Vodka; How it is Produced

With any starch or sugar rich plant, you can distill vodka. Most today is produced from sorghum, corn, rye, or wheat which are grain-type plants. The better vodkas normally are distilled from grain rye and wheat. Alongside with these high-end grain product vodkas are some lower end distilling plant matter such as potatoes, molasses, soybean, grapes, and sometimes even by-products of refining oil; yes, oil. Russia and Poland are the most well-known districts for production of vodka; these areas like to ferment a mixture of sugar and yeast. The European Union (EU) has been talking about standardizing the production of vodka. They are trying to make vodka specialty product like Scotch. They are attempting to distinguish that "Vodka Belt" country's which produce vodka from grains, potatoes, and sugar beets should be the only ones allowed to brand their product as "vodka".

Vodka produced in the United States and Europe like to add many levels of filtration in addition to normal production processes. As well, many companies have been experimenting with different flavours. Some filtration is done during the distillation process, as well as some filtration is done afterwards. Charcoal is used in the filtration processes because laws in the United States and Europe require vodka to not have any distinct smell, colour, or flavour. Older and more traditional vodka distillers tend to use a more accurate distillation process which uses a minimal amount of filtering. This preserves normal and unique flavours of the vodka they produce.

The person in charge of distilling vodka is called the Stillmaster. This is a very complicated position which requires years of experience to perfect. Some Stillmasters have their own unique character which they put into the vodka; like unique flavours. Depending of their method and technique of distillation, final results can have as much as 96% ethanol. It is because of this that most vodkas are diluted with water before they are sold to the end consumer. The water which is added gives each vodka a distinct flavour as well, which adds to the reason why some vodkas are worth more than others. Where this water comes from, and how many distillations the vodka goes through make the vodka worth more or less. The most well-known vodka in North America which gives the best bang for your buck is SKYY vodka which has won the first Blue Chip award for best spirits. It is close in price to Smirnoff or Absolut vodka.
Sources:
Alexander Stubb, The European Vodka Wars, a December 2006 Blue Wings article
"EU Farm Chief Warns of Legal Action in Vodka Row", a 25/10/2006 Reuters article
Distilled Water, With A Kick, Robert Hess