Rughi Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 I have seen mention of Rain Vodka, which I believe is 100% corn distillate, unaged. Would this be the same as unaged corn whiskey (assuming for the moment that we can even call an un-oaked distillate whiskey)? The only differences that come to my mind might be the final still proof and the target flavor the distiller has in mind.Of course, compared to - shall we say, portable distilleries of yesteryear - it seems the differences could be large, as triple distillation vs. thumper, column vs. pot still, and inefficiencies in the setup might yield any number of differences.Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edward_call_me_Ed Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 I think there are marked differences. Vodka should come off the still in the upper ninties abv. Here is the law: "(a) Class 1; neutral spirits or alcohol."Neutral spirits" or "alcohol" are distilled spirits produced from any material at orabove 190° proof, and, if bottled, bottled at not less than 80° proof.(1) "Vodka" is neutral spirits so distilled, or so treated after distillation withcharcoal or other materials, as to be without distinctive character, aroma, taste,or color." Corn Whiskey comes off the still at a much lower proof. Here is the legal definition:"(ii) "Corn whisky" is whisky produced at not exceeding 160° proof from afermented mash of not less than 80 percent corn grain, and if stored in oakcontainers stored at not more than 125° proof in used or uncharred new oakcontainers and not subjected in any manner to treatment with charred wood;and also includes mixtures of such whisky."To be called whiskey it must meet these, admittedly rather vague, requirements:"the distillate possesses the taste, aroma, andcharacteristics generally attributed to whisky, stored in oak containers (except thatcorn whisky need not be so stored)"Try Georgia Moon if you want to try unaged Straight Corn Whiskey. Not vodka at all. Nor is it my favorite pour...Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Weber Posted July 8, 2005 Share Posted July 8, 2005 Rain is made from 100% organically grown corn, while corn whiskey, among other things, generally refers to whiskey aged in used cooperage.Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musher Posted July 9, 2005 Share Posted July 9, 2005 What's the deal with filtering it through diamond dust?! I've never heard of that one before today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Weber Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 I am sure it was a marketing thing. I believe we have stopped claiming this.Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musher Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 You may have stopped claiming it, but a large retailer in Minneapolis has the ad in their sale flyer for their upcoming "Premium Brands Sale". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chasking Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 Rain is made from 100% organically grown corn, while corn whiskey, among other things, generally refers to whiskey aged in used cooperage.Ken I don't mean to be a nitpicker, but by this I assume you mean that all the corn is organic, not that the mashbill is 100% corn? There's some malt in the mash, I figure. What exactly is the mashbill for vodka? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Weber Posted July 22, 2005 Share Posted July 22, 2005 The corn is 100% organic and I believe that the enzymes found in malted barley have been used, however, I believe the mashbill is 100% corn. Several distilleries use the natural enzymes found in barley. If more barley was used, the flavor would be different. So, to get the best fermentation without negatively affecting the taste, enzymes are added.Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts