They Turn Milk Byproduct Into “Vodkow” Spirits
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The Dairy Distillery in Almonte, Ontario, started as a way to use up a lactose-rich liquid called milk permeate that’s left behind when cow’s milk is processed into cheese or yogurt. Since consumers are shifting away from drinking milk but eating more cheese and yogurt, dairy farmers are struggling to find a use for the excess milk permeate. Disposing of it can be expensive, so it’s typically used as low-value animal feed.
Distillery founder Omid McDonald was inspired to find a use for this waste product after a visit to his uncle’s dairy farm. He partnered with the University of Ottawa to develop a way to transform the permeate into alcohol. The team found a natural yeast that converts the lactose into alcohol, which is then distilled into a smooth, slightly sweet alcohol that’s similar to vodka.
He built off that success to create a state-of-the-art distillery. Today, Dairy Distillery produces this milk-based drink, along with hand sanitizer and other specialty alcohols. Everything is made from fresh Canadian cream delivered to the Distillery daily.
The Distillery can’t call its final product vodka due to Canadian regulations that require the beverage to be made from a grain or potato. Hence, the name “Vodkow”. The drink offers a creamier mouthfeel and more sweetness than traditional spirits. Despite the dairy base, this cream liquor is naturally shelf stable without preservatives. Once opened, you must store it in the refrigerator. Vodkow flavors are also made with upcycled citrus fruits that would otherwise be thrown away.
It’s possible to visit the Dairy Distillery seven days a week to sample Vodkow, purchase themed apparel, or try one of over ten Vodkow cocktails at the bar. Guided tours are available on Saturdays, scheduled every 30 mins.
Vodkow is available for purchase at the distillery and online at the company website. Pricing per bottle starts at $10.90 per 250 ml. You can also purchase lactose-free cream liqueurs made with Vodkow as their base.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Vodkow Distillery, 34 Industrial Dr., Almonte, Ontario, Canada K0A 1A0 (ph 613-256-6136; info@dairydistillery.com; www.dairydistillery.com or www.vodkow.com).
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They Turn Milk Byproduct Into “Vodkow” Spirits LIVESTOCK Dairy 17 The Dairy Distillery in Almonte Ontario started as a way to use up a lactose-rich liquid called milk permeate that’s left behind when cow’s milk is processed into cheese or yogurt Since consumers are shifting away from drinking milk but eating more cheese and yogurt dairy farmers are struggling to find a use for the excess milk permeate Disposing of it can be expensive so it’s typically used as low-value animal feed Distillery founder Omid McDonald was inspired to find a use for this waste product after a visit to his uncle’s dairy farm He partnered with the University of Ottawa to develop a way to transform the permeate into alcohol The team found a natural yeast that converts the lactose into alcohol which is then distilled into a smooth slightly sweet alcohol that’s similar to vodka He built off that success to create a state-of-the-art distillery Today Dairy Distillery produces this milk-based drink along with hand sanitizer and other specialty alcohols Everything is made from fresh Canadian cream delivered to the Distillery daily The Distillery can’t call its final product vodka due to Canadian regulations that require the beverage to be made from a grain or potato Hence the name “Vodkow” The drink offers a creamier mouthfeel and more sweetness than traditional spirits Despite the dairy base this cream liquor is naturally shelf stable without preservatives Once opened you must store it in the refrigerator Vodkow flavors are also made with upcycled citrus fruits that would otherwise be thrown away It’s possible to visit the Dairy Distillery seven days a week to sample Vodkow purchase themed apparel or try one of over ten Vodkow cocktails at the bar Guided tours are available on Saturdays scheduled every 30 mins Vodkow is available for purchase at the distillery and online at the company website Pricing per bottle starts at $10 90 per 250 ml You can also purchase lactose-free cream liqueurs made with Vodkow as their base Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Vodkow Distillery 34 Industrial Dr Almonte Ontario Canada K0A 1A0 ph 613-256-6136; info@dairydistillery com; www dairydistillery com or www vodkow com
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