distillation

Americans love vodka. But, over the years, most of the vodka consumed in the U.S. has come from European countries. Some aficionados think that grain vodka, usually made from wheat and rye, is far superior to those made from potato.  

Practically a next-door neighbor to Drinkhacker HQ, California's own Hangar One has long been a hometown favorite vodka amongst those 'round these parts who can't handle whiskey. Available in a straight version and three exotic flavors, we've been drinking these for years but finally got around to sampling them all "officially" for the site. Created using a combination of column- and pot-distilling methods from U.S. wheat and viognier grapes (not your everyday combo) — and obviously made with considerable  

Robert Cassell of Philadelphia Distilling has been appointed to the Distilled Spirits Council Craft Distillers Advisory Council.  

That's the story behind Soft Tail Spirits ' new premium triple-distilled vodka, the first vodka to come out of Western Washington since, perhaps, Prohibition. Soft Tail of Woodinville, which made a splash with the release of its 2008 grappa last year, will host a vodka release party from noon to 6 p.m. today, followed by tastings from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at its distillery and tasting room at 12280 NE Woodinville Drive.

It’s so smooth that it’s just scary   -Dennis Robertson

 

Back in liquor's powdered-wig era, determining the strength of rum or gin required a technique with a little flash and dazzle. A small amount of gunpowder was doused with the spirit, and a match applied. If the flame fizzled out, the liquor was too watery.

proof really makes it stand up, particularly in tropical-style drinks where you have so much other stuff you're throwing at it   -Martin Cate

 

Italian customs recently confiscated 420 bottles of expensive liquor on their way to North Korea. Italian newspaper Vivere Ancona said customs in the eastern port city seized 150 bottles of brandy and 270 bottles of whisky in containers destined for North Korea at the end of last month. The confiscation follows a UN Security Council ban on the export of arms, high technology and luxury goods to North Korea after the communist country's nuclear test in May. The liquor is reportedly worth 12,000 euro, but  

What do you call yourself if you're really into liquor? CRAFT liquor, that is. Small batch spirits.  

In Jerry Thomas' 1862 cocktail guide, regarded as the first recipe guide in print for bartenders, a third of the recipes are for punches, many of them containing Batavia Arrack. Mr. Thomas writes, "Most of the Arrack imported into this country is distilled from rice and comes from Batavia. It is but little used in America, except to flavor punch -- the taste of it is very agreeable in this mixture." Historian David Wondrich claims that a bowl of punch made with it might go for today's dollar value of $200

Most of the Arrack imported into this country is distilled from rice and comes from Batavia. It is but little used in America, except to flavor punch -- the taste of it is very agreeable in this mixture.   -Jerry Thomas

 

SEATTLE, WA -- (Marketwire) -- 03/09/10 -- Dolce Touch, LLC is leaving its own mark on the world of luxury spirits with the release of the first hybrid luxury vodka that could ever claim to be "sexy in every drop." "Whether sipped neat, on the rocks or mixed to create your favorite cocktail recipes , Dolce Touch By Dolce Touch -- or Dolce Touch for short -- is perfect for that new and luxurious experience," says Matthew A. Leang, Dolce Touch, LLC. "We're really excited for everyone to try it. We