How do you make Grey Goose?

Answered by Christopher Steppe

Grey Goose is crafted using a meticulous process that ensures only the highest quality ingredients are used. From the selection of the wheat to the bottling of the final product, every step is carefully executed to create a vodka that is smooth, refined, and truly exceptional.

The first step in making Grey Goose is sourcing the finest ingredients. The soft winter wheat used in Grey Goose is grown in the Picardy region of France. This region is known for its fertile soil and ideal climate, which produces wheat with a rich flavor and distinct character. The wheat is harvested at the peak of its maturity to ensure optimal taste and quality.

Once the wheat is harvested, it is transported to the Grey Goose distillery in Gensac, a small village in the region of France. Here, the wheat is carefully milled and mixed with pure spring from the Gensac region. The water used in Grey Goose is sourced from a natural spring that provides pristine, mineral-rich water that enhances the vodka's flavor profile.

The next step in the process is fermentation. The wheat and water mixture, known as the mash, is fermented using a proprietary strain. This yeast converts the sugars in the mash into , creating a liquid known as the “wash.” The fermentation process takes several days and is closely monitored to ensure optimal flavor development.

Once fermentation is complete, the wash is distilled in small batches using a traditional copper pot still. This distillation process allows for precise control over the flavor and character of the vodka. The vodka is distilled multiple times to remove impurities and create a smooth, clean spirit. Each batch of Grey Goose is distilled to a precise alcohol content, ensuring consistency from bottle to bottle.

After distillation, the vodka undergoes a unique filtration process. It is passed through a series of activated carbon filters to remove any remaining impurities and further refine the spirit. This filtration process, known as “le filtration,” is done slowly and meticulously to preserve the vodka's delicate flavors.

Once the filtration is complete, the vodka is blended with pure water to achieve the desired proof. This water is sourced from the same Gensac spring used in the initial mixing of the mash. The blending process is done with great care to ensure the vodka retains its smoothness and balance.

The vodka is bottled in the iconic frosted glass bottles that have become synonymous with Grey Goose. The bottles are sealed and labeled, ready to be enjoyed by vodka enthusiasts around the world.

Grey Goose vodka is made using the finest ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and a commitment to quality. From the selection of the wheat to the final bottling, every step in the process is carefully executed to create a vodka that is truly exceptional. The result is a smooth and refined spirit that has earned its reputation as one of the world's finest vodkas.