Europe and Vodka

[Bocklin]

You guys over in the US ever wondered what the European institutions are all about?

Well, on top of setting norms for the diameters of apples, they also have to discuss what Vodka actually is... Sometimes they even have to try it (thanks to Polish diplomats):

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6766023.stm

Bocklin

[Aubrey the Malformed]

Indeed, the European vodka wars - wars and famine, and they are exercised about the definition of vodka (can it be made from anything other than fermented potato mash?). I am something of a eurosceptic.

[Bocklin]

Aubrey the Malformed wrote:

I am something of a eurosceptic.

Well, you're a Brit. It comes with the territory... ;-)

[Bocklin]

Actually it seems that West European countries want to sell as "Vodka" similar beverages made from fruits and other sources...

Poland and "the Vodka belt" wants to restrict the definition to grain and potato.

[Vattnisse]

Bocklin wrote:

Actually it seems that West European countries want to sell as "Vodka" similar beverages made from fruits and other sources...

Poland and "the Vodka belt" wants to restrict the definition to grain and potato.

Vodka made from fruit?? Man, that's just wrong! Good luck to the Poles on this.

[Mike McArtor]

Vattnisse wrote:

Vodka made from fruit?? Man, that's just wrong! Good luck to the Poles on this.

Agreed. If someone tried to slip me a fruit-made Vodka into my White Russian I'd likely punch him in the face. Or just spit the gross concoction on his lapels. Whichever. ;D

[Corey Young]

Mike McArtor wrote:

Vattnisse wrote:

Vodka made from fruit?? Man, that's just wrong! Good luck to the Poles on this.

Agreed. If someone tried to slip me a fruit-made Vodka into my White Russian I'd likely punch him in the face. Or just spit the gross concoction on his lapels. Whichever. ;D

Werd.

[The Eldritch Mr. Shiny]

Bocklin wrote:

Actually it seems that West European countries want to sell as "Vodka" similar beverages made from fruits and other sources...

Poland and "the Vodka belt" wants to restrict the definition to grain and potato.

Dude...

I am SO glad I'm Straight Edge.

[Dirk Gently]

The Eldritch Mr. Shiny wrote:

I am SO glad I'm Straight Edge.

I also. Alcoholic beverages are more confusing than they need to be. The whole Champaigne v. sparkling wine is weird too. I understand the "what it's made of" debate a little, but not the "were it comes from".

[James Keegan]

Of course it's confusing if you THINK about it. Just drink it. Let the guys that invest in liquor companies worry about what it's technically called.

[Heathansson]

Mmmmmm.....sweet potato vodka.....

I don't know. I just made that up.

[magdalena thiriet]

Bocklin wrote:

Actually it seems that West European countries want to sell as "Vodka" similar beverages made from fruits and other sources...

Poland and "the Vodka belt" wants to restrict the definition to grain and potato.

True, and in that sense it does make sense to establish some definitions to what can be called what. Like the decision some time ago that no foodstuff which is not actually butter can be called butter (trust me, there were some trademarks which had to change their names because of this).

I don't mind flavored vodkas though I don't really see point in them (except legendary and very dangerous licorice vodka) but making vodka out of fruits? No.

[Bocklin]

Says someone from the country that consumes 70% of Europe-made Vodka... ;-)

So the European authorities better be wise and listen to the consumers, lest they break the market.

Bocklin

[Aubrey the Malformed]

Vattnisse wrote:

Vodka made from fruit?? Man, that's just wrong! Good luck to the Poles on this.

You would destroy that ancient Scottish tradition of making vodka in industrial vats from any old rubbish they can find? You phillistine!