Wow. Not that I doubt you, but is there any way to corroborate this story?
I'd also be interested to know about the flavoring used. It seems like this would run afoul of the US labeling laws for vodka, which require it to be "without distinctive character, aroma, or taste". This technicality of course doesn't mean that it's not done exactly as Andrew describes.
Here's a couple background articles on the bottler's role, without specific reference to flavorings:
http://adiforums.com/index.php?/topic/452-whiskey-bottling-v...
> It seems like this would run afoul of the US labeling laws for vodka, which require it to be "without distinctive character, aroma, or taste".
That seems improbable because flavored vodkas are common.
Re:How to get the wine you really want
by maxerickson on Sunday November 06, 2016 @01:42PM
(#12886412)
That rule is specific to products labeled "Vodka".
Flavored vodka has to include the flavor on the label. Pages 2 and 11:
Ah. Well, what can I say? I can easily tell the difference between different vodkas in blind tastings, though I can't necessarily tell you which is which. But my wife can consistently pick her favorite vodka out of a blind lineup.
Re:How to get the wine you really want
by epimetheus on Saturday November 05, 2016 @01:15AM
(#12878301)
For vodka, this is why I seek out actual russian imports, and I have a strong preference for potato distilled vodka. Unfortunately, finding these are few and far between, so grain it is. Still, when that's the case, I go for cheap vodka, and there's quite a strong difference there too. I'm talking 750ml for 7-8 dollars, some is just undrinkable, others are smoother than smirnoff (also not high end, just comparing to a well known, marketed as highish end).
I know the family that owns the bottling plant for most of the vodka brands sold in California, from premium to bum brands; they bottle everything from the same railroad tanker cars of ethanol from ADM. It was eye-opening to see but it makes sense; ethanol distillation is a highly refined, industrial scale process. Ironically, some of the cheapest stuff is the purest (it costs money to add adulterants to ethanol, after all). The industrial distillation columns are extremely efficient, so extra "distillations" don't buy much.