Vodka

Vodka can be made anywhere in the world. It can also be made from any
raw material. What makes a spirit a vodka is distillation strength.

1 Processing Raw Materials

Although any raw material can be used to make vodka, there are some raw
materials that are commonly associated with premium quality vodka. They are
grains (in particular barley, wheat and rye) and potatoes.

2 Fermentation
Once a sugary liquid has been made, fermentation takes place.

3 Distillation
Vodka must be distilled to a strength of at least 95% abv or 96% abv. The strength
depends on the law in the country where it is being produced. This strength of
spirit can only be achieved using a column still, although some producers use pot
stills during part of the production process. At this strength a spirit has virtually no
flavour and it is correctly described as neutral.

raising the abv with multiple distillation

Pot Stills Column Stills

●● One distillation happens after ● Distillations happen at the same
another. time, one on top of the other.
●● The process is very laborious. ● Clever engineering allows vapours
●● High-strength neutral to rise up the still, heating the
spirits cannot be made, distillation above and liquid to run
no matter how many down the still.
pot still distillations ● It can quickly produce a spirit in
are used. one go.
Note: Some column stills produce
lower-strength, intensely flavoured
spirits. They can also be used to make
neutral spirits.

Stacking distillations means a spirit

can be produced quickly.

= alcohol
= water
4 After Distillation
These spirits are unaged and reduced to bottling strength, typically 40% abv.

Focus on Processes After Distillation

Unaged
All spirits are completely colourless when they flow out of the condenser. In order
to preserve this characteristic, as well as the flavours of the freshly distilled spirit,
producers store their spirits in stainless steel tanks.

Dilution
The vast majority of spirits are diluted with water and sold at 40% abv. The main
reason is to make the spirits drinkable. Very high levels of alcohol numb the
palate, making it impossible to taste or enjoy a spirit. The dilution is the last thing
that is done prior to bottling and involves adding completely pure water to the
spirit. This process does not add any flavour.

Styles of Vodka
Neutral Vodka
Most vodka is made to be as neutral as possible. It is this neutrality that has made
vodka such a popular and versatile ingredient for mixed drinks and cocktails.

Vodka with Some Character

Some vodkas retain a little character. The flavours are still very light compared
with those of whisky or brandy. These vodkas are still correctly described as
neutral but some hints of the raw material will show on the nose and the palate.

Inside a Column Still

Column stills can be run continuously.

The top plate has the There is a constant

liquid with the highest flow of spirit off the
abv. This can be as still.
high as 95–96% abv.
if there are enough
plates.

The bottom plate has Hot alcoholic vapour

the liquid with the continuously enters
lowest abv. the still.