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'''Vodka''' is a distilled [[spirit]] with a high [[alcohol]] content that can be produced from a number of different vegetables and grains and possesses different characteristics depending on the creator. Most vodka produced these days is made from a [[grain]], though some is still made from [[potato]]es. The exact history of vodka is unknown, though it most likely originated somewhere in the region of [[Poland]] or [[Russia]] between the 13th and 14th centuries. The word is thought to derive from Russian, meaning roughly ''little water''.

'''Vodka''' is a distilled [[spirit]] with a high [[alcohol]] content that can be produced from a number of different vegetables and grains and possesses different characteristics depending on the creator. Most vodka produced these days is made from a [[grain]], though some is still made from [[potato]]es. The exact history of vodka is unknown, though it most likely originated somewhere in the region of [[Poland]] or [[Russia]] between the 13th and 14th centuries. The word is thought to derive from Russian, meaning roughly ''little water''.

The majority of vodkas produced today for consumption in the [[United States]] and Western [[Europe]] are made from either [[wheat]] or [[rye]] and are heavily filtered. By law, in these regions, vodka cannot have a distinctive color, smell, or flavor. It is, in many ways, a pure spirit, which is one reason it is so popular in mixed drinks and as a base alcohol for flavored spirits.

The majority of vodkas produced today for consumption in the [[United States]] and Western [[Europe]] are made from either [[wheat]] or [[rye]] and are heavily filtered. By law, in these regions, vodka cannot have a distinctive color, smell, or [[flavor]]. It is, in many ways, a pure spirit, which is one reason it is so popular in mixed drinks and as a base alcohol for flavored spirits.

Traditionally, vodka may be made from virtually anything; vodkas can be found made from [[grape]]s, [[soy]], [[beet]]s, [[bread]], [[potato]]es, and [[corn]], in addition to the more common wheat and rye varieties. Some vodkas are even made from leftover material in the oil refining process. In many Eastern European countries, vodka is not heavily filtered as it is in the west, and so the flavors, smells, and colors from the source materials still shine through.

Traditionally, vodka may be made from virtually anything; vodkas can be found made from [[grape]]s, [[soy]], [[beet]]s, [[bread]], [[potato]]es, and [[corn]], in addition to the more common wheat and rye varieties. Some vodkas are even made from leftover material in the oil refining process. In many Eastern European countries, vodka is not heavily filtered as it is in the west, and so the flavors, smells, and colors from the source materials still shine through.