Distillation is a method of separating out the components of a mixture based on each component having different boiling point. Distillation is a physical separation process, and not a chemical reaction.  Science geeks (like myself) see below:

These days most vodkas claim that they are superior to the competitor due to multiple distillations and filtrations that remove every trace of taste…so basically you are paying more to taste less.  And we all know that had a certain appeal back when we were kids new to consuming alcohol and had not yet acquired a liking to drinks containing it.  But we’re all grown up now and think a bit more about the taste of the spirit swishing around in our mouths.  And that’s where the vodka Karlsson’s Gold Vodka came to to mind.  My bar manager James Hammerl (he’s probably served you something tasty before) met Morgan Cedarblom, president of Private Brands, Inc. who markets Karlsson’s Gold Vodka in the U.S. a few weeks back at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport.  Morgan and James had a discussion on why multiple distallations, while purifying alcohol, can strip away it’s unique character.  I was intrigued as I had never really thought about this concept.  I sent Morgan an email and he met up with me for a tasting.  After talking to Morgan and tasting Karlsson’s Gold Vodka I learned that this is a vodka made with virgin potatoes (they haven’t developed an outer layer of skin yet) from Cape Bjäre in Sweden.  Karlsson’s Gold is distilled only one time which allows you taste the origins from which it comes…Sweden + virgin potatoes.  Morgan recommended I try the vodka chilled with a some ground black peppercorns.  It seemed a bit strange to sip vodka in such a simple manner but what I discovered was unforgettable: true terroir.  You can actually taste the virgin potatoes and the soil of Cape Bjäre. 

Come over to CRÃœ and try a snifter of Karlsson’s Gold Vodka this weekend or at the Karlsson’s Gold Vodka Tasting taking place on 2/25/09.  Check out the CRÃœ Calendar of events for details.  Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased online in the CRÃœ Store. 

Cheers and see you next time…Chetan