Vodka

Vodka originated in Russia and Poland as early as 900 AD. The word “Vodka” is derived from the Russian word for water “Voda.” Vodka was first used as a disinfectant, antiseptic and fever reducer. Due to the flavor of the “crudely” distilled Vodka many people added fruits, berries or herbs to make the consumption of the Vodka more palatable. Vodka did not become popular as a drink until the 16th century. Russian farmers were producing the Vodka in their homemade stills to supplement income. Anything with starch or sugar may be used in Vodka fermentation. Originally Vodka was produced from abundant grains such as wheat or rye and potatoes. Realizing the popularity of Vodka, Ivan the Terrible instituted a tax on Vodka in the 16th century and even created a network of Vodka distribution. At the beginning of 20th century, a third of the Russian Army was paid by a tax on the Smirov brand of Vodka. Vodka became popular in the US after appearing in the James Bond movie “Dr. No.” Bond’s choice drink was a Vodka martini “shaken not stirred.”

Today Vodka is the number one selling spirit in the U.S. One in every 4 bottles of spirits sold in the U.S. is Vodka. Vodka is touted as being clear, flavorless and without distinctive character.

Harmony Spirits Vodka is handcrafted from locally produced corn in small batches. All the corn we use to make our Vodka was grown in Fillmore County, Minnesota. A batch of corn takes approximately two weeks to become Harmony Spirits Vodka. It takes one day to cook the corn, one week to ferment the mash and one more week to distill our Vodka 7 times. The cuts during the second and third runs through our still define the flavor and character of our vodka. After our Vodka has been distilled 7 times we chill filter and then carbon filter it. It has a very subtle, pure flavor leading with a creamy, silky entry and a smooth lingering almond fade with virtually no heat. Best savored neat or mixed in any vodka based cocktail.