The basic production of Vodka consists of a number of steps, similar to those used in the production of beer:
Step 1 The first step in the production of vodka is the crushing or mixing of the ingredients and mixing them with water.
Step 2 Subsequently this mixture is heated up, which converts the starch into sugar. The resultant liquid, which is thickish and sweet is called the wort.
Step 3 Yeast is then added to this liquid which then goes through a fermentation process and results in a further liquid, which possesses the unremarkable name of wash.
Step 4 The wash is then converted into raw spirit by distillation. Through repeated distillation of the spirit, the impurities in the liquid are decreased and the alcoholic level is raised.
But it is important to note the following difference in production for traditional vodka producing nations such as Poland.
Filtration
A common property of vodkas produced in the United States and Europe is the extensive use of filtration prior to any additional processing, such as the addition of flavourants. Filtering is sometimes done in the still during distillation, as well as afterwards, where the distilled vodka is filtered through charcoal and other media. This is because under U.S. and European law vodka must not have any distinctive aroma, character, colour or flavour. However, this is not the case in the traditional vodka producing nations such as Poland, so many distillers from these countries prefer to use very accurate distillation but minimal filtering, thus preserving the unique flavours and characteristics of their products. It means the vodka producer will perform numerous rounds of distillation of “the wash”.
Rectification
Through numerous rounds of distillation, or the use of a fractioning still, the taste of the vodka is improved and its clarity is enhanced. Repeated distillation of vodka will make its alcohol level much higher than is acceptable to most end users. Depending on the distillation method and the technique of the stillmaster, the final filtered and distilled vodka may have as much as 95-96% alcohol. It is then called “Rectified Spirit”. A rectified spirit or rectified alcohol is highly concentrated alcohol which has been purified by means of repeated distillation, a process that is called rectification. The resultant spirit or vodka is then diluted with water prior to bottling. This level of distillation is what truly separates a rye-based vodka (for example) from a rye whisky; while the whisky is generally only distilled down to its final alcohol content, vodka is distilled until it is almost totally pure alcohol and then cut with water to give it its final alcohol content and unique flavour, depending on the source of the water. Again, the quality and purity of the water is of utmost importance in producing the vodka. Not all vodka producers have their own “rectification plant” or wells so their vodka is somewhat at the mercy of whomever they source their rectified spirit and water from. Both Graduate and Soplica are produced by distillers that have their own “rectification” plants and wells thus they can ensure the consistent and finest quality of their vodkas. When you open a bottle of our premium polish vodka Soplica, you will also get the distinct aroma of a true Polish vodka.
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