As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that vodka does not become whiskey. While both spirits may share the same color, their production processes and legal requirements are vastly different.
To understand why vodka does not become whiskey, we need to delve into the distillation process. Vodka is distilled to a very high alcohol by volume (ABV), typically exceeding 95% ABV. This high ABV is achieved through multiple distillations and filtration processes, which aim to remove impurities and create a neutral spirit with a clean taste. The result is a smooth and colorless liquid that we know as vodka.
On the other hand, whiskey is distilled to a lower ABV, typically not exceeding 95% ABV. This allows for the retention of certain congeners, which are compounds that contribute to the flavor, aroma, and color of the final product. Whiskey is then aged in barrels made from various types of wood, such as oak, which imparts additional flavors and characteristics to the spirit over time. This aging process is a critical step in the production of whiskey and cannot be skipped or replicated with vodka.
While it is possible to make vodka from whiskey through a process called rectification, the reverse is not true. Rectification involves redistilling whiskey to remove its flavor and aroma, resulting in a neutral spirit that can be used to produce vodka. However, this process essentially transforms the whiskey into a blank canvas rather than turning vodka into whiskey.
The legal regulations surrounding vodka and whiskey further emphasize their differences. In many countries, including the United States, there are strict definitions and requirements for both spirits. Vodka is legally defined as a neutral spirit without distinctive character, aroma, or taste. Whiskey, on the other hand, must meet specific criteria regarding ingredients, distillation methods, aging, and more. These legal requirements ensure that each spirit maintains its unique identity and characteristics.
In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to taste a wide variety of vodkas and whiskeys. The differences in flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel are evident, even to an untrained palate. Vodka tends to be smooth, with a clean and almost tasteless profile, while whiskey offers a complex range of flavors, including notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and more.
To summarize, vodka does not become whiskey, and the comparison between the two is often misleading. While they may share a similar appearance, their production processes, legal definitions, and taste profiles set them apart. Vodka is distilled to a high ABV and aims for neutrality, while whiskey is distilled to a lower ABV, aged in barrels, and embraces its distinct flavors and characteristics.