Our Vodka Range

Vodka, the crystal-clear 'water' without added flavors, is one of the world's most popular spirits with a minimum of 37.5% alcohol by volume. Originating from the Slavic region, this high-proof drink is now distilled worldwide, offering a wide variety of options. Whether served ice-cold neat, flavored, or as a base for cocktails, good vodka with its smooth, almost neutral taste is a special delight.

Slavic 'water' with centuries-old tradition

The history of vodka dates back to the 15th century. To this day, it remains uncertain whether the first vodka was distilled in Russia or Poland. What is certain is that the invention of this spirit is attributed to a surplus of grains in both regions. While Russia had to process large quantities of wheat, Poland had an abundance of rye. The first written mention of Polish vodka dates back to 1405 in Sandomierz, Kingdom of Poland.

Until the 19th century, grains were the sole raw material for vodka production. After that, the imported potato gained significance as a base for vodka production in Eastern Europe. From Poland and Russia, vodka made its triumphal journey to Ukraine, Finland, and Sweden. The Korn distilled in Northern Germany can hardly conceal its relation to vodka.

The Russian Communist vodka ban led to many vodka manufacturers emigrating between 1917 and 1925, spreading the art of producing the Slavic national spirit in Western Europe and North America. In the 1950s, vodka became an indispensable part of cocktails worldwide.

Rye, potatoes, or grapes: Raw materials for vodka production

The raw materials for vodka production are grains, potatoes, or molasses. While rye and potatoes are predominantly used in the Slavic region, Finnish vodka producers often opt for wheat. Rye-based vodka is mild and smooth with a slightly sweet note. Potato-based vodka, on the other hand, is heavier and more robust, with a sweet nuance in the finish.

In South Africa, Brazil, and the United States, molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, is used as a cost-effective raw material for vodka production. Molasses imparts a recognizable sweetness to the spirit.

In recent years, French vodka made from selected Chardonnay grapes has gained popularity. In Asia, vodka is distilled from soy, rice, and corn. These spirits can only be called vodka if they are distilled using traditional vodka methods, and the raw materials must be listed on the label.

It's all about the water: Basics of vodka production

Since vodka consists of 60% water, the quality of water is crucial. Vodka manufacturers prefer very soft water, often sourced from their own wells and springs. The rule is: the softer the water, the faster and more thorough the raw materials are cooked. Minerals and salts hinder this process.

In recent years, water for vodka production has been obtained from glaciers off the coast of Newfoundland. This water is millennia-old precipitation that has never come into contact with fertilizers.

Regarding raw materials, vodka and whiskey are related. The significant difference lies in the production process. Vodka relies on the quality of the water used for distillation. The distinctive character of whiskey comes from aging in barrels.

To distill vodka, the crushed raw materials are mixed with water and heated. At temperatures between 150 and 160 degrees Celsius, the starch present in the base materials is converted into sugar. This results in the so-called wort, a viscous and sweet liquid. Using yeast, it is fermented for three to five days at a temperature between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, creating a thick mash with an alcohol content of six to ten percent by volume.

The actual vodka distillation still follows a traditional method from the 19th century, using Dorn and Pistorius distillation apparatus. This involves a horizontal column divided into two segments, the analyzer and the rectifier. The analyzer is fed from below with hot steam and from above with the mash. The mash heats up during the downward movement, and the alcohol in it vaporizes. It is then directed into the heated rectifier and purified.

A final filtration with charcoal granules from beech, oak, or birch removes unwanted aromatic substances and achieves a very high degree of purity. Per liter of vodka, 30 milligrams of foreign substances are allowed, while for Cognac or whiskey, it is 2,600 milligrams.

Blending dilutes the vodka to a consumption strength, traditionally an alcohol content of 40% by volume.

The European Vodka Dispute

In 2007, a bitter dispute erupted in the European Union over the high-proof 'water.' Slavic and Scandinavian countries insisted that the term vodka should only be used for spirits made from grains or potatoes and demanded purity requirements for the drink.

The dispute was settled with an EU regulation in January 2008, which sets the following requirements for spirits labeled as vodka:

- Made from ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin

- Obtained through fermentation with yeast

- Minimum alcohol content of 37.5% by volume

- Flavoring only allowed with natural flavors originally contained in the raw materials

- Vodka distilled from other raw materials than grains or potatoes must be labeled accordingly

Vodka, deliciously flavored & the diversity of its distilleries and varieties

Flavored vodka has a long tradition in Poland and Russia. Besides berries, spices, herbs, and fruits, grasses are also used for flavoring. Polish Zubrowka is famous, distilled from robust rye and known for its strong, distinctive character. It has been captivating connoisseurs for 600 years. Zubrowka is refined with typical bison grass and other herbs.

Premium vodka stands out for its exceptionally high quality, primarily intended for pure enjoyment. The French label Grey Goose has recently made a name for itself with particularly noble drops. The vodka of this brand is distilled from the best grain varieties and spring water filtered through limestone from the Cognac region. Its elegant wheat note is rounded off by a sweet note reminiscent of almond pastry.

The triple-distilled EIKO Vodka from the Japanese island of Hokkaido impresses with licorice and sugar aromas and long-lasting freshness.

The exquisitely smooth Ciroc Vodka is distilled from noble grapes from the French Gailiac region five times.

The Ukrainian luxury vodka from the Lvivska traditional distillery in the Carpathians is distilled from rye and wheat. The noble drop significantly falls below the prescribed limit for foreign substances.

Beluga Vodka combines the clear, ice-cold purity of the Siberian expanses. The small Siberian distillery Mariinsky distills the finest wheat with exceptionally soft water from the region. Much is done by hand to ensure the exclusive quality of the vodka.

The Polish top brand Belvedere is said to have fascinated James Bond, alias 007. It is one of the most renowned names in the premium vodka sector.

American Skyy Vodka possesses a considerable dose of Russian fire. It is distilled from high-quality American wheat varieties and quadruple-distilled with crystal-clear spring water. Triple filtration frees the drink from all particles that can cause headaches or the dreaded 'hangover.'.

Russian vodka from the Smirnoff dynasty is among the most popular spirits worldwide. Nowadays, the production of Smirnoff vodka is no longer exclusive to Russians. Smirnoff is also distilled in the United Kingdom and the United States.

The almost flavor-neutral spirit is suitable for both pure enjoyment and the creation of cocktails and mixed drinks. In addition to traditional vodka, the brand also offers flavored variants. Smirnoff Ice is a mixed drink with a citrus flavor and reduced alcohol content.

Storage of Vodka

It is recommended to store vodka bottles upright. Unlike wine, prolonged contact of the beverage with the bottle closure should be avoided. Alcohol could corrode the materials of the cap, potentially causing the bottle to leak.

During storage, the bottle should always be tightly sealed to preserve the taste of the spirit.

By the way, did you know that the most expensive vodka bottle is worth 1.3 million euros? It is made of white and yellow gold, and its closure is adorned with the double-headed eagle of the Russian Tsars. The bottle fell victim to theft but was later recovered without its contents.