vodka

in sweden i bought this 'artisan' vodka shit called paulssons w/ a label that included the kind of potatoes and the name of the farmer who grew the potatoes and what year it was distilled--i appreciated the effort but the shit just tasted strongly of potato and i could never finish a glass of it.

until i was about 20 the only thing i would ever drink was popov

need to try that chopin. and finlandia. and some polish vodkas.

current favorite is belvedere

re: Ciroc

"It is claimed by the drink's promoters that it is distinguished by the fact that it is derived from grapes, in contrast to corn, sorghum, rye, wheat, or potatoes that are more commonly used. In France it can be legally considered vodka, but the same cannot be said about the drink in the US."

in other words, diddy drinks high-proof dessert wine

this is the stuff i was talking about: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karlsson%27s_vodka

Karlsson’s is a vodka made of specially chosen new potatoes cultivated at the Bjäre peninsula in Skåne, Sweden. Different varieties of potato have different tastes and enjoy different types of soil. Newly harvested, the potatoes are distilled in the presence of the blender Börje Karlsson who also has given the vodka its name. Börje Karlsson is the obscure person and the blender behind Absolut Vodka. To preserves the character of the new potato the water added during distillation has a very clean and neutral character.
Seven different sorts of potatoes constitute the base to Karlsson’s GOLD. The vodka has a gentle nuance of new potato and serves as a mixer in cocktails and classic drinks. But it is equally well enjoyed ”on the rocks”.
Karlsson’s vodka is the world’s first vintage vodka. Temperature, humidity, type of soil, heat and sun influence the character of the virgin potato. New potatoes harvested different years, with different weather conditions, give the vodka different characteristics, just like grapes. A cold climate slows down the ripening process and the virgin potato has more time to absorb minerals and develop character. Furthermore, the sunlight improves the potato haulm and the nourishment of the potato is enhanced. The result is a potato with a more distinct character.
Karlsson’s Vintage is made of the potato sort Soloist. Together with weather conditions and type of soil the vodka has been given its character. Karlsson's Vintage, with a very strong character more reminiscent of grappa than vodka, suits as a digestive, both before and after a meal.
The vodka is since 2008 distilled in Åkers Styckebruk, an old Industrial Community where aquavit and snaps was distilled as early as in the 17th century. When the vodka is ready to use it is bottled in a bottle designed by Hans Brindfors, he too, one of the men behind Absolut Vodka.
Karlsson’s vodka is produced and marketed through the global trading house Private Brands. The first Karlsson’s vodka was launched in 2004.

i admire the attempt but frankly i like my vodka to not really taste like anything!!

this is good straight too:
http://www.drinkhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/level-vodka.JPG

have you guys ever had crater lake? it's popular here, i guess because it's local.