The Clear Truth: Debunking the Top 5 Vodka Myths

While vodka is one of the oldest and most popular spirits in the world, there certainly is a lot of confusion around it. Maybe its storied past lends it more to legend, or its history only adds to its mystique. For whatever reason, there are some misconceptions swirling around vodka. We’ll clear that up by examining the top 5 myths around vodka.

What kind of spirit is vodka?

Before we talk about what vodka is not, let’s cover off on what it is. Vodka is a clear spirit distilled mainly from either fermented cereal grains or potatoes. It has a long history spanning centuries and continues to be one of the most important spirits of our day. Learn more about the basics of vodka.

What are the nutritional health facts on vodka?

Vodka, like any alcohol, should be consumed in moderation and always sipped responsibly. A 1.5 oz serving of GREY GOOSE® Vodka contains 98 Calories, 0 carbs and no gluten. With that crystal-clear, let’s get to the myths.

Myth #1: Vodka is odorless and tasteless.

Does all vodka taste the same? Does vodka have a taste?

Some of this confusion stems from a US agency definition. Up until 2020, the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms defined vodka as “a neutral spirit without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color.” However, the agency later agreed that the latter part of that statement is no longer true.

In actuality, different vodkas have unique aromas and flavor profiles. While it’s true that vodka has a more neutral taste that lends itself to a wide range of cocktails, we take pride in producing a premium vodka with a distinctive character. Our spirit has a subtle lemon zest and baked bread aroma, with a taste of almond, apple and citrus. You can experience this flavor for yourself — grab a glass and follow along with our tasting notes for Grey Goose Vodka.

Myth #2: Vodka is only made from potatoes.

Is all vodka made from potatoes? While vodka may be made from tubers, that’s certainly not the only way. It’s generally made from potatoes or grains, but it can be created from almost anything, anywhere. Grey Goose Vodka is made in France from soft winter wheat for the finest tasting spirit.

Myth #3: More distillation is better.

How many times is vodka distilled? Is more better? You might have thought that producing the highest quality vodka is brought about by distilling multiple times over, but when you start with the highest quality of ingredients, once is enough and, in fact, ideal.

We use a single distillation process to help us retain more flavor of the wheat. Because we produce Grey Goose Vodka from only two ingredients — soft winter wheat from Picardie and spring water from our own well in Gensac-la-Pallue — we only need a single distillation process. Other producers may start with a raw white spirit created by someone else that calls for further distillation, which could remove some of the natural character.

Myth #4: You should store your vodka in the freezer.

Can you put vodka in the freezer? Should you put vodka in the freezer? This debate has persisted for many decades. While freezing vodka won’t hurt it, there are certain molecules that get “killed off” at various temperatures, thus altering its taste slightly. Think of how the same can be said for chilling red wine.

Because of that, we suggest refrigerating Grey Goose at a temperature between 32 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. However, taste is a personal thing, and we encourage you to do what you like best. Learn more about how to store vodka the right way.

Myth #5: All vodka is created equal.

As we’ve already covered, there are certainly differences in flavor among various types of vodka, and that goes for quality as well. We believe the best vodka comes from the finest ingredients. That’s why we only use two — French soft winter wheat and limestone-filtered water — to craft a spirit that is naturally tasteful. And then there’s making of the vodka itself. Each part of our eight-step process, from harvesting the crops to our co-founder tasting each batch, is designed to produce only the best. Our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence in every aspect of production help make Grey Goose a premium vodka rich in character and full of possibility. See how we make Grey Goose Vodka, from crop to cork.

Bonus Myth: Martini cocktails should be shaken, not stirred.

The iconic Vodka Martini Cocktail has plenty of history and myth surrounding it as well. One stems from how a certain famous spy would order his signature drink. While you certainly may order your martini cocktail shaken, do be advised that this method produces more ice chips, which can dilute your drink more than you may desire.

Now that we’ve cleared all this up, you’re on your way to being a vodka expert. Take your education further with additional stories about Vodka Essentials.