Dry vodka is the conventional name for molecularly encapsulated alcohol. It is made in powder form. To return it to its usual form, you need to mix it with water.
How it works
Dry alcohol is the result of chemical manipulation. It is an absorbent composed of cyclodextrins, i.e. cyclic glucose oligomers obtained by starch fermentation. In simple words, the powder consists of molecules with an impressive hole inside, where alcohol molecules are placed.
On average, its content is 40–50%. When mixed with a liquid, a solution is obtained, and the alcohol content is reduced to 5–8%. The technology is called molecular encapsulation. That is, vodka, as such, cannot be mixed, but a cocktail is quite possible. Production will cost about the price of fizzy alcohol.
History of dry vodka
1966 Japanese company Sato Foods Industries Co., Ltd. invented ground alcohol. She specialized in nutritional supplements and seasonings.
1967 Sato started production and test sales of different types of Alcock alcohol powder. It was officially stated that the products are intended for commercial use only, for example, in the food industry (restaurants, cafes, bakeries, etc.) as food additives.
1974 On January 15, a practical process for the production of alcohol powder was patented. The company took up the promotion of the invention in the United States.
1977 In America, test sales began under the brand name “SureShot”.
1982 Sato launched Alcock-Light cocktail powder. They failed to go beyond the test.
2015 The Palcohol brand has been announced for a future US release. Powdered rum and liquor were promised to be sold wherever alcohol was allowed.
2020 Sales have not started. They were promised to be launched at the end of 2020, but the fate of the brand is still not known.
The situation in different countries to dry alcohol
Germany
In 2004, the opportunity to purchase powder sachets and tablets of the Subyou brand appeared on the Internet. The powder looked like starch. It was assumed that the raw materials were imported from the United States. Sachets weighing 65 g and 100 g had to be mixed with 250 ml of water. The strength of alcohol varied from 4,8% to 6%.
Netherlands
In May 2007, 4 students of the Helikon Vocational Institute in Boxtel invented their own version of alcohol. The green powder was named “Booz2Go”. The result was a carbonated drink with a lime flavor and an alcohol content of 3%. It was possible to buy a sachet for 1-2 dollars. Due to the small fortress, the production was aimed at a younger audience. At first it was sold to everyone, then, having figured out that it was still alcohol, only to persons over the age of 18. His attitude was twofold. It was decided to put information about possible health risks on the label.
Japan
In 1998, the production of powders was continued by the same company that patented them. Sake was suggested to be diluted with water. The powder was yellow in color and looked like crushed potato flakes. The taste properties were indistinguishable from the original. These days, only Japan owns the distribution rights for dry liquor.
Russia
Since January 8, 2019, a ban has been introduced on the manufacture and circulation of powdered alcohol.
Relevance: 08.06.2020
Tags: vodka, mash, moonshine