Vodka

Many vodkas are made from traditional raw materials, but other producers are keen to experimenting with other raw materials. Grapes, apples & quinoa have been a notable addition in recent years.

Grains – distillers use barley, wheat and rye to make their own vodka. In order to obtain enzymes needed for conversion, distillers can use malted barley or buy enzymes that had been commercially prepared.

Potatoes – In Poland, potatoes are the traditional raw material for vodka. A two-stage process is required in order to convert the starch into sugar.

Distillation

The distillation strength required for vodka is 95% ABV (U.S.A.) AND 96% ABV (EU). This strength can only be achieved using column still. However, some distillers use the pot still to create low wines and complete the second distillation in a column still. This method has no impact on the final flavor of a vodka.

Producers can also buy a neutral spirit and dilute it with water, a vodka made this way can have a slightly rough texture. Therefore, some vodka producers dilute some or all of the spirit with water and runs this mixture through a hybrid still (a pot still that can be linked to a rectifying column). This improves the texture of the vodka, giving it the smoother, silkier desired texture.

Finishing & Dilution

After distillation, some vodka producers will pass their spirit through activated charcoal in order to remove any remaining undesirable congeners. Some other producers will prefer using additives to create the required texture. These additives can be exactly tailored for individual brands.

The final stage in production is dilution. Most vodka is sold 40% ABV, so nearly 60 percent of the liquid in most bottles of vodka is water that has been added after dilution. Distillers cannot afford to use sub-standard water when making this spirit. Even small amounts of impurities in the water could be enough to compromise the neutral aromas and delicate textures of a vodka.

Regions that produces the premium vodka in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia are Russia, Poland, Finland & Sweden. They produce a significant volume of vodka and many of the most highly regarded brands are made in these countries!