Vodka and Potatoes?! I’m sure you might just be wondering what the two have in common. There are often many claims that all vodka is made from potatoes. So is this true? As someone who loves vodka, worked in Russian bars, and has done quite a bit of research on the subject, let me tell you what I’ve learned.
The short answer is yes, some vodkas are made from potatoes. But not all vodkas are made from potatoes – in fact, most vodkas today are made from grain (wheat, corn, rye). Approximately 3 percent of vodkas produced across the world still come from potatoes.
So why and when was vodka made using potatoes? Well, historically speaking, around the 15th century in what is now Poland and Russia, potatoes were a relatively new food that many peasants and farmers were growing in their fields.
For these people, vodka was a popular drink – and since growing crops for potato vodka was much cheaper than using grains or other products, it quickly became the most common way to produce this liquor.
Potatoes & Vodka in the Early Years
Potatoes arrived in Poland in the late 1600s but it took almost a hundred years for them to find their way into their vodka distilleries. It was only then that this intriguing ingredient eventually became an essential part of Polish cuisine.
According to author Desmon Begg [1], potatoes were cheaper than wheat at the time and they were a crop that could be grown year-round in the colder soils of Poland.
Potatoes also had fewer calories and fat content, so they wouldn’t spoil as easily as other types of alcohol – making them a perfect choice for vodka production.
Potatoes & Vodka in Modern Times
Today, the use of potatoes when making vodka has largely disappeared. Due to their complex flavors and unique characteristics, many modern vodkas today are made purely from grains such as wheat or rye – eliminating any flavor possible when using potatoes.
Potato vodka has also seen a decline over the years due to the fact that it is more difficult to produce than other vodka. This is because potatoes must be peeled before distillation, and a longer fermentation process is required compared to other starches.
Potatoes also do not always ferment evenly, making them less desirable for vodka production. Due to these sorts of issues, potato vodka has become rarer and often artisan producers favor grain or fruit-based vodkas that are easier to manage.
Despite this setback, there are still craft distillers producing excellent potato vodkas with creative twists. For example, some have incorporated wild herbs or infused their vodka with different flavors for an exciting product.
What brand of vodka is made from potatoes?
Let’s take a look at 11 of the most popular potato vodka brands that have kept the tradition alive:
1. Chopin Potato Vodka
Vodka Chopin is a luxurious, smooth, and distinctively-tasting vodka that has been made with only one key ingredient: organic potatoes grown in the Polish region of Podlasie. What’s more, it has been 4 times distilled to create an uncompromisingly high-quality beverage that provides an unparalleled drinking experience.
2. Karlsson’s Gold Potato Vodka
Potatoes may not be the most obvious choice to craft a unique vodka, but Master Distiller Börje Karlsson thought differently when creating Karlsson’s Gold Vodka. This vodka is blended from seven different varieties of potatoes and distilled just once, striving to retain its high aromatic intensity and natural character.
3. Luksusowa Vodka
Luksusowa Vodka has the most unadulterated of origins: locally sourced potatoes and pure, fresh water. Given its smooth finish and decadent taste despite its emphasis on local resources and processes, there is no doubt as to why this award-winning vodka has stood the test of time.
4. Woody Creek Potato Vodka
This potato vodka has a unique taste that comes from being distilled once, then cut with Rocky Mountain spring water to enhance the flavor. The first whiff of its aroma reveals a warm cocoa hint, followed by the earthy finish with nuanced hints of charcoal, vanilla, and black pepper that linger long after your last sip.
5. Grand Teton Potato Vodka
Using ingredients sourced in Driggs – potatoes and glacial melt from the Teton peaks – it’s an award-winning experience with Grand Teton Potato Vodka. Not only is it full-bodied, but its flavor profile includes refreshing aromas of freshly fallen rain, making it truly unique and giving drinkers a taste of the beauty of their surroundings.
6. Zodiac Vodka
Produced in the quiet town of Snake River, Idaho from non-GMO ingredients and with special attention to detail, this all-natural spirit is sure to please even the most discerning of palates. Its light agave flavor truly shines through when combined with your favorite mixer.
7. Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka
If you’re looking for vodka with an exceptional flavor profile, Boyd Blair Potato Vodka from Glenshaw, Pennsylvania is a must-try. This potato-based spirit has been lovingly hand-crafted and made in small batches, resulting in a drink that goes far beyond expectations.
8. Vesica Vodka
Poland’s triple-distilled potato vodka offers a truly unique and enjoyable experience, with its silky smooth body. At first whiff you will be met with sweet hints of grass and mint that give way to a full-bodied palate with notes of tropical fruit and smooth vanilla.
9. Monopolowa Vodka
Monopolowa Potato Vodka is a premium quality product that is produced in Austria with an age-old recipe. Distilled three times for optimal taste and smoothness, this vodka is made from potatoes to ensure premium quality at an affordable price. Its success has made it a beloved drink all over Poland and the United States, making it one of the top potato vodkas in the market today.
10. Blue Ice Vodka
Blue Ice is a top-notch vodka crafted with attention to detail. Distilled from Idaho Russet Potatoes, it’s a full-bodied and icy clear liquor that carries a sweet cherry and lemon aroma.
11. North Huckleberry Vodka
This ultra-premium vodka is five-column distilled from 100% Idaho potatoes, blended with Rock Mountain water from the Snake River Aquifer, and then steeped in locally sourced huckleberries for a unique twist on classic vodka. The combination gives this drink an unmatched complexity that’s smooth and satisfying – perfect for any cocktail or sipped neat as an after-dinner treat.
As you can see, while most vodkas are made from grain these days, there are still some exceptional potato vodkas that continue to be produced.
Grain v Potatoes: Which is Better When Making Vodka?
Today, most vodka is made using grains such as wheat or corn.
Let’s look at a few reasons why grain-based vodkas are more popular than those made from potatoes.
- Potatoes have relatively low alcohol content compared to other grain-based vodkas (20% vs 40%).
- Grain-based vodkas are generally more neutral in flavor and easier to work with when making vodka.
- Potato vodkas are gluten-free which makes them ideal for those with dietary restrictions as well as being generally smoother than grain-based varieties because they contain fewer congeners (compounds created during fermentation)
- Potatoes can be difficult to ferment and distill properly, as the starch in them does not always break down into alcohol evenly. This can lead to variations in flavor and quality, making it less desirable for commercial production of vodka.
- Potato-based vodkas are said to have an enhanced, earthy flavor due to their unique distillation process.
Despite these differences, some distillers still prefer to use potatoes over grain when making their vodkas. This is usually due to a desire for a unique flavor profile, or a preference for the artisanal qualities of potatoes.
Final Thoughts
While only a small portion of the vodka produced around the world is made from potatoes, those that are tend to offer a more distinctive flavor compared to grain or wheat-based ones.
Potato vodkas usually have an earthy fleshier taste profile that some people find more appealing, while others prefer the cleaner and smoother taste of grain-based vodkas.
Crafting vodka is a fun and exciting experience that allows for an array of possibilities. From fruits, corn, and honey to the traditional potato base, it’s no wonder why this beloved spirit has become one of the world’s most popular beverages.
With so many flavors to choose from and new recipes being discovered each day, there’s no doubt that vodka will continue to be appreciated and enjoyed by people around the world.
Additional Reading
- The Vodka Companion – (Link)
