Absolut Vodka, a renowned brand with over 400 years of tradition, is made exclusively from grain. This choice of using grain as the primary ingredient has been proven to produce the best and purest vodka possible. The distillation process used by Absolut Vodka is unique and carefully designed to retain the smooth grain character while ensuring an extremely low presence of unwanted by-products.
The journey of making Absolut Vodka starts with carefully selected grains, such as winter wheat, which is known for its high starch content. These grains are sourced from various farms in the surrounding regions, ensuring the highest quality and consistency. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to visit some of these farms and witness the attention to detail that goes into growing and harvesting the grains. It is truly fascinating to see how the quality of the raw ingredients directly impacts the final product.
Once the grains have been harvested, they are transported to the Absolut Vodka distillery. Here, they undergo a meticulous process to extract the starch and convert it into fermentable sugars. The grains are ground into a fine flour-like consistency, which maximizes the surface area and allows for efficient enzymatic conversion. This step is crucial in breaking down the complex starches into simpler sugars that can be fermented.
Next, the converted grains are mixed with water to create a mash. This mixture is heated to activate the enzymes that further break down the starches into fermentable sugars. It is during this process that the magic of fermentation begins. As a brewer, I can attest to the transformative power of yeast in converting sugars into alcohol. In the case of Absolut Vodka, a specific strain of yeast is carefully selected to ensure a consistent and predictable fermentation process.
The fermentation takes place in large stainless steel tanks, where the yeast consumes the sugars and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide as by-products. This process can take several days, and it is closely monitored to ensure optimal conditions for the yeast. The result is a liquid known as “wash” or “beer,” which has an alcohol content similar to that of beer or wine.
After fermentation, the wash undergoes a careful distillation process. Distillation is the heart of vodka production and plays a significant role in shaping the final character of the spirit. Absolut Vodka utilizes a continuous distillation method, where the wash is continuously fed into a column still. This type of distillation allows for greater control over the separation of alcohol from impurities, resulting in a smoother and purer vodka.
During distillation, the wash is heated, and the alcohol vapor rises through the column still. As it ascends, the vapor encounters various stages and plates, which remove impurities and concentrate the alcohol. The process is repeated several times to further refine the spirit and achieve the desired level of purity. The result is a high-strength spirit known as “rectified spirit.”
To make Absolut Vodka, the rectified spirit undergoes another round of distillation. This time, the focus is on creating a vodka that retains the unique grain character while minimizing any unwanted flavors or aromas. The spirit is carefully distilled multiple times using a combination of column and pot stills. This blend of distillation techniques allows for precise control over the flavor profile, ensuring a consistently smooth and clean vodka.
Once the distillation process is complete, the vodka is brought to its final proof by diluting it with pure, filtered water. Absolut Vodka takes great care in selecting the water used for this purpose, ensuring that it meets the highest quality standards. The use of pure water further enhances the smoothness and purity of the vodka.
The vodka is meticulously filtered to remove any remaining impurities and achieve the desired clarity. Absolut Vodka employs a unique filtration method that involves passing the vodka through activated carbon filters. This step helps to eliminate any residual flavors or aromas, resulting in a pristine and neutral spirit.
Absolut Vodka's production process is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and tradition. From carefully selecting grains to employing a special distillation and filtration method, every step is taken to ensure the production of the best and purest vodka possible. As a sommelier and brewer, I appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship involved in creating such an exceptional spirit.