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Date: October 3, 2017

To: Upstart Distillery


From: Samuel Kaufman
Subject: Vodka Distillation Bases

Introduction
Vodka companies aim to differentiate themselves from each other in manyany
possible ways. Some use uniquely shaped containers, such as the popular Crystal Skull
vodka which is held in a container in the shape of a skull. Others add flavor to their
vodkas to appeal to a wider array of palates. In recent years, some distilleries have
thought to change the very base of the spirit itself; Substituting the traditional grain or
potato mash, the base material for distillation, for apples or leftover grape scraps from
the wine making process.

This report aims to dissuade potential upstart distilleries from adopting


nontraditional mash materials. Use of the traditional materials is what separates vodka
from other similarly distilled spirits such as gin or absinthe. The report will cover the
origins of vodka distillation, various forms of differentiation between modern brands, and
economical factors behind different mash materials.

Summary
Vodka has its beginnings as an alternative libation in Eastern Europe where wine
grapes were not viable to farm. Instead, locally plentiful wheat was used to distill a spirit
initially used for medicinal purposes. Through centuries of distillation development and
refinement of the vodka making process, most harshness and distinct flavor would be
removed from the spirit making it widely palatable and contributing to its spread
worldwide. Due to this lack of distinct flavor, vodka makes have had to use other
methods to differentiate themselves from one another. One relatively new way of doing
such is to alter the very formula of the age-old spirit and use grapes as the base
material for the distillation process. This change to grapes introduces increased
financial requirements for the production of the spirit, however. More importantly, it
changes the recipe in such a way that disregards the traditions of vodka distillation.
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Discussion
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Vodka originated in Eastern Europe around the 13th century, in the region that
now makes up Russia, Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine. Unable to grow grapes due to an
unsuitable environment, locals attempted to create a new alcoholic beverage from the
plentiful wheat in the region. Distillation is thought to have been brought to the region in

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the 13th century by traders bringing a drink known as Aqua Vitae, a spirit made from
distilled wine. Eventually distillers had introduced variations distilled from rye, oats,
barley, and buckwheat. Originally distilled for medicinal purposes, advancements in
distillation around the 15th century and the addition of various flavorings such as pepper
and anise ensured that vodka would become an increasingly palatable and popular
drink. Poland alone offered 72 varieties of vodka by the 16th century.

Vodka Brand Differentiation


Vodka, often lacking a distinct taste, must use other methods to differentiate itself
from one another. One such method is to use unique, distinct packaging. Many brands
use slender, oddly-shaped bottles which are designed to be seductive to the customer.
One of the first brands to adopt such a design was Absolut with its classic short-necked
design which first debuted in 1979. Other companies go for extraordinarily flashy
designs, such as Kalashnikov Vodka which offers a bottle shaped like the iconic rifle
bearing the same name. Further differentiating themselves further, some have
attempted to differentiate themselves by altering the iconic formula for vodka itself.

Croc, a French vodka, uses wine grapes in order to produce its vodka.

Figure 1 Kalashnikov Vodka


Taken from http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/06/25-cool-liquor-bottles-worth-buying-for-
bottle-alone/kalashnikov-vodka

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Production Economics

Vodka is traditionally a very cheap spirit to produce and the price of no-frills
products reflects this. However, changing the materials used can significantly increase
the cost of production without any tangible benefit to the quality of the spirit. As of
October 3rd, 2017At the time of writing, one bushel of wheat sells for $4.43 and will
produce up to 2.9gal, or 11L, of Vodka after distillation. Comparatively, wine grapes
costs $1.65 per pound. This would make less than 3 pounds of grapes more expensive
than one bushel (60 pounds) of wheat. This amount of grapes will not even produce the
same volume of pure grape juice that a bushel of wheat could make vodka. This
massively increased cost of production means that whether or not the final product is of
premium quality, It will command a premium price.

Conclusion
Vodka is an age-old spirit that distinguishes itself by being very indistinct. The
beverage has spread from its humble beginnings in Eastern Europe to being a
worldwide phenomenon. Everything from cheap products packaged in simple plastic
bottles, to top-shelf spirit contained within a gold-plated diamond-encrusted bottle. They
all share something in common for the most part; their origin from humble grain or
potatoes, something some brands have aimed to change by substituting most any
fermentable substance whether that be apples, corn, or exquisite wine grapes.

Recommendation
I recommend that newly emerging distilleries aiming to produce vodka consider
more contemporary methods for distinguishing themselves from other vodkas. The
container, added flavors, anything. Just not the core ingredients that make up the
humble libation that began many ages ago. This will ensure that the traditions of vodka
are carried on into the future.

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References
Abramovich, Alex. "Which vodka is the best?" Slate Magazine. September 02, 2004.
Accessed October 03, 2017.
http://www.slate.com/articles/life/shopping/2004/09/hit_me_with_your_best_shot.
html.

"Wheat Prices - 40 Year Historical Chart." MacroTrends. Accessed October 03, 2017.
http://www.macrotrends.net/2534/wheat-prices-historical-chart-data

"Fruit and Vegetable Prices." USDA ERS - Fruit and Vegetable Prices. Accessed
October 03, 2017. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/fruit-and-vegetable-
prices.aspx.

Finz, Stacy. "Wine grapes turn into vodka." SFGate. March 23, 2006. Accessed October
03, 2017. http://www.sfgate.com/wine/spirits/article/Wine-grapes-turn-into-vodka-
2538824.php

Herlihy, Patricia. Vodka: a global history. London: Reaktion, 2012.

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