7 Things You Never Knew About Liquor

You know that drink you’ve been sipping on since the party started? There’s more to it than meets the eye. Sure you know what it tastes like, but did you know that liquor is taxed in Canada, or that there are four different types of vodka on the market? What is the relationship between liquor’s proof and its alcohol content?

Here at Liquor Encyclopedia, we want you to have all of your questions answered about this favorite drink.

1. Canada is the third largest spirits market in the world

Did you know that liquor is taxed in Canada? That’s right! Spirits, wine, and beer are taxed to help lower the national debt. When you buy alcohol at a bar, restaurant or store there is a federal excise tax of $0. The only countries with a higher spirits consumption rate than Canada are Russia and Mexico. Considering that Russia is the biggest country on earth, that doesn’t seem so bad.

2. There are four basic types of Vodka

If you’re going to be drinking liquor, you should know what it is you’re drinking. Here’s the low-down on vodka:

  • Grain – Any type of grain can be used to make vodka, ranging from wheat to rye or corn, depending on where it’s made. The resulting flavor will differ based on the base grain used and how long they’re allowed to ferment. 

• Wheat – Made with wheat, this type of vodka is virtually tasteless due to the lack of flavor. 

• Potato – A popular choice in Europe, potato-based vodka is sweeter and smoother than other varieties, but it’s also less stable and can turn cloudy when mixed with sparkling water.

• Potatoes and grains – This vodka has a smooth taste that’s good on the rocks or mixed.

3. Vodka has been around since 14th century Russia

Legend has it that a monk living in Eastern Europe was trying to make wine from potatoes one day, but ended up making a potent spirit instead. The drink was called “Voda” which simply means water in Russian. According to another story, vodka was a secret ingredient in church wine, used by the monks as a way to get around a ban on alcohol. On one occasion, the Catholic Church and Orthodox Church were getting ready to drink together. When the pope heard that there was going to be alcohol at the table, he yelled out “No! Do not give them wine! It is forbidden.”  As for why vodka is called this , Columbo suggests that it’s because it has nine letters and once you take away the one “o”, it’s pronounced violently.

4. Pure alcohol can burn up to 113 degrees

Oh, vodka. You’re such a mystery. How much is in your glass? That’s hard to tell without a thermometer. Did you know that pure alcohol can burn? It can burn at 113 degrees Fahrenheit which is the temperature of average blood. Back in 1990, a Russian man drank close to 40 shots (1.3 liters) of vodka and then lit a cigarette near his hand. Apparently, when you light a flame to try and put out a fire, the alcohol in the vodka can make it easier for the flame to catch because there’s no air to create an extinguisher.

5. Vodka is taxed by federal government

The liquor tax is collected by Statistics Canada and is essentially a sales tax levied on all alcoholic beverages. There are two rates of liquor tax: $0.07 per proof-grade alcoholic beverage and $0.34 per non-proof-grade beverage, as well as various tax exemptions depending on where the booze is sold or consumed.

6. The term ‘vodka’ is an Russian word

The word was first recorded in Russian in the 16th century and means “water” or “spirit.” The word ‘Vodka’ means water in Russian, but the name vodka was given to the spirit by a priest in Russia when it was made from potatoes. Yup, you guessed it. It all comes down to “o” again.

7. While vodka originated in Russia, the drink is now popular worldwide

It’s no wonder that this spirit has taken over the world. Vodka is consumed by people all over, including the US and the UK. In Canada, the biggest consumers of vodka are those who drink in both English and French speaking countries.

Liquor Encyclopedia is not affiliated with any company listed on this page. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Summary:

There are four basic types of Vodka, yet it’s still popular worldwide. Vodka can be put in anything from fruit juice to tinctures, and you’ll only know it’s there if you’ve tasted it. Canada is the third largest spirits market in the world, with the highest consumption rates of vodka and whiskey. 

The liquor tax is collected by Statistics Canada and used to fund essential government services such as health care and education. Liquor can be taxed at a rate of $0.07 per proof-grade alcoholic beverage or $0.34 per non-proof-grade beverage, depending on its final use after being diluted.