In defence of James Bond
Re: “Mixology 101,” Aug.18 - 24
James Bond knew more about making martinis in the 1950s than Danielle Pope realizes. According to New Scientist magazine, in the 1950s, vodka was typically made from potatoes, rather than from grain, as it is today. Bored scientists studied both stirred and shaken, using potato and grain vodka. They found that the large amount of oil in the potato vodka was dispersed better when shaken and this produced a better taste. Bond knew the limitations of potato vodka — in the 1953 Casino Royale he said "Excellent ... but if you can get a vodka made with grain instead of potatoes, you will find it still better."
Steve Dove,
Victoria