SC - question after recipe

[Jeff Gedney]

The noble Cariadoc hath wrote:
 
> 1. At least one of the two cordial recipes that showed up here 
> recently appears to be from a web page that specifically says the 
> material on it is not from period sources. I don't think I have seen 
> any suggestion that the other one is from a period source either.

I was not specifically referring to Cordial recipes, but offering a possibly 
acceptable substitute for a period grain based aquavitae which might 
more closely _simulate_ ( not replicate ) such an aquavitae as used
in some period "medicinal" recipes, or herb/fruit extractions.   

Any cordials which might be based on those recipes might more closely 
simulate the flavor, if neutral spirits derived form the same grains used in
the original are used. 
 
> 2. Do you know if (non-potato) vodka is actually period? My 
> impression is that distilled liquor for drinking is pretty late 
> period in most of Europe, but earlier in a few places.

Not my point.
Just because Vodka as a subclass of spirits did not exist in period, 
does not mean that certain members of that subclass might not 
strongly resemble, in form, taste, or recipe, period spirits. Just that 
the _classification_ of this kind of beverage as "Vodka", did not exist.

If a period Aquavitae was made from fermented grains of Rye, and 
certain berries and spices, and then distilled and bottled without 
significant aging or alteration, then a modern vodka recipe which 
is made from fermented grains of Rye, and most of the same certain 
berries and spices, and then is distilled and bottled without significant 
aging or alteration woulds be an acceptable substitute for that 
aquavitae.
I think it would be better than one made from distilled wine in that 
recipe.
A clear brandy would be a good substitute for aquavitae made from 
wine (essentially the same), but I do not think it would be as good a 
substitute for a grain based aquavitae. as a good grain beverage (like 
a new whiskey for a malt aquavitae, or a rye vodka for one of rye), 
made from the same grains. 

Close substitutes using commercial beverages are all we have to go 
on, legally, in the US.  
Therefore we cannot COMPLETELY make the period recipe, since 
we do not have the option of making the required aquavitae in the US, 
so we have to content ourselves with reasonable facsimiles.

brandu