How is vodka made ?

Vodka is produced from raw materials rich in starch or fermentable sugars. It is typically made from grains such as wheat or rye but can also be produced using potatoes, sugar beet, or grapes.

In the case of raw materials containing complex sugars like starch, the grains are ground and then mixed with hot water to convert the starch into fermentable sugars. Specific yeasts are then added to initiate fermentation, a process lasting between 2 and 5 days, producing a mash with about 6 to 8% alcohol by volume.

Distillation increases the alcohol concentration and produces the distillate. By law, all vodka must be distilled to a minimum of 96% alcohol, ensuring alcohol neutrality. Only one type of still can achieve this very high level: the distillation column.

These columns consist of trays that allow for the rectification and purification of the alcohol. The more trays a column has, the greater the level of rectification.

After distillation, vodka is filtered to remove impurities and soften its texture. Activated charcoal filtration is the most common method, but some distilleries use more specialized techniques such as quartz filtration.

Before bottling, vodka is diluted with pure water to reach an alcohol content above 37.5%. The source of the water used can impact the final quality of the product. Since vodka is neutral, water quality is essential: soft water (low in minerals) helps maintain purity, whereas hard water (rich in potassium and magnesium) will significantly influence the final result.

Some distilleries stand out for their expertise and heritage in vodka production:

• Chopin Vodka (Poland): Founded in 1992, Chopin continues the tradition of potato vodka. It also offers wheat- and rye-based versions.
• Cîroc Vodka (France): Unlike traditional vodkas, Cîroc is made from white grapes. Distilled five times in copper stills, it is prized for its smoothness and finesse.
• Grey Goose (France): Produced in Charente, this premium vodka is made from winter wheat and spring water from Gensac. It is known for its meticulous production process, including five-stage distillation.
• Belvedere Vodka (Poland): Made from Dankowskie rye, this Polish vodka follows ancestral production methods. Distilled four times, it contains no additives.
• Russian Standard (Russia): Founded in 1998, this brand draws inspiration from the work of chemist Dmitri Mendeleev, who defined the ideal water-to-alcohol ratio. It is produced from Russian winter wheat and water sourced from Lake Ladoga.

La Maison du Whisky has three boutiques in Paris:

• 20 rue d'Anjou, 75008 Paris
• 6 carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006 Paris
• 11 rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris

In each of these boutiques, you'll find a wide selection of whiskies, rums, sakes, and other fine spirits.

Follow our tasting calendar for upcoming events, or visit the Golden Promise Whisky Bar, which offers an extensive selection of whiskies and other spirits by the glass.