vodkamaking

Vodka production is a process that typically begins with a fermentable base material. Common base ingredients include grains such as rye, wheat, and corn, as well as potatoes. In some cases, other substances like sugar beets or even grapes can be used. The chosen base material is mashed and then fermented with yeast, converting its starches into alcohol.

Following fermentation, the resulting liquid undergoes distillation. This process separates the alcohol from the other components of the wash through heating and cooling. Vodka is usually distilled multiple times to achieve a high level of purity, often exceeding 95% alcohol by volume. Some traditional methods involve single distillation, while modern industrial production often employs continuous column stills.

After distillation, the spirit is typically filtered. Common filtering materials include activated charcoal, which helps to remove any remaining impurities and smooth out the flavor profile. Other materials like quartz sand or even diamonds have been used for filtration in certain artisanal vodkas.

The final step is dilution. The highly concentrated spirit is mixed with water, usually purified or demineralized water, to bring it down to its intended bottling strength, which is commonly around 40% alcohol by volume, though this can vary. The resulting clear, neutral spirit is then bottled. The exact process and ingredients can vary significantly depending on the producer and the desired style of vodka.