Vodka? Absolutely. Trivia Quiz

Answer: True

To make vodka, a mixture of fermented substances, called the mash, must first be made prior to distillation. The mash may consist of grains, potatoes, fruits or sugars and yeast. The fermented liquid will have some alcoholic content and is then distilled to achieve the desired level of alcohol and taste. Redistillation or dilution may be required to get optimum results.

The final product will contain ethanol and water with a trace of flavoring.

Answer: True

The use of the word "vodka" was first used in Polish documents in 1405 and was in reference to medicines and cleansers. At that time the spirit beverage was called "gorzalka". Vodka written in Cyrillic surfaced in the sixteenth century when merchants brought the medicinal mixture from Poland to Russia.

Answer: True

In Russia, for example, moonshine is known as samogen and it is similar to vodka. Samogen is made at home by many Russians due the cost being significantly lower than store bought vodka. It is legal to produce for personal use but requires licensing if sold.

Answer: False

The Vodka Belt is a term used to signify a group of countries in which copious amounts of vodka are produced and consumed. The group includes Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, the Scandinavian countries excluding Denmark, the Baltic states and parts of Slovakia and Hungary.

Answer: False

Historians for centuries have disagreed over where vodka originated from due to a lack of verifiable sources. Some argue that the first production occurred in Poland during the eighth century, others say that it was in Russia in the late ninth century.

Answer: False

Vodka that is produced on the black market is referred to as "bathtub" vodka. Producers do this to avoid taxation and to profit from lower pricing. Consuming vodka made on the black market can be dangerous as questionable production methods can result in poisoning or even death.

Answer: True

The EU chose this figure to reflect minimum taste standards when drinking vodka straight up since this is the way most people in the Vodka Belt consume it. If the alcohol content is below 37.5%, vodka will taste watery. Conversely, in levels above 40% there would be too much "burn" or taste too strong. Most vodkas are sold at 40% ABV.

Answer: False

If a bottle of vodka has been opened, evaporation will occur slowly but it will take several years before there is any noticeable reduction in volume. Quality will begin to deteriorate after a year and after about a decade the spirit will lose its flavor and likely taste bad. Beyond ten years the alcoholic content will gradually decrease which provides the opportunity for bacteria formation and possibly poisoning.

Answer: True

Vodka can be made from many substances some of which include wheat, rye, beets, corn, potatoes and sugar cane. Each type will have a different smell, flavor, aftertaste and burn. Connoisseurs have determined that grain based vodkas tend to be smoother than the harsher tasting vegetable based ones and are thus more pleasant to the palate.

Answer: False

Absolut Vodka has been produced in Sweden since 1979 and is made from winter wheat. The brand is based on the old Absolut Rent Brannvin label created in 1879. Brannvin is the Swedish term for vodka and literally means "burn-wine".