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Where can I buy plain (distilled?) vinegar?

  • 25-04-2008 11:30am
    #1
    casper-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 437 ✭✭


    Since moving here from Canada almost 5 years ago, I've seen a bunch of different kind of vinegars at the supermarket: malt, apple cider, red wine, white wine, .... the list is endless.

    But does anyone know where I can get plain, unflavoured vinegar? Basically this stuff: http://www.heinzvinegar.com/vinegars/whitevinegar.aspx

    Help! Please :)


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Alun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,486 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    I'm pretty sure I've seen it in the supermarkets I go to mainly which would be Dunne's and Tesco. It doesn't seem very common though. I've got a big bottle I bought before I moved here, which I mainly use for cleaning purposes (cleaning mirrors and windows!) than cooking.


  • #3
    casper-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 437 ✭✭casper-


    Alun wrote: »
    I'm pretty sure I've seen it in the supermarkets I go to mainly which would be Dunne's and Tesco. It doesn't seem very common though. I've got a big bottle I bought before I moved here, which I mainly use for cleaning purposes (cleaning mirrors and windows!) than cooking.

    Yeah, we use it for cleaning at home too :) But it's also just what I consider plain, basic vinegar and useful for a vinaigrette base.

    Haven't seen it in Tesco at Clare Hall or Artane Castle; maybe I should try Dunne's.


  • #4
    The Hill Billy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,797 ✭✭✭✭The Hill Billy


    It is widely available in any supermarkets that I'd go to (SuperValu, Dunne's, etc.). Sarson's is probably the most common brand.


  • #5
    casper-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 437 ✭✭casper-


    Hill Billy wrote: »
    It is widely available in any supermarkets that I'd go to (SuperValu, Dunne's, etc.). Sarson's is probably the most common brand.

    Saron's, eh? Ok I will definitely check this weekend :) Thanks!

    Btw, is it with all the 'other' vinegars or somewhere strange?


  • #6
    Alun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,486 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    casper- wrote: »
    Btw, is it with all the 'other' vinegars or somewhere strange?
    Yes, usually with the other vinegars.


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  • #7
    bonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    AFAIK, Sarson's is a distiilled malt vinegar, which (if memory serves) isn't quite the same as so-called 'white' vinegar.

    I could be completely wrong, though.


  • #8
    Alun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,486 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    bonkey wrote: »
    AFAIK, Sarson's is a distiilled malt vinegar, which (if memory serves) isn't quite the same as so-called 'white' vinegar.

    I could be completely wrong, though.
    You are :D They do both ...

    http://www.premierfoods.co.uk/our-brands/sarsons_home.cfm

    The distilled / white variety is the norm in Scottish fish and chip shops, so I guess they're catering for that market primarily.


  • #9
    The Hill Billy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,797 ✭✭✭✭The Hill Billy


    bonkey wrote: »
    AFAIK, Sarson's is a distiilled malt vinegar, which (if memory serves) isn't quite the same as so-called 'white' vinegar.

    I could be completely wrong, though.
    Sarson's do both. The distilled variety usually comes in a larger bottle without a 'pourer', clear glass bottle with a blue label. Available in the tear-drop bottle too (see below).

    brand_pic_sarsons.jpg


  • #10
    bonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    The pic is if malt vinegar (on the left) and what I think is distilled malt vinegar (on the right).

    White vinegar is something different again....but if what you're saying is correct, then they do that too, as a third offering?


  • #11
    The Hill Billy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,797 ✭✭✭✭The Hill Billy


    The OP asked about "plain, unflavoured" vinegar, which is what distilled malt vinegar is. What is the difference between that & "white vinegar"?


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  • #12
    Alun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,486 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    As far as I know, malt vinegar and distilled/white vinegar are two totally different things made using two totally diferent processes. I can't imagine what "distilled malt vinegar" might be other than distilled vinegar with malt and/or colourings added to mimic true malt vinegar.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar#White

    EDIT: Maybe "distilled malt vinegar" is the "non-brewed condiment" referred to in the above article?


  • #13
    The Hill Billy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,797 ✭✭✭✭The Hill Billy


    OP - Try the 'colourless' Sarson's Vinegar & see if it anything like the vinegar you had back home.


  • #14
    bonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    As I understand it...

    Distilled malt vinegar is exactly what it says. Its a distillate of malt vinegar (i.e. malt vinegar, which has then been distilled). The distillation process removes the colouring and changes the flavour (removes some of it, to be honest) . It is, therefore, a distillate of malt vinegar.

    White vinegar is typically a distillate of ethyl alcohol. with water added. The ethyl alcohol in turn is typically made from corn or unmalted grain. It is, to a certain extent, little more than dilute acetic acid. It is, quite literally, the cheapest of the cheap.

    As I said, though, I could be completely wrong.


  • #15
    casper-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 437 ✭✭casper-


    Ok, just so we're all on the same page :)

    distilled malt vinegar != white (plain, distilled) vinegar

    Hill Billy's picture is malt vinegar and distilled malt vinegar.

    Alun: are you sure that the distilled vinegar listed here (http://www.premierfoods.co.uk/our-brands/sarsons_home.cfm) is not distilled malt vinegar? :)


  • #16
    casper-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 437 ✭✭casper-


    bonkey wrote: »
    As I understand it...

    Distilled malt vinegar is exactly what it says. Its a distillate of malt vinegar (i.e. malt vinegar, which has then been distilled). The distillation process removes the colouring and changes the flavour (removes some of it, to be honest) . It is, therefore, a distillate of malt vinegar.

    White vinegar is typically a distillate of ethyl alcohol. with water added. The ethyl alcohol in turn is typically made from corn or unmalted grain. It is, to a certain extent, little more than dilute acetic acid. It is, quite literally, the cheapest of the cheap.

    As I said, though, I could be completely wrong.

    Yes - it's definitely cheap. But it's one of those things that when you acquire the taste for it as a child, it's hard to let go of. And unfortunately distilled malt vinegar doesn't taste (or smell) like 'white' vinegar.


  • #17
    Alun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,486 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    casper- wrote: »
    Ok, just so we're all on the same page :)

    distilled malt vinegar != white (plain, distilled) vinegar

    Hill Billy's picture is malt vinegar and distilled malt vinegar.

    Alun: are you sure that the distilled vinegar listed here (http://www.premierfoods.co.uk/our-brands/sarsons_home.cfm) is not distilled malt vinegar? :)

    You know, I'm actually not sure any more :D

    It's all a bit confusing. I have to confess I always believed that white vinegar was always the "industrial" variety created by the process described in the wiki article, but it would appear I was wrong.

    The white vinegar I have is definitely of this variety, and I bought it in Holland when I lived there. IIRC I bought it from the household cleaners section not the food one, so there's no way I'd use it as a foodstuff.

    So, what's the difference between unadulterated malt vinegar and the distilled stuff, apart from the colour? I've never tasted it myself .. if I make a bog standard vinaigrette I always use white wine vinegar.


  • #18
    bonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    Alun wrote: »
    So, what's the difference between unadulterated malt vinegar and the distilled stuff, apart from the colour?
    I find the distilled one to be slightly sharper, and to have a less "round" flavour. I guess you could say its less malty, but not entirely "malty-less".
    I've never tasted it myself .. if I make a bog standard vinaigrette I always use white wine vinegar.
    I use (undistilled) malt vinegar on chips....if my wife will share with me. She's a fiend for the stuff.

    I used to use the distilled stuff for some dishes, mostly because its the taste I originally acquired, but mostly now I don't use it at all.


  • #19
    Mellor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39,599 ✭✭✭✭Mellor


    White vinegar isn't common here at all,

    The confusion in the earlier posts didn't really help.
    In fact the title didn't help, the op asked for white (distilled) vinegar, they are two different things, made from maize and barley respectively


    Malt is best imo anyway, although I never have white (as in actualt white, not distilled)


  • #20
    casper-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 437 ✭✭casper-


    Mellor wrote: »
    White vinegar isn't common here at all,

    The confusion in the earlier posts didn't really help.
    In fact the title didn't help, the op asked for white (distilled) vinegar, they are two different things, made from maize and barley respectively


    Malt is best imo anyway, although I never have white (as in actualt white, not distilled)

    I apologise for the confusion. I thought that what we called white (or white distilled) vinegar might just be called 'distilled' vinegar here. Again, I'll have to point you to the reference material for this stuff:

    http://www.heinzvinegar.com/vinegars/whitevinegar.aspx

    It's called white distilled vinegar. You are (I believe) still talking about malt and distilled malt vinegar.


  • #21
    Alun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,486 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    Who would've thought that something as simple as vinegar could be so complicated, eh?

    BTW I love the bit on that site about " ... made from sun-ripened grain and crystal clear water" ... are there any other kinds of grain? and who would want it if it was made from muddy ditch water?


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  • #22
    bonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    Alun wrote: »
    BTW I love the bit on that site about " ... made from sun-ripened grain and crystal clear water" ... are there any other kinds of grain? and who would want it if it was made from muddy ditch water?

    Ironically, I believe its mostly made from corn, which is generally considered to be distinct from grain !


  • #23
    WindSock
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,239 ✭✭✭✭WindSock


    I'm confused reading this thread, but I have chef brand distilled malt vinegar in my cupboard to use on chipper chips when the chipper vinegar has evaporated. I got it in superquinns and it's clear.


  • #24
    rockbeer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,422 ✭✭✭rockbeer


    Alun wrote: »
    Who would've thought that something as simple as vinegar could be so complicated, eh?

    And that's without even starting on balsamic. Or kombucha. Or cane vinegar... In fact vinegar clearly deserves its own forum :)


  • #25
    TequilaMockingBird
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,392 ✭✭✭TequilaMockingBird


    This complex subject has been covered over in the Sligo Forum!

    Explanations and sources can be found in this link:

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055240778&highlight=vinegar+canada&page=2


  • #26
    casper-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 437 ✭✭casper-


    WindSock wrote: »
    I'm confused reading this thread, but I have chef brand distilled malt vinegar in my cupboard to use on chipper chips when the chipper vinegar has evaporated. I got it in superquinns and it's clear.

    Unfortunately it's still malt even though it's clear. I actually checked the Sarson's brand today and it's distilled malt vinegar too.


  • #27
    casper-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 437 ✭✭casper-


    sueme wrote: »
    This complex subject has been covered over in the Sligo Forum!

    Explanations and sources can be found in this link:

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055240778&highlight=vinegar+canada&page=2

    I'm going to have to message Xiney -- I had the exact same problem finding proper pickles! Thanks for the link :)


  • #28
    Minder
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,774 ✭✭✭Minder


    OP - The vinegar you listed is a spirit vinegar, one difference from malt vinegars is that it contains a small amount of alcohol. Difficult to find any brand, but there is a brand called Safari, you may find in a South African speciality shop. Jabula.ie is an online seller that stock it. Stocklist here but you may be better off getting it in a shop first, just to make sure it is the same product.


  • #29
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,382 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    "malt" refers to grains that have been turned into sugar, ready to be brewed. If you have grains they go through a malting process, turning starch into sugar. Then the sugar is fermented, making alcohol. The the alcohol is made into vinegar, you can buy "mother of vinegar" to turn alcohol into vinegar.

    The "malt" bit really is distinguishing the vinegar as being one made from grain, corn (maize), barley, rye, wheat etc. It could just as easily be called grain vinegar, like some vodkas might be referred to as a "grain spirit". It distinguished it from wine or cider vinegars.

    Grain is a very cheap way to make alcohol, so I would expect most distilled vinegar is made from grains, and hence can be called malt vinegar. You could also get "white vinegar" made from wine, cider, anything really, if you made rhubarb wine it can be turned into white vinegar.

    I have never seen undistilled vinegar on sale in supermarkets. Some chippers make their own vinegars, which can be undistilled. Some will blend their brewed vinegar with distilled vinegars.

    Most brown vinegars in supermarkets will be distilled white vinegar with colour added, and maybe some unfermented malt to sweeten and colour it. This is similar to what white & brown rum are, unfermented molasses is added back to the distilled white rum to produce brown rum. "Proper" brown vinegar would get its colour from being aged, just like whiskey, distilled whiskey is a clear liquid.

    Some asian shops can sell acetic acid cheap enough. But IME clear distilled vinegar made from malted grains is very common.


  • #30
    AmberWaives
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20 ✭AmberWaives


    Bump...

    Has anyone been able to find ordinary plain "white distilled vinegar" in Ireland like the OP described? :confused:

    http://www.vinegartips.com/ <-- this stuff

    I have been looking for it for months and whenever I ask in the shops I get a strange look.

    Thank you


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  • #31
    casper-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 437 ✭✭casper-


    Any polish / eastern european shop should do. Look for 'ocet' on the label. Note that it is probably 10% instead of the regular 5% so you will need to cut it with water.


  • #32
    AmberWaives
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20 ✭AmberWaives


    Cheers, Casper.


  • #33
    gnu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 349 ✭✭gnu


    Hi,

    I came across this thread when i was looking for info on where to buy white vinegar in bulk.

    For those in Dublin, I tracked down 5 litre bottles for €5 in the Asia Market on Drury St. It's in a section at the back where they keep all sorts of products in bulk.


  • #34
    Seaneh
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 18,300 ✭✭✭✭Seaneh


    so much fuss about crap vinegar, madness.

    I bet you are all looking for it to use as a cleaning product too?

    And you can buy the stuff in most catering suppliers.


  • #35
    Brion
    Registered Users Posts: 35 ✭Brion


    Sorry to bump this but I'm looking for distilled white vinegar (not malt!) and can't find it (tried Tesco and Dunnes but no joy). Anyone know where I can find some?


  • #36
    KindOfIrish
    Registered Users Posts: 454 ✭✭KindOfIrish


    Brion wrote: »
    Sorry to bump this but I'm looking for distilled white vinegar (not malt!) and can't find it (tried Tesco and Dunnes but no joy). Anyone know where I can find some?

    You can find it in any shop selling Eastern European food.


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  • #37
    Speedwell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,809 ✭✭✭Speedwell


    Casper, I'm a Yank and I, too, found plain white vinegar difficult to source. Finally I figured out that I am looking for what is called, over here, "spirit vinegar". Dilute acetic acid could be produced anyhow, but the white vinegar you and I are used to is distilled from vegetable or fruit mash.

    Believe it or not, I found it in an ethnic grocery. In Sligo it happens to be Lituanica, and I'm pretty sure you have one or more in Dublin, but I bet any shop that has Polish/Eastern European/Russian groceries will have it. You're looking for something labeled ACTO, Ocet, or Actas depending on which country it comes from. Cheap too :)

    I found a five-litre jug of it at a store that caters mostly to small foodservice establishments, but it contains a little salt. That's perfectly fine when I'm cooking (usually) or descaling my kettle, but it just goes to show you must read the label.


  • #38
    Wabbit Ears
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,043 ✭✭✭Wabbit Ears


    KindOfIrish wrote:
    You can find it in any shop selling Eastern European food.


    Ocet' is what he is looking for. It's 10% and should be watered down 5 to 1 for standard pickling.


  • #39
    Brion
    Registered Users Posts: 35 ✭Brion


    I'm actually looking to use it in my washing machine. So is Ocet still good to use as is?


  • #40
    Speedwell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,809 ✭✭✭Speedwell


    Brion wrote: »
    I'm actually looking to use it in my washing machine. So is Ocet still good to use as is?

    It should be fine. I checked a bottle that I had in my kitchen and it's just plain vinegar like I would use to clean things with.


  • #41
    StripedBoxers
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,112 ✭✭✭StripedBoxers


    Brion wrote: »
    Sorry to bump this but I'm looking for distilled white vinegar (not malt!) and can't find it (tried Tesco and Dunnes but no joy). Anyone know where I can find some?
    EuroGiant/€2 shops and Dealz sometimes have it it.


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  • #42
    danjo-xx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,393 ✭✭✭danjo-xx


    Tesco have it listed on their website http://www.tesco.ie/groceries/Product/Details/?id=255602393

    446%5C5391509390446%5CIDShot_225x225.jpg

    Chef Vinegar Distilled 284ML €1.19


  • #43
    Speedwell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,809 ✭✭✭Speedwell


    danjo-xx wrote: »
    Tesco have it listed on their website http://www.tesco.ie/groceries/Product/Details/?id=255602393

    446%5C5391509390446%5CIDShot_225x225.jpg

    Chef Vinegar Distilled 284ML €1.19

    That is malt vinegar.


  • #44
    Tree
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 4,726 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tree


    Speedwell wrote: »
    That is malt vinegar.
    Surely any distilled vinegar is good enough, regardless of whether it's derived from malt or wine or whatever?


  • #45
    Speedwell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,809 ✭✭✭Speedwell


    Tree wrote: »
    Surely any distilled vinegar is good enough, regardless of whether it's derived from malt or wine or whatever?

    Nope. Malt vinegar has a certain penetrating odor that spirit vinegar lacks. I mean, they both smell like vinegar, but malt vinegar is... Different. Stronger. More complex.


  • #46
    danjo-xx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,393 ✭✭✭danjo-xx


    I always thought the brown vinegar was Malt vinegar.


  • #47
    Speedwell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,809 ✭✭✭Speedwell


    danjo-xx wrote: »
    I always thought the brown vinegar was Malt vinegar.

    Brown vinegar is either malt or cider vinegar, normally.


  • #48
    Mellor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39,599 ✭✭✭✭Mellor


    danjo-xx wrote: »
    I always thought the brown vinegar was Malt vinegar.

    Brown vinegar is malt vinegar, the above is distilled malt vinegar. ie brown vinegar distilled into white, it retains a very mild malt flavour.
    The white vinegar others are looking for would be plain white vinegar produced from (unmalted) grain or corn.


  • #49
    cooperdunlea
    Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭cooperdunlea


    I basically have the same issue. I can find both clear and brown Malt vinegars in all shopd (Dunnes, Tesco, SuperValu, etc), but I can't find any just White vinegar for putting in the washing machine, etc.
    So...what I want to know is the clear Malt vinegar the same as Distilled White vinegar??
    If not, where can I buy the white vinegar here in Ireland?
    Thanks!


  • #50
    The Hill Billy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,797 ✭✭✭✭The Hill Billy


    I've never had any problem in finding distilled white vinegar in Irish supermarkets. Chef would be a common brand.


  • #51
    evolving_doors
    Closed Accounts Posts: 11,812 ✭✭✭✭evolving_doors


    Did you try Asian supermarkets?


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