vodka

vodka (vod'ku) [key], traditional spirituous drink of Russia, the Baltic states, and Poland; it is now consumed internationally. The best vodka is distilled from rye and barley malt, but the cheaper corn and potatoes are commonly employed. The high alcoholic strength of over 90% is generally diluted before marketing. A characteristic of vodka is that it has little or no distinctive odor or taste.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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