Vodka: what you should know before you pour it.
What is vodka made from?
The base is always the same - pure alcohol and water. However, the alcohol is made from different raw materials.
The most common are:
wheat or rye
corn
potatoes
Each of these raw materials will give the vodka a slightly different character. Grain vodkas tend to be milder, potato vodkas are a bit more pronounced.
How its typical "pure" taste is created
Vodka is distilled and then filtered. In higher-quality vodkas, the filtration is repeated several times. For example, activated carbon is used to help remove unwanted substances. The result is a smoother taste and less "burning".
Why some vodkas burn more
It's not just about the alcohol. The difference is mainly in the quality of the processing. Cheaper vodkas have less filtration and often worse ingredients. That's why they are sharper. Better quality vodkas are "smoother" and easier to drink, especially neat.
Cheap vs. more expensive vodka
If you're making mixed drinks, you often won't even know the difference. In that case, a good base vodka will suffice. If you want to drink it neat, it's worth paying the extra. The taste is smoother and the overall experience is better. But there's no need to go to extremes - rather, avoid the cheapest options altogether.
Why is vodka so popular?
It's simple. You don't need any recipes or special equipment. You can mix it with juice, cola, or energy drink. Or drink it straight. It works almost anywhere, anytime.
How to choose vodka
For partying and mixing: a basic, proven brand
For neat drinking: a higher quality vodka
Track the origin and composition
What to watch out for
Vodka is easy to drink, and that's the problem. It's easy to lose track of the amount. Drink slowly, mix with water, and take breaks.
Choose the right product
Amundsen Vodka (37.5% | 0.7 l)
Price: €10.99
Member price: €9.91
Effect: mild, classic
Taste: neutral, smooth
Use: universal vodka for mixing and straight drinking
B42V Eccentric Vodka (42% | 0.7 l)
Price: €10.99
Member price: €9.49
Effect: strong, intense
Taste: sharper, alcoholic
Use: for those who want a stronger kick
Extra Silver Filtered Vodka (37.5% | 0.7 l)
Price: €10.99
Member price: €9.79
Effect: mild, clean
Taste: very smooth, filtered
Use: clean drinking + more premium feel
Kapurkova Vodka (37.5% | 0.7 l)
Price: €9.99
Member price: €8.39
Effect: basic
Taste: simple, less smooth
Use: budget vodka
Nicolaus Extra Smooth Vodka (37.5% | 0.7 l)
Price: €11.99
Member price: €9.59
Effect: mild
Taste: clean, classic Slovak vodka
Use: universal “safe choice”
Simple Vodka (40% | 0.7 l)
Price: €10.99
Member price: €9.61
Effect: medium strong
Taste: more intense than 37.5% vodkas
Use: balance between smooth and strong