Whisky and Vodka, What is the Difference?

When I started drinking, I assumed the only difference was what the spirit was made of.  Then when I learnt that Vodka could be made from grains as well, I started to wonder what the difference of grain vodka and whisky was other than the fact that whisky is aged in barrels.  Looking at the variety of spirits vodka and whisky stand at opposite ends of the spectrum. 

VODKA

Vodka is colourless, odorless and tasteless.  Vodka is also the world’s most popular spirit with the largest category around the world.  Vodka is mainly made of water and ethanol.  Vodka is produced by fermenting any kind of food that contains sugar or starch.  Corn, potatoes, wheat, or rye.  After fermentation, the sugar becomes alcohol.  The alcohol is then distilled multiple times to increase the alcohol level to 80 proof(40%).   The distillation process purifies the liquid through heating and cooling.  Vodka is distilled for a minimum of 3 times.  Most brands distill vodka 5 times or more.  Many premium brands will advertise the number of distillations the spirit has gone through as it is believed that the more distilled the more pure the vodka is.  Even though it is believed that vodka is tasteless anyone can tell you that depending on what the vodka is fermented from it will add a taste to the more discerning drinker.  I have tried vodkas that have notes of bread, cereal sweetness, or a spicy grain bite.  The main appeal of vodka is not the taste but the fact that it has a smooth, crisp texture and a soft light mouthfeel.  Vodka is generally used in cocktails but can also be consumed neat or chilled. 

WHISKY

Whisky refers to an umbrella that has many different styles under it.  Varieties of whisky include Bourbon and its sweet caramel notes and oaky aftertaste.  Rye with its sharp, spiciness and dryness.  Single Malts with flavour profiles of exotic fruit, citrus, and vanilla.  Whisky undergoes roughly the same process of fermentation, distillation with added aging.  Whisky is made from fermented grain mash, using barley, rye, or wheat.  The grains undergo the malting process where they are soaked, grown, germinated and mashed.  The resulting mix will then be fermented, distilled, and matured in barrels.  Where as vodka is known for its subtlety whisky boasts flavour.  Drinking whisky should always start with smelling it.  By nosing your glass, you will start to note different profiles of fruit, spice, smoke, and wood.  It is recommended to add a splash (start with a few drops and work your way up if needed.  You can add water you can not remove it.) A sip will hit your tastebuds with a new look at the same profiles you nosed.  As the booziness settles you will find the flavours in the glass.  When it comes to mouthfeel whisky also runs the gambit of big bold and robust to subtle and light.  Whisky can also be used in a large number of cocktails, but these are generally built around the flavours of the whisky. 

Sources:

https://www.bottledprices.com/vodka-vs-whiskey/

https://www.livescience.com/41298-what-is-vodka.html