TEK - Cleaning up cheap Vodka

[OneDiaDem]

I did some experimenting this last week for thanksgiving after finding an interesting article online. You can take a Pur water filter pitcher, and clean up cheap vodka, almost to taste as good as Stolichnaya or Grey Goose. You have to run it thru this filter 5 times, but if your used to spending 50-60 bucks on vodka, its definately something to give a shot. A cheap vodka can be had for 10 bucks.
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Heres some more fun stuff I found.

The trick to distillation is to keep the good-tasting parts while getting rid of impurities. Most distillers have their own secret distillation process for trying to accomplish the balance between purity and taste.

Continuous still are commonly used by vodka distillers although some still use pot stills. Continuous stills offer greater control over temperature, purity level and taste. In general, the more columns used, the higher the purity, and the higher the price.

To taste different vodkas, use a small shot glass and serve chilled. Start with the aroma. The lesser ones smell a bit like rubbing alcohol. Hold it in your mouth for a short while, then swallow. The top vodkas should be smooth with very little burn.

A hint of spiciness from rye, a slight sweetness from wheat, hints of fruit? And finally, decide if you like it, that is what it's all about.

Pat Couteaux, Master Distiller for Shakers Vodka contributed this story.
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Colorado Vodka Sun Infusion
Simply take a clean dry glass jar or canister and place fresh clean raspberries, pealed sliced peaches or any other fruit alone or in combination. Pour a full bottle of Colorado vodka over the fruit, over and place in the sunlight for two weeks. Strain and sweeten with simple syrup or superfine sugar. You may also try infusing juniper berries, a vanilla bean, teas, fresh herbs, hot peppers, dry hibiscus flowers etc.

Secrets to great infusions
1. Use a clean, pure vodka.
2. Use farm fresh ripened fruit, herbs, peppers etc.
3. Wash fruit thoroughly.
4. Be careful not to leave in the sun too long.
5. After two weeks, store out of the sun for a longer shelf life.
6. Use less sweetner to allow more of the natural flavors to come through.
7. Serve your infusions over ice as a cocktail, chilled in a martini glass, mixed with club soda or straight as a liqueur.