I don't think it's correct to say that "real" vodkas are made with potato. "Vodka" is a very regional term, and differnt areas use different grains. Here's some discussion.

potato always potato
Luksosowa is prolyl the best polish potato vodka i have founf legqally in this country... key word legally ;)

If you want to know where the vodka comes from, ingredients wise, try to locate a web page, or contact the "manufacturer." If it matters, you can usually find out one way or the other. Some sites also dig this stuff out for display.

You hit upon a matter of definition here. There are a couple ways to look at 'vodka.' The kind of modern legal/commercial vodka, or, as mentioned, the kind of regional determination.

Basically, vodka is a 'neutral spirit', it's typically filtered out fairly pure (to the 194-odd proofage that's possible), then usually remixed with neutral substances [mineral water, or whatnot] to dilute. This pretty much means that any sugary/carby goop can make something legally 'vodka'.

A 'fine' vodka depends a lot on what you like, and how noticable you like it. Tongue, throat, stomach, quantity.

Me? I tend to like vodkas made from grain/rye/wheat/etc much better. I still don't *look* for those, since I'm willing to test anything out.

Depending on how you like your data, check out www.vodka.com

snippet:
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"Vodkas are made from many different agricultural materials. This includes grain, molasses, potatoes and rice. Most vodkas today use grain, primarily corn, wheat or rye."
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many vodkas will say in small print what they are made from.
I'm mildly allergic to wheat and potatoes, so I'm ass-out. :-(

I'm very surprised that nobody here has mentioned Monopolowa potato vodka. It's Austrian and very inexpensive, 1.75 for 19.99 here in Dallas. It's incredibly smooth and I have yet to experience a hangover from it. As for grain vodkas, try Vox. It won "best tasting vodka" in 2006 (over grey goose, which hasn't won the coveted award since 2000) by the professional beverage tasting institute in Chicago.

I go to a good liquor store and ask (you'll know right away if the person knows what they are talking about). My favorite is Monopolowa (pronounced mono pa lo va). The other popular brand is Chopin (expensive). I was a Ketel One (grain) fan until a Dallas bartender did a blind taste test with a friend of mine and I. The Mono was smoother, taste better and is, at least, 30% less expensive. However, not everyone agrees.... that's why they make both. The down side, some say the calories count of Potato vodka is higher than grain...?

My favorites include Jean Marc XO ($60+/-) and Rain ($20+/-)... Jean Marc is five various types of wheat and Rain is made from organic white corn. Runners up include Imperia, Effen, and Svedka (for mixed drinks). So it would stand to reason I prefer grain over potato but I havn't had the chance to taste all my bottles yet (I have 33 and growing not including anything flavored). I think I have about 6-7 potato vodkas.

Check out my collection @ www.mattdeal.com - Click "Vodka" - - - MC_Deal@hotmail.com