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The frequency of distillation for vodka often correlates with its purity. For example, Tito’s Handmade Vodka undergoes distillation six times, underscoring its place as a pure and premium spirit.

In basic terms, distilling alcohol involves concentrating alcohol from an already alcoholic mixture. Vodka can be produced from various sources such as potatoes or fruits, though grain is most common. Initially, this creates a beer-like alcoholic grain liquid. This is distilled when the ethanol alcohol, which has a lower boiling point than water, evaporates first. The vapor passes through the still, cools down, and recondenses into a liquid with a higher alcohol concentration. Increasing the number of distillations typically increases the alcohol by volume percentage in the final product.

Many distillers believe that multiple distillations result in a purer spirit by removing unwanted compounds that could cause off-flavors, while others emphasize the importance of high-quality ingredients. For instance, Grey Goose distills its vodka just once. Tito’s opts to distill six times, aiming for a distinctly clean flavor, achieving a 40% ABV.

Spirits can be distilled in either a pot still or a column still. The latter has plates that the spirits pass through; its vapors condense each time and more unwanted compounds get stripped away, leaving that more concentrated alcoholic solution. Some large distillers use these column stills because they can run continuously, producing large quantities of liquor with each plate offering its own mini-distillation. A true distillation means an entire run through the still, as in going through the distillation process two, three, or, as is the case with Tito’s, six times.

Distilling in a pot still as opposed to a column still gives spirits more flavor. While you want a spirit completely clean of impurities, that doesn’t mean vodka has no flavor. It’s a neutral and versatile spirit, perfect for mixing into cocktails — that’s why vodka is one of the liquors every bar cart needs. But distillers often pursue a unique profile with, say, subtle notes of grain. There are plenty of popular vodka brands to choose from, but Tito’s really sets itself apart not just with its six distillations, but in the way it runs those distillations. Tito’s uses a pot still for distinctive flavor even though this method is more labor-intensive. That means they manually run their vodka through the still six times, creating a clean spirit that showcases the sweet, salty notes of the corn it’s made with.

Read the original article on Tasting Table