Dennis Tamse, Global Relationships Director for Nolet Distillery, shares his vodka expertise and cocktail wisdom. He debunks the myth of vodka being flavorless, revealing its subtle characteristics and how it amplifies flavors in cocktails. The conversation also dives into the intricate distillation process, showcasing craftsmanship and quality. Listeners will love his Martini recipe and understanding vodka’s role as a versatile canvas for creative mixology. Discover the art of crafting cocktails and the importance of quality ingredients!
Vodka, particularly Kettle One, is a flavor-enhancing spirit that can elevate cocktails by providing crispness and subtlety.
The intricate production and distillation processes of vodka reflect a deep craftsmanship, emphasizing the importance of quality starting materials.
Deep dives
The Unique Character of Vodka
Vodka is often misunderstood as a flavorless spirit, but it possesses distinct characteristics that enhance various cocktails. Its ability to amplify the flavors and aromas of other ingredients makes vodka a crucial component in many drinks. Kettle One Vodka, made from a wheat base, exemplifies this quality by providing a crisp finish and a subtle flavor profile that complements rather than overwhelms. This perception shift is important, as appreciating vodka's unique attributes can elevate the overall cocktail experience.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
The quality of vodka hinges on its base ingredients, whether they are grains, potatoes, or fruits, with wheat being the choice for Kettle One. Good quality starting materials are essential to produce a superior spirit, reflecting the care and craftsmanship involved in the distillation process. The distillation technique itself also plays a significant role; Kettle One employs both column and pot stills, combining the clean, crisp qualities of column distillation with the richer mouthfeel from pot still distillation. This intricate approach underscores the notion that the journey from grain to glass greatly impacts the final product.
Craftsmanship in Vodka Production
Kettle One Vodka's production process highlights the art and science behind crafting quality spirits, emphasizing distillation's critical role. The use of multiple distillation columns allows for a high degree of purity while preserving essential flavors, and the incorporation of pot still techniques adds complexity to the spirit's character. The commitment to quality is demonstrated through rigorous testing and a family tradition of craftsmanship spanning over 330 years. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every bottle of Kettle One meets high standards before reaching the consumer.
Evolving Cocktail Culture
The podcast delves into the evolution of cocktail culture, noting a significant rise in appreciation for sophisticated drinks over the years. Accessible education about cocktail making and greater global awareness have contributed to this movement, with bartenders around the world honing their craft and pushing the boundaries of mixology. The discussion highlights how experiences in different bars, such as a memorable martini in a Hong Kong bar, reflect the exciting developments in cocktail creativity and execution. This cultural shift signifies a brighter future for cocktail enthusiasts and the industry as a whole.
We're shifting our gaze from individual cocktails momentarily to explore a single ingredient. More specifically, one of the world's most popular spirits: vodka. Joining us to do so is Dennis Tamse, the Global Relationships Director for the Nolet Distillery. This being Cocktail College, there will also be some Martini discussion, including Dennis' preferred Vodka Martini recipe, which is also listed below.
Dennis Tamse's Vodka Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 50 milliliters Ketel One vodka
- 20 milliliters dry vermouth
- Garnish: lemon twist and olive
Directions
1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora or coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a small lemon twist and a chilled olive.