Perhaps you already enjoy vodka as your favorite spirit for cocktails, or maybe you’ve seen more varieties of vodka appearing on bar menus and store shelves lately. But have you ever wondered what vodka is made from? To help answer this question, we spoke with Matt Quigley, president and founder of Stateside Vodka and Surfside Iced Tea in Philadelphia.
What Is Vodka?
Vodka is a clear, unaged alcoholic spirit known for its clean and neutral taste. Unlike many other spirits, it has little to no noticeable flavor or aroma, making it a popular choice for cocktails.
What Is Vodka Made From?
Vodka is made by mixing water with diluted ethyl alcohol (ethanol). The ethanol is created by fermenting sugar with the help of yeast. While the production process is similar across brands, the ingredients used to make vodka can vary.
According to Matt Quigley, many traditional “Old World” vodkas from Europe are made with grains such as winter wheat, rye, or potatoes. Today, however, many modern “New World” vodka brands, including Stateside Vodka, use corn as their primary ingredient.
Everything to Know About Vodka Flavor
Vodka is often described as a flavorless liquor, but the ingredient used to make it can still affect its character, texture, and overall drinking experience. Even after distillation and filtration, the base ingredient leaves subtle differences in the finished product.
Quigley explains that wheat and barley usually create vodka with higher acidity and a lighter body. Rye produces a richer and slightly spicier vodka, while potatoes give vodka a fuller body with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
Stateside Vodka uses high-quality American corn, which creates a lighter vodka with a slightly sweeter taste compared to traditional grain-based vodkas.
Water quality and the finishing process also play an important role in the final flavor and texture of vodka. Stateside Vodka uses a custom filtration system that creates a balanced H2O formula containing minerals and electrolytes. The vodka also goes through a unique finishing process that includes carbon filtration, aeration, and freeze filtration to remove impurities and create a smoother finish.
For flavored vodkas, producers may add natural flavorings or botanicals either during the distillation process or after the vodka has been distilled.
What’s the Alcohol Content of Vodka?
In the United States, the standard alcohol content of vodka is 40% Alcohol By Volume (ABV). However, Quigley says some vodkas can contain as much as 46% ABV.
He also points out that alcohol regulations vary from one country to another. Generally, for a spirit to be labeled as vodka, it must be distilled to at least 190 proof (95% alcohol by volume) and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume).
Does Vodka Go Bad?
Vodka does not spoil in the same way that food or wine does, but its quality and strength can slowly decline over time.
Manufacturers recommend drinking unopened bottles within 30 to 50 years after production to enjoy the best flavor and alcohol strength. Once opened, an unflavored bottle of vodka can usually remain stable for 10 to 20 years. After that, oxidation gradually reduces its potency and overall quality.
How to Store Vodka Once Opened
After opening, vodka should be stored in a cool, dark place or at room temperature, as long as it is kept away from direct sunlight.
Some people prefer to keep vodka in the freezer because colder vodka melts ice more slowly, which can reduce dilution in cocktails. However, Quigley says this comes down to personal preference, and either storage method works well if the bottle is properly sealed.
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