One vodka that is made from malted barley is Kirkwood Barley Vodka. This particular vodka stands out due to its unique production process and distinctive character.
Kirkwood Barley Vodka starts with malted barley as its base ingredient. Malted barley is commonly associated with beer production, as it is the main ingredient in the brewing process. However, it can also be used to create vodka, resulting in a spirit with a different flavor profile.
The use of malted barley in the production of Kirkwood Barley Vodka gives it a faint sweetness that sets it apart from other vodkas made from different grains. This sweetness comes from the natural sugars present in the barley, which are converted into alcohol during the fermentation process.
To create Kirkwood Barley Vodka, the malted barley is first mashed and mixed with water to extract the sugars. This mixture is then fermented, allowing yeast to convert the sugars into alcohol. After fermentation, the liquid is distilled multiple times to ensure purity and remove any impurities.
One of the key factors in the production of Kirkwood Barley Vodka is the gentle filtration process. By being gentle in filtering, the vodka retains some of the barley's original sweetness. This gentle filtration method allows the spirit to retain more of its natural flavors and characteristics, resulting in a vodka with a distinctive taste.
Kirkwood Barley Vodka is bottled at a generous 46% ABV (alcohol by volume), which is higher than the standard for many vodkas. Despite its higher alcohol content, this vodka remains supremely smooth and creamy in texture, making it enjoyable to sip on its own or in cocktails.
Personal experience: I have had the pleasure of trying Kirkwood Barley Vodka on a few occasions, and I must say it is a truly unique spirit. The faint sweetness from the malted barley adds an interesting dimension to the vodka, making it more than just a neutral spirit. I found it to be smooth and enjoyable to drink, whether neat or in a cocktail.
Kirkwood Barley Vodka is a vodka made from malted barley, which gives it a distinctive character and flavor profile. Its production process, including the use of malted barley and gentle filtration, contributes to its unique qualities. Whether you choose to sip it on its own or mix it in cocktails, Kirkwood Barley Vodka offers a delightful and flavorful experience.