Do You Know Where Vodkas Come From?

Vodka is one of the world's most popular spirit drinks. It is considered one of the highest-selling alcoholic beverages in the world with brands like Absolut, Ciroc, and Belvedere topping the list.

However, as much as we love to end the night with a glass of vodka, many still wonder where vodkas come from. Generally, vodkas are distilled from plant-based raw materials rich in sugar and starch. The starch or sugar is boiled to create a mash and yeast is added to it. It is allowed to ferment, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. While the latter evaporates, the resultant liquid is distilled to high-proof alcohol. The high-proof alcohol is further diluted to bottling strength to create vodka.

The question then is, what plants are vodkas made from?

Potato

This is the most popular plant that vodkas are made from. It is primarily used in Poland, Russia, and the rest of the vodka belt of Eastern Europe.

Grapes

French vodka, Ciroc, is one of the most popular vodka brands made from grapes. California's Guild Wineries & Distilleries started the trend back in the late 1970s with a grape-based vodka called Silverado. The vodka soon disappeared due to low sales in the market.

Rye

Rye is another sugar-filled product which vodkas are made from. Popularly used in Poland, they produce organic vodkas. Belvedere is one of the most popular vodkas distilled from rye.

Barley

Barley is maybe popular for being used to brew beer. However, it is also used in the distillation of vodka. Filandia vodka is primarily brewed from barley.

Wheat

Wheat is another primary ingredient used in the distillation of vodka. Brands like Absolut, Grey Goose, and Svedka are brewed from the grassy plant.

Corn

Corn is rich in sugar and starch and makes for a good vodka raw material. Well-known American vodkas like Tito are 100% distilled from corn.

Rice

The use of rice in the distillation of vodka is popular in Asia. Rice comes in handy also in the distillation of whiskey for the people of the Orient.

Grains

Wheat, rye, corn, and sorghum are common ingredients of grain-based vodka. Vodka companies do not necessarily specify which particular grain goes into the distillation of their brands. UK's Smirnoff vodka is one of the most popular grain-based vodkas.

*In some cases, there is a combination of more than one plant in the distillation of certain vodka brands. For example, Netherlands’ Van Gogh is distilled from a combination of wheat, corn, and barley.