VODKA

Vodka is made all over the world, but the vast majority of the planet’s vodka is produced in the ‘vodka belt’. This spans Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden, as well as the Baltic States.

When you order vodka online from The Bottle Club, you’ll be buying spirits from across the globe, including here in the UK. Try one of our British-made vodkas, such as Mermaid Salt Vodka, distilled on the Isle of Wight.

When you buy vodka online, whatever its country and grain of origin, it will have undergone these same four key steps of the vodka production process:

1. Fermentation - grains such as potatoes, rye, wheat, corn or grapes are fermented to turn their starch into sugar

2. Distillation - the fermented liquid is distilled using either a continuous skill or pot still, until there is very little of the original grain remaining

3. Adaptation - many vodkas are then filtered through activated charcoal to remove any remaining impurities

4. Bottling - the strength of the vodka is then reduced to a minimum of 37.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) before being bottled

Vodka is one of the more neutral-tasting spirits. That’s why it’s many people’s first experience of spirits, and a popular cocktail ingredient. However, the way that the vodka has been made will impact its flavour profile slightly.

If you’re drinking a vodka that’s been distilled from potatoes, it’ll be slightly more oily, which will affect its taste. Meanwhile, vodka made from wheat will have a smoother taste, and rye-based vodka has a hint of spice. Corn-based vodka tends to be a little sweeter.

Store vodka at room temperature or just below - it doesn’t need to go in the fridge or freezer. Always keep your spirits out of direct sunlight, as this can reduce their shelf life. Inside a cupboard or cellar is ideal. Make sure the bottle is upright too to prevent any corking, as this can affect the liquid’s taste.

It all depends on personal preference; purists will say vodka should only be stored ‘on the rocks’ (over ice) to chill the liquid and enhance its flavour. Many will add tonic or another mixer to make the sharp spirit slightly more palatable.

There are so many different vodka cocktails you can mix yourself at home. Some perennial favourites include:

• Cosmopolitan
• Pornstar Martini
• Espresso Martini
• Moscow Mule
• Long Island Iced Tea
• White Russian
• Death By Chocolate

Whether you want a New York classic, a hit of sunshine with fruity flavours, or an indulgent creamy cocktail, buy vodka, mixers, and even glasses online so you’re always ready for cocktail hour.

It takes a long old time for vodka to go off, so you’ll be okay for a good few decades when you order vodka online from The Bottle Club. Unopened vodka can last for decades, and it’ll taste just as good when you finally open it as when it was first bottled - it’s strong, quality stuff. Even once it’s been opened, vodka can last for 20 to 30 years, but we’re sure you’ll never have to worry about that.

Bear in mind that flavoured vodka will go off quicker, so consume these within 90 days of opening for the best experience from your drink. Bottoms up.