quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by deepocean:
Research data suggests a solution containing 47.5% alcohol extracts a higher concentration of vanilla than 95% alcohol. I picked 100 proof to simplify the dilution.

47.5% alcohol is 95 proof. If you are starting with 100 proof, there is really no need to dilute in order to get to the neighborhood of 47.5%.

Yes, that's why I said I picked 100 proof to simplify the dilution. The graduated cylinders I have are good, but only within the prescribed tolerance specified by the manufacturer. I have not calibrated them. The tinctures I make are for my family to use. I make assumptions that the numbers are close enough to be acceptable to me. It is not likely I could measure out the 5 proof difference with the equipment I have without calibrating it.

I use a calibrated gram scale and keep a log so I can (in my own way) standardize the tinctures from year to year. There are a lot of factors beyond my control which could cause the active ingredients to vary year to year. Some plants create higher concentrations of the compounds I am looking to extract when they are stressed, as opposed to growing in ideal conditions.

My father used to use Polish Spirytus, 95% alcohol to make schnapps and other liquers. Burns like hell drinking it but if you do 50/50 with water it is a Vodka. https://www.thewhiskyexchange....ied-spirit-95-polmos

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Your quick search missed that the European Union (ie Poland) standardized on minimum 75 proof vodka in 2008:

I don't know if you are just looking for a debate. I'm not talking about what any particular law defines as vodka. I'm just saying that from a taste standpoint vodka has generally been 40%. The op is interested in diluting ever clear to make vodka then what is the usual dilution is more important than what a law happens to say.

I’m not looking for a debate but your post is a complete pivot on your own ridiculous proof of Vodka assertions:

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
If it’s 100 proof it is not vodka.

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
But I wouldn't say I am incorrect. Many people in my family are Polish and they all say vodka must be 40%. A quick search and it seems 40% is the standard in many European countries, and in Russia, Ukraine, etc.

Additionally, the OP wants a 95 proof tincture so posting about 80 proof doesn’t help the OP

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Your quick search missed that the European Union (ie Poland) standardized on minimum 75 proof vodka in 2008:

I don't know if you are just looking for a debate. I'm not talking about what any particular law defines as vodka. I'm just saying that from a taste standpoint vodka has generally been 40%. The op is interested in diluting ever clear to make vodka then what is the usual dilution is more important than what a law happens to say.

I’m not looking for a debate but your post is a complete pivot on your own ridiculous proof of Vodka assertions:

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
If it’s 100 proof it is not vodka.

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
But I wouldn't say I am incorrect. Many people in my family are Polish and they all say vodka must be 40%. A quick search and it seems 40% is the standard in many European countries, and in Russia, Ukraine, etc.

Additionally, the OP wants a 95 proof tincture so posting about 80 proof doesn’t help the OP

I guess I missed the part that this was about making vanilla. I thought he wanted to make a good tasting vodka.

In any case congratulations. You win. I'm wrong about everything I know about vodka. You are the best with the best information. Put a feather in your cap.

Thank you to everyone who posted in this thread. The comments here have helped me understand what I need to do.

Your opinions led me in the right direction, and I appreciate you taking the time to answer.

quote:

Originally posted by GA Gator:
Vodka is for middle aged wives and moms on a diet

That's any clear liquor if I remember the quote right.

I prefer the Polish vodkas.

Haven't lived until you've sat down at dinner time with family in Poland, pepper vodka,lemon vodka, at least 5 or 6 more home made different ones. Had a headache for a week.. It was fun during dinner time thou.

For making some other concoction, I think you would want as little flavor as possible. So I'd dilute Everclear and use that.

What matters is how your tincture/extract turns out, and what the cost turns out to be. A good way to test that, rather than than hoping words could define the flavor effects of impurities in various vodka and/or the everclear, might be to do small trial batches.

Maybe get the smallest amount of everclear you can find, and a couple of the tiny airplane-sized sample bottles of a couple cheap unflavored vodkas, and whip up some extracts done with each, and see what you think?

I agree with the theories above that Everclear should be able to do what you want. But experimental evidence is what I'd go with.