VODKA IN FOUR STEPS

This pure, clear spirit starts out as a murky mash of water and grain

1 MIX THE INGREDIENTS

The raw materials for vodka are a starchy plant – like rye, wheat, corn or potato – and water.

2 ADD YEAST AND FERMENT

Yeast breaks down the starch and turns the sugars into alcohol.

3 DISTIL AND FILTER

The mixture is heated to evaporate the alcohol. It’s collected and filtered, leaving impurities behind.

4 DILUTE WITH WATER

The finished product is mixed with pure water to reach a final alcohol content of up to 40 per cent.