Short Important Questions
- Define rectification. (1 Mark, 2018)
- Why is vodka filtered from active charcoal? (1 Mark, 2023)
- Mention the features of neutral vodka. (1 Mark, 2025)
- What do you understand by flavored vodka? (1 Mark, 2025)
Long Important Questions
- Briefly explain the making process of vodka and its type. (5 Mark, 2018)
- Define vodka. Explain in detail its manufacturing process. (10 Marks, 2017)
Introduction
The word vodka comes from the Slavic word voda, which means water. Vodka literally means “little water”, referring to its clear, colourless and transparent appearance. Because vodka looks like water and has a very clean taste, it was given this name.
Origin (For General Knowledge)
Vodka originated in Eastern Europe, especially Russia and Poland. In its early days, vodka was first used as a medicinal liquid and tonic rather than a beverage. With the development of better distillation methods, vodka became purer and started being used as a drinking spirit. Today, vodka is produced and consumed all over the world.
| Definition: Vodka is a colourless, odourless and nearly flavourless alcoholic spirit produced by distilling a fermented mash of cereals or starchy materials such as barley, rye, maize, potatoes or sugar beet. It normally contains about 40–43% alcohol by volume and is classified as a neutral spirit. |
Manufacturing Process of Vodka
Vodka is produced by converting starch or sugar from agricultural raw materials into alcohol, then purifying it to make a neutral, clean spirit. The process involves mashing, fermentation, distillation, filtration, and dilution.
- Selection of Raw Materials
Vodka can be made from any agricultural product containing starch or sugar.
Common raw materials:- Grains – wheat, rye, corn, barley
- Potatoes
- Sugar beet, molasses, Olives, Rice
Different raw materials affect the texture and mouthfeel of vodka.
- Mashing
The raw materials contain starch which must be converted into sugar.
Steps:- Grains are crushed or potatoes are cooked
- Mixed with water and heat
- Enzymes convert starch into simple sugar
This creates a sweet liquid called mash.
- Fermentation
Fermentation is the stage where sugar is converted into alcohol.
After mashing, the raw materials (grains, potatoes, or other sources) have been changed into a sweet liquid called mash. This mash is then cooled and transferred to large fermentation tanks.
Steps:
Fermentation usually lasts for about 2 to 5 days. During this time, yeast converts the sugars present in the mash into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The liquid produced after fermentation is known as the wash, and it normally contains around 6 to 10 % alcohol by volume (ABV).
- Distillation
After fermentation, the wash is sent for distillation.
In vodka production, this is usually done in continuous (column) stills, which allow the spirit to be distilled many times in one process.
The wash is heated so that alcohol vapours rise and separate from water and unwanted impurities. As the vapours move through the columns, they are repeatedly condensed and re-evaporated, which increases purity.
By the end of this stage, a very strong and clean spirit called raw spirit is produced, with an alcohol strength of about 95–96% ABV. - Rectification
Rectification is the stage where the vodka is purified even further after distillation. The high-strength raw spirit is passed through a series of rectifying columns (special column stills) that separate and remove unwanted compounds such as fusel oils, acids, and harsh flavours. Each column refines the spirit more, making it lighter, cleaner, and more neutral in taste. By the end of rectification, the spirit becomes extremely pure, usually above 96% alcohol, which is ideal for producing smooth and flavourless vodka. - Dilution (Demineralization)
After rectification, the spirit is far too strong to drink, so it is diluted with high-quality, purified water to bring it down to bottling strength (usually around 40% ABV).
The water used is often demineralized or specially treated so that no unwanted minerals affect the taste. Since water makes up more than half of the final vodka, this step plays a major role in giving vodka its smooth, soft mouthfeel. - Filtration
Before bottling, vodka is passed through filtration systems to remove any remaining impurities and tiny particles. The most common method is activated charcoal filtration, where the spirit flows through charcoal that traps unwanted compounds responsible for harshness or bitterness. Some producers may also use cellulose or fabric filters to make the vodka crystal clear. This final purification step ensures the vodka is clean, smooth, and neutral in taste. - Bottling and Labelling
Once filtration is complete, the vodka is bottled at its final strength, usually around 40% ABV. Unlike whiskey, vodka does not require aging, so it can be filled into bottles immediately after dilution and filtration.
Types of Vodka
Vodka is broadly classified into Neutral (Unflavored) Vodka and Flavored Vodka.
- Neutral Vodka
Neutral vodka is a clear, high-strength spirit distilled to remove most flavors, aromas, and color from its base ingredients, producing a clean, pure ethanol-and-water spirit.
It is made from grains (wheat, rye, corn) or potatoes. Grains give a light, smooth vodka, while potatoes produce a creamy, heavier texture.
Neutral vodka is distilled multiple times in column stills to remove impurities, and it is filtered through activated charcoal or other filtration materials such as quartz/silica, silver, platinum, or cellulose filters. Even though it is called neutral, subtle differences in water, base ingredient, and filtration create unique mouthfeel and finish.
Alcohol Content:
Must be at least 37.5% ABV (EU) or 40% ABV (US).
- Flavoured Vodka
Flavored vodka is a neutral or standard vodka that has been intentionally infused or blended with fruits, herbs, spices, or other flavorings to give it a distinct taste and aroma.
Methods of Flavouring:- Maceration (Infusion): This traditional method involves soaking natural ingredients like fruits, herbs, or spices in the vodka for several days or weeks. The process allows the spirit to absorb the flavors and often imparts a subtle color tint, resulting in a rich, authentic, and complex taste.
- Redistillation: In this method, neutral vodka is distilled again with added botanicals or fruits. The flavors from these ingredients are gently infused into the spirit, creating a smooth and well-integrated taste without changing its clear color.
Examples of botanicals: juniper, citrus peel, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon. - Compounding (Cold Mixing):This method adds natural or artificial flavor extracts directly into neutral vodka, often along with sugar, to create a flavored spirit.
This method is commonly used for commercial flavored vodkas, particularly dessert-style or confectionary flavors such as marshmallow, vanilla, or whipped cream.
Service of Vodka
- Glasses should be pre-chilled or frosted to maintain the ideal serving temperature.
- Standard Measure: The standard measure for whisky is 30ml (Single) or 60ml (Double).
- Glassware
- Shot Glass / Zakouski Glass – for neat service.
- Old-Fashioned (Rocks) Glass – for serving vodka on the rocks.
- Martini / Coupe Glass – for cocktails like Vodka Martini.
- Accompaniments
- Ice cubes, soda, tonic, or bitters.
- Garnish with lemon or lime as preferred.
- Common Ways of Serving Vodka
- Neat (Straight): Served chilled in a shot glass or small glass, traditionally accompanied by food such as pickles, salted meats, or caviar.
- On the Rocks: Served over large ice cubes, optionally with a twist of lemon or lime peel to add aroma.
- Vodka Martini: Stirred or shaken with a hint of dry vermouth; served in a chilled martini/coupe glass with an olive or lemon twist
Popular Brands of Vodka
| Neutral Vodka Brands | Flavoured Vodka Brands |
|---|---|
| Smirnoff (Russia/USA) | Żubrówka (Poland) |
| Chopin (Poland) | Absolut Citron / Mandrin / Raspberri (Sweden) |
| Belvedere (Poland) | Stolichnaya Vanilla / Peach / Coffee (Russia) |
| Tito’s Handmade (USA) | Cîroc Red Berry / Coconut (France) |
| Grey Goose (France) | Ketel One Botanicals (Netherlands) |
| Skyy (USA) | – |
Nepalese Vodka Brand Names: Ruslan Vodka, 8848 Vodka, Nude Superior Vodka, Yeti Vodka, Seto Bagh Vodka, 1768 Vodka, Highlander Vodka, Shikhar Vodka, Silver Oak, Polska Vodka