get back to Vodka’s birthplace in Russia with the well known Stolichnaya. This Vodka is distilled three times before being put through the unique freeze filtration system. In this process it is chilled to the exact point of freezing. At that point it is much easier to detect and remove any impurities that may be lingering. The result is a clean taste with excellent body.
The last Vodka on our list and probably the most expensive is the Kauffman Luxury Vintage Vodka. This Vodka is produced from wheat only when that wheat crop is at its best. When the quality of the wheat is less than stellar there is no Kauffman produced that year. The result is a Vodka that is delicate in flavor with an incredibly smooth taste with a hint of mint.
Vodka in Russian actually means “water,” and it is commonly believed to have hailed from the region of Russia and Poland. Even though now it is made in many places around the world, we thought a look at the top 10 Vodkas from that region would be worth a look.
The base ingredient of this vodka is a grain mash. It has been distilled at least 3 times and has an alcohol content of 50% which is the highest of all Vodka.
A clear vodka made with a grain mash. After being distilled for 6 times has developed very smooth taste of anise, dried tropical fruit and a creamy aroma. The final alcohol content is 40%.
Made from a wheat mash that has been distilled 8 different times for a taste that of old-fashioned egg cream sodas with a hint of vanilla extract. The final alcohol content is 40%.
Made from a grain mash that has been distilled up to 6 different times. This flavorful and smooth vodka tastes a bit like anise with a spicy peppery finish. The alcohol content is 40%.
A wheat grain vodka with flavors of anise and sweet cream. This smooth vodka has been distilled several times to get that polished taste. It has an alcohol content of 40%.
A grain vodka flavored with lemon that has been distilled several times to produce a rich and smooth taste. This flavored vodka has an alcohol content of 40%.
A grain vodka that has been distilled twice. Its flavors are a mellow balance of anise and citrus. It has an alcohol content of 40%.
This grain based vodka has hints of sweetness in its charcoal background. It has an alcohol content of 40%.
This vodka gets a 5 star rating for its mildly smoky flavor. It has a hint of spicy grain mingled with a charcoal finish. It has been distilled up to 4 times and has an alcohol content of 40%.
The top vodka on our list of Russian Vodkas is Zyr. This smooth tasting vodka was produced from a grain mash with an alcohol content of 40%. The flavor has a slight hint of litchi fruit with spices mingled in the grain.
This vodka is a quality drink with a clean taste that comes in a variety of flavors.
This smooth tasting vodka is great for mixing drinks. They come with a long line of flavored vodkas so pick your favorite flavor and you will find your favorite vodka.
This is one of the best vodkas on the market today. Made by a Dutch distillery it has a clean, smooth taste that is quite refreshing. Try the Van Gogh Blue for an added treat. A triple wheat vodka that is extremely smooth and full of flavor.
A clean vodka taste from the Dutch. In addition to their regular line of vodkas they also have two flavored vodkas (Citroen and Oranje). Great with a Vodka Tonic or Martini.
This is a Polish potato vodka that has gained a strong footing against the more popular grains. Unlike other vodka distilleries, Chopin is a lone star that has not branched off into the flavored vodkas. They are sticking with this masterpiece as a pure vodka brand.
A find Polish vodka is great for high-class cocktails. Made mostly from a rye mash is now branching out and making some nice flavored vodkas to add to its line. Try their Pink Grapefruit, Black Raspberry, Orange and Citrus flavors for an elegant and gentle taste.
Their creative and smooth flavors are ingenious. With a line of 16 different flavors you can’t go wrong. Their unique flavors include unusual finds like Triple Shot Espresso, Root Beer and Tomato.
This is the perfect vodka for cocktails and it now comes in a variety of flavors as well. You might get confused with their flavored names since they are all in Russian but maybe you can figure them out. Peachik, Strasberi, or Oranj for example.
A wheat and rye vodka Russian vodka with a pure and clean taste. As of yet they have not introduced any flavored vodkas to add to their collection but this one is making a big name for itself all on its own.
This vodka comes from an unusually different grape mash. They make for an interesting base for distilling but it is definitely worth it. They also offer several new flavors you can try like Citron “Buddha’s Hand”, Kaffir Lime, and Mandarin Blossom.
All of these vodkas are priced under $10.00 so it should fit your budget nicely when you are tight on finances. You still get the flavor and the body but at a more favorable price.
This is a Swedish Vodka made from a grain mash. The come in both the flavored and unflavored. It has a clean taste after going through distilling 5 times.
This vodka is well-know the world over. It is often considered to be a premium vodka despite the fact that it is so inexpensive. Its flavored vodkas include green apple, watermelon, blueberry, cranberry, citrus and so on.
This is a clear grained, flavored vodka that comes in a variety of colors. Great for shots and martinis.
A grain based vodka that has a pleasant taste. More popular in the USA where it is made.
An American Vodka with a taste that is a little bitter. Great with mixed drinks but not recommended for those who prefer to drink their vodka straight or on ice.
Whatever choice you make, vodka has moved upstage. Now many distilleries are coming out with new flavored vodkas making the scene like never before. Today you can get a wide range of vodka flavors that can include tastes like mint, cherry and orange flavors. You can get these flavored tastes as “sneaker drinks,” which are small half-pint bottles meant to be served on the side or you can go full out.
If you are hosting a party and planning to serve vodka do not hide your creative side. Vodka is a one of those liquors that is not limited to a select line of cocktails. Because of its light flavor it mixes well with many different things. So, once you choose the perfect vodka for your tastes play around with it and you will find some incredible new tastes for you and your friends to enjoy.
Try making a Moscow Mule which is simply:
1 ½ oz. vodka
½ lime
Iced ginger beer
If you are looking for a more traditional mixed drink think about a nice Nectarine Cooler. This one is a little more complicated but it is certainly worth it:
2 oz. vodka
3 oz. iced orange juice
¼ cup cold sliced nectarines
1 tsp. sugar
1/3 cup crushed ice
Iced club soda
1 slice fresh nectarine
1 slice lemon
Put vodka, orange juice, nectarine, sugar, and crushed ice into blender. Blend at low speed 15-20 seconds. Pour into tall 14 oz. glass. Add a splash of soda and enough ice to fill the glass. Stir. Garnish with nectarine and lemon slices.
Great drink for those hot summer days. And as the Russians say when they party….Skoal!!!
Made with 100% Japanese white rice, the name Haku means “white” in Japanese. The word can also be read as “brilliant” – a tribute to the craft of
mastering a clear, clean, and luminous vodka. Filtered through bamboo charcoal, Haku has an unparalleled soft, round, and subtly sweet taste.
Made with 100% Japanese white rice, the name Haku means “white” in Japanese. The word can also be read as “brilliant” – a tribute to the craft of mastering a clear, clean, and luminous vodka. Filtered through bamboo charcoal, Haku has an unparalleled soft, round, and subtly sweet taste.
Founded in 1899, the House of Suntory was built on one man’s dream. Shinjiro Torii, who at the age of 20 wanted to “create an original Japanese spirits blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and ‘monozukuri’ craftsmanship : a relentless pursuit for perfection, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality.”
Shinjiro overcame numerous hardships to make his dream a reality, creating wine, whisky and brandy, and launching Hermes Vodka – the first Suntory Vodka – in 1956. Shinjiro and his family continuously pushed his vision with the same challenging spirit, applying the philosophy of “yatte minahare” (go for it), to challenge market conventions and introduce innovative quality spirits for the world.
Founded in 1899, the House of Suntory was built on one man’s dream. Shinjiro Torii, who at the age of 20 wanted to “create an original Japanese spirits blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and ‘monozukuri’ craftsmanship.
Founded in 1899, the House of Suntory was built on one man’s dream. Shinjiro Torii, who at the age of 20 wanted to “create an original Japanese spirits blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and ‘monozukuri’ craftsmanship : a relentless pursuit for perfection, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality.”
Shinjiro overcame numerous hardships to make his dream a reality, creating wine, whisky and brandy, and launching Hermes Vodka – the first Suntory Vodka – in 1956. Shinjiro and his family continuously pushed his vision with the same challenging spirit, applying the philosophy of “yatte minahare” (go for it), to challenge market conventions and introduce innovative quality spirits for the world.
Today, the House of Suntory is proud to introduce Haku, the Japanese craft vodka. Haku is crafted with the Nature and Spirit of Japan, true to the vision of Suntory’s founder.
A unique savoir faire of Suntory’s artisans, it is now ready for the world to discover. The creation and perfection of Haku is based on more than 100 years of experience and expertise.
Founded in 1899, the House of Suntory was built on one man’s dream. Shinjiro Torii, who at the age of 20 wanted to “create an original Japanese spirits blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and ‘monozukuri’ craftsmanship : a relentless pursuit for perfection, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality.”
Shinjiro overcame numerous hardships to make his dream a reality, creating wine, whisky and brandy, and launching Hermes Vodka – the first Suntory Vodka – in 1956. Shinjiro and his family continuously pushed his vision with the same challenging spirit, applying the philosophy of “yatte minahare” (go for it), to challenge market conventions and introduce innovative quality spirits for the world.
Today, the House of Suntory is proud to introduce Haku, the Japanese craft vodka. Haku is crafted with the Nature and Spirit of Japan, true to the vision of Suntory’s founder.
A unique savoir faire of Suntory’s artisans, it is now ready for the world to discover. The creation and perfection of Haku is based on more than 100 years of experience and expertise.
Please note that this product may not be available in your country.
Please note that this product may not be available in your country.
The name Haku celebrates the origin and the craft of this Premium Japanese Vodka. The kanji (Japanese character) for Haku means “white”. But the subtlety of the Japanese language often gives kanji several readings. Read as “shiro” it would merely means white. But read as “haku”, it is intentionally rooted and elevated.
Rooted as referring to “Hakumai” (白米) – Japanese white rice- the origin of the liquid. Elevated as evoking “Junpaku” (純白) - “untainted” and brilliant – a tribute to the craft of mastering a clear, clean and luminous vodka, carefully filtrated through bamboo charcoal for an unparalleled soft, round and subtly sweet taste.
The name Haku celebrates the origin and the craft of this Premium Japanese Vodka. The kanji (Japanese character) for Haku means “white”. But the subtlety of the Japanese language often gives kanji several readings. Read as “shiro” it would merely means white. But read as “haku”, it is intentionally rooted and elevated.
Rooted as referring to “Hakumai” (白米) – Japanese white rice- the origin of the liquid. Elevated as evoking “Junpaku” (純白) - “untainted” and brilliant – a tribute to the craft of mastering a clear, clean and luminous vodka, carefully filtrated through bamboo charcoal for an unparalleled soft, round and subtly sweet taste.
The product design harmonizes the Japanese traditional aesthetic with an evolving modernity. To convey it as a Japanese Craft Vodka, we use Japanese material with a touch of artisanal quality — simple and pure. Through the curved lines on the bottle, we represent the stream glistening through Japanese nature and Japan’s four seasons.
The label design consists of Junpaku (pure-white) washi paper — representing the beauty of Japanese white rice, which is the soul of this vodka — and Kanji calligraphy “Haku” with sumi ink, as well as red and gold colors only. The result: a minimal and modern Japanese design, free of unnecessary adornments.
The product design harmonizes the Japanese traditional aesthetic with an evolving modernity. To convey it as a Japanese Craft Vodka, we use Japanese material with a touch of artisanal quality — simple and pure. Through the curved lines on the bottle, we represent the stream glistening through Japanese nature and Japan’s four seasons.
The label design consists of Junpaku (pure-white) washi paper — representing the beauty of Japanese white rice, which is the soul of this vodka — and Kanji calligraphy “Haku” with sumi ink, as well as red and gold colors only. The result: a minimal and modern Japanese design, free of unnecessary adornments.
The name Haku celebrates the origin and the craft of this Premium Japanese Vodka. The kanji (Japanese character) for Haku means “white”. But the subtlety of the Japanese language often gives kanji several readings. Read as “shiro” it would merely means white. But read as “haku”, it is intentionally rooted and elevated.
Rooted as referring to “Hakumai” (白米) – Japanese white rice- the origin of the liquid. Elevated as evoking “Junpaku” (純白) - “untainted” and brilliant – a tribute to the craft of mastering a clear, clean and luminous vodka, carefully filtrated through bamboo charcoal for an unparalleled soft, round and subtly sweet taste.
The product design harmonizes the Japanese traditional aesthetic with an evolving modernity. To convey it as a Japanese Craft Vodka, we use Japanese material with a touch of artisanal quality — simple and pure. Through the curved lines on the bottle, we represent the stream glistening through Japanese nature and Japan’s four seasons.
The label design consists of Junpaku (pure-white) washi paper — representing the beauty of Japanese white rice, which is the soul of this vodka — and Kanji calligraphy “Haku” with sumi ink, as well as red and gold colors only. The result: a minimal and modern Japanese design, free of unnecessary adornments.
U he hive serial number. At Suntory, the artisans of the House are committed to selecting the best ingredients, and elaborating on complex and innovative making techniques to create spirits of unrivaled quality and unique Japanese character. It is the signature
of the House of Suntory‘s “Monozokuri” craftsmanship. Haku is a new iteration of that philosophy, and inherits Shinjiro Torii’s vision of challenge and quest of excellence. Haku, the Japanese craft vodka.
At Suntory, the artisans of the House are committed to selecting the best ingredients, and elaborating on complex and innovative making techniques to create spirits of unrivaled quality and unique Japanese character.
At Suntory, the artisans of the House are committed to selecting the best ingredients, and elaborating on complex and innovative making techniques to create spirits of unrivaled quality and unique Japanese character. It is the signature
of the House of Suntory‘s “Monozokuri” craftsmanship. Haku is a new iteration of that philosophy, and inherits Shinjiro Torii’s vision of challenge and quest of excellence. Haku, the Japanese craft vodka.
Contrary to what the West may perceive, Japanese white rice has never been considered a “staple” of a Japanese meal. To this day, pure white Japanese rice is respected as a luxury. Traditionally, white Japanese rice was always reserved for worship and for the wealthier noble classes, including the Imperial Family.
Milled and polished to perfection, white rice is revered for its mild and subtly sweet flavor. Pure white Japanese rice is the ultimate symbol of Japan. It genuinely conveys Suntory’s commitment to working with the best and most authentic ingredients from Japan.
First, the white rice is fermented with “rice koji” to create a mash. The mash is then distilled through pot stills to create a rice spirit. This process takes place in Kagoshima, in Kyushu, a region historically famous for its rice spirit making know-how.
The distillate is then distilled a second time through two different processes to create both flavor and volume, before being blended and filtrated in Osaka, at Suntory’s Liquor Atelier. A process unique to Suntory, it preserves and enhances the rice’s delicately sweet and subtle flavors.
Part of the unique creation process behind Haku, the bamboo charcoal filtration is a Suntory proprietary method. Like a sponge, the charcoal absorbs the impurities present in the distillate, eliminating anything that might detract from the taste. This gives the vodka a clean and clear flavor. Moreover, the minerals from the bamboo charcoal add a remarkably smooth and mellow character.
The use of bamboo charcoal for water filtration is one of the fundamentals of Japanese culture and goes back to ancient Japan where charcoal was said to “sweeten” the water for tea. It is known for its incredible filtering ability, which comes from its super-porous structure — 3 times more porous cavities per gram than other wood charcoal. As bamboo is a fast-growing plant, supply is abundant and sustainable in Japan.
At Suntory, the artisans of the House are committed to selecting the best ingredients, and elaborating on complex and innovative making techniques to create spirits of unrivaled quality and unique Japanese character. It is the signature
of the House of Suntory‘s “Monozokuri” craftsmanship. Haku is a new iteration of that philosophy, and inherits Shinjiro Torii’s vision of challenge and quest of excellence. Haku, the Japanese craft vodka.
Contrary to what the West may perceive, Japanese white rice has never been considered a “staple” of a Japanese meal. To this day, pure white Japanese rice is respected as a luxury. Traditionally, white Japanese rice was always reserved for worship and for the wealthier noble classes, including the Imperial Family.
Milled and polished to perfection, white rice is revered for its mild and subtly sweet flavor. Pure white Japanese rice is the ultimate symbol of Japan. It genuinely conveys Suntory’s commitment to working with the best and most authentic ingredients from Japan.
First, the white rice is fermented with “rice koji” to create a mash. The mash is then distilled through pot stills to create a rice spirit. This process takes place in Kagoshima, in Kyushu, a region historically famous for its rice spirit making know-how.
The distillate is then distilled a second time through two different processes to create both flavor and volume, before being blended and filtrated in Osaka, at Suntory’s Liquor Atelier. A process unique to Suntory, it preserves and enhances the rice’s delicately sweet and subtle flavors.
Part of the unique creation process behind Haku, the bamboo charcoal filtration is a Suntory proprietary method. Like a sponge, the charcoal absorbs the impurities present in the distillate, eliminating anything that might detract from the taste. This gives the vodka a clean and clear flavor. Moreover, the minerals from the bamboo charcoal add a remarkably smooth and mellow character.
The use of bamboo charcoal for water filtration is one of the fundamentals of Japanese culture and goes back to ancient Japan where charcoal was said to “sweeten” the water for tea. It is known for its incredible filtering ability, which comes from its super-porous structure — 3 times more porous cavities per gram than other wood charcoal. As bamboo is a fast-growing plant, supply is abundant and sustainable in Japan.
How to enjoy Haku Vodka.
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