Potato Vodka?
Ah, the mighty potato! The starchy root vegetable behind such delicious delicacies as fries, chips, mashed potatoes, curly fries, hash browns, latkes, shepherd’s pie. We could go on and on. But vodka? That’s not one of the first things on our minds when we think about this staple food. We usually see vodka being made with grains such as wheat, rye, or barley. It’s because of these grains that we get the neutral flavor and smooth flavor we are familiar with in vodka. However, over the years, we’ve been trying potato vodka and love it!
SHOP THE PRODUCTSWhat is the Process Like for Making Potato Vodka?
Like most vodkas, potato vodka goes through the same production process of fermentation, distillation, and filtration. However, since it’s being made from potatoes and not grains, there’s some unique aspects to production. For starters, the potatoes need to be cleaned, peeled, and cooked in order to break down their starches. Then the cooked potatoes are mashed and mixed with water and yeast to convert the starches into sugars. This mixture is left to ferment to produce alcohol. After that, the fermented liquid is distilled, often several times, to purify the alcohol and concentrate its smooth and creamy flavors. Finally, the vodka is usually filtered through charcoal or other materials to remove impurities and refine the flavor.
How Does Potato Vodka Taste?
Like every other drink, taste is very important and you should try potato vodka to see if it matches your tastes. Many have praised potato vodka for its smooth, clean taste and slightly creamy texture. It also tends to have an earthy flavor that’s subtler than other potato-based products.
Due to its smoothness, potato vodka is extremely versatile and can be easily sipped. A characteristic it shares with grain-based vodkas. They both also work well in cocktails and complement a wide range of mixers without overpowering them. Plus, they are gluten-free!
Looking for Some Potato Vodka Recommendations? We Got You Covered!
Here’s some potato vodkas that you should add to your bar cart.
Chopin
Chopin Potato Vodka is renowned as the world’s most awarded potato vodka, distinguished by its uniquely creamy and full-bodied flavor. This sophisticated vodka is ideal for sipping neat or enjoying in a vodka martini, catering to discerning connoisseurs. It offers a refined tasting experience: as the nose reveals subtle notes of green apple and vanilla, while the taste is creamy and earthy with a full-bodied mouthfeel. The finish is long and clean, with no burn. We recommend pairing this vodka with either steak or chicken dishes.
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Luksusowa
The #1 selling vodka in the United States and the definition of luxury. No seriously, Luksusowa means “luxury” in Polish. Founded in 1928, Luksusowa has proudly upheld Poland’s rich vodka-making tradition for nearly a century. Each bottle is crafted using over 45 fresh potatoes sourced from the same family farms for almost 100 years. The use of select potatoes in the distillation process results in a smoother, richer taste compared to grain-based vodkas. The aroma features rich potato and sour cream notes, complemented by baked potato skins and a hint of light caramelization. On the palate, Luksusowa is luscious, smooth, and almost creamy, with complex flavors of mashed potatoes, buttered popcorn, and sour cream. Naturally denser and richer, this potato vodka stands out with its creamy texture compared to grain vodkas.
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Lvov
This Polish vodka showcases a brilliant, clear color and offers inviting aromas and flavors reminiscent of bread crust, grain, and nuts. Its medium body is both silky and bright, with a dry yet subtly fruity character. The finish is medium-long, featuring sweet cream, vanilla fondant, and a hint of chalk. This smooth and lively vodka is perfectly suited for crafting exceptional martinis.
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Gruven
Proudly distilled and bottled in Poland. The recipe for Gruven Polish Potato Vodka was carefully handcrafted in traditional pot stills with the finest potatoes and crystal clear spring water. All to bring you this clean crisp vodka that’s at the highest level of smoothness and incredible taste. Great on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail.
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Monopolowa
Vodka Monopolowa is a highly-regarded potato vodka as it is a standout choice for vodka enthusiasts. Crafted using a traditional family recipe, it is made from high-quality rectified potato spirits derived from special potato varieties. Known for its exceptional taste and quality, Vodka Monopolowa has earned numerous accolades, including silver medals at the 2009 International Wine and Spirit Competition and the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
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Sweet Grass Vodka
Sweet Grass Vodka is a potato-based vodka produced in Charleston, South Carolina. It won a Master Award in three separate categories, Organic, Micro-distillery and Smoothest. The vodka is continuously distilled, resulting in a spirit that is ultra-smooth and lacking the spirity alcohol notes often found in vodka. Each bottle includes a single blade of grass from Charleston, South Carolina.
Add to cartAre There Any Other Non-Grain Vodkas?
Yes! There are many vodkas made from other ingredients other than the traditional grains. There’s corn vodka, known for its lighter flavor and subtle sweetness. Grape vodkas have been recently popping up from California and carry fruity notes and a smooth, clean finish. And for those seeking a rarer, interesting twist of the classic vodka experience, there’s beet vodka with a slightly sweet and earthy flavor profile. There are even vodkas made from apples and carrots! All of these non-grain vodkas have become popular amongst aficionados who are looking to explore tastes that are unique and smoother than traditional vodkas.
Anything Else I Should Know About Potato Vodka?
In fact, there is! You can find the perfect bottle of potato vodka at your neighborhood Spec’s. It might be one we recommended earlier in this article, or it might be a different one that’s waiting to be discovered. You never know until you try. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask one of our friendly staff members. They are more than happy to help you find what you’re looking for. Cheers!
