Vodka - Triple distilled, 4 times, even 5 times distilled, what difference does it make?

Question

I've noticed that it becomes much more expensive the more time it is distilled.

Answer 1

Generally, vodka is distilled with a reflux column which is the equivalent of 3-5 distillations in one go. In that case, it doesn't matter how many times it's distilled as it matters how carefully it's controlled during the reflux distillation. After distillation, it comes out at 96.5% (essentially everclear) and then it's cut down to drinking strength. From there, it's carbon filtered. The carbon takes any impurities out that cause any off flavors.

The factors that affect the vodka not only affect the flavor, but the more impurities taken out by distillation and carbon filtering, the less likely you'll get a hangover. There is where the major difference between cheap and expensive vodka really shows up. Compare how you feel after a night of drinking Grey Goose to how you feel after a night of drinking Popov and you'll see.

It's true that the cheaper vodkas come from the same distillery, and that various companies put their own water in it and label on it. The more expensive ones come from their own distillery. This means greater quality control, but also greater operating expenses. Also, the more times it's distilled means that more energy was put into the product which costs the manufacturer more, therefore the price is more.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Vodka - Triple distilled, 4 times, even 5 times distilled, what difference does it make?

Answer 3

How To Distill Vodka

Answer 4

Generally none, it's just marketing to up the price of vodka.
Many vodka producers don't actually distill their own alcohol but buy NGS (neutral grain spirit, 95% ethanol) in bulk. Many competing brands actually use the same alcohol from the same distiller. A vodka producer then adds water to the NGS to bring it down to 40%. It's this water that gives the vodka any slight flavor.

Properly made, NGS will be the same whether distilled 3 times or 5.

Answer 5

Multiple distillation with multiple filtration will make vodka smoother and better tasting. Also the base ingredients i.e rye, wheat or potatoes and spring water assist in making vodka taste better. Multiple filtration should not make the vodka brand excessively expensive; it is caused by the packaging, marketing and the hook that you must pay large amounts of money to get good vodka. Look at Ikon True Russian Vodka. It is made at source 4 times distilled and filtered and still around 12 bucks a bottle.

Answer 6

Distilling makes the Vodka cleaner and more pure. Its not going to make you more drunk. It doesn't necessarily make it better if it started out with cheap ingredients. Distilling is a good thing but stick with better, higher end vodkas. The biggest benefit that you will see from distilling is that it will make your hangover less severe!!! Thats always a good thing! Cheers!

Answer 7

The more times its distilled, it becomes smoother in taste and makes it easier to drink. The more distilled it is the better for it to be drunk as shots ;)

Answer 8

It tends to be smoother and more expensive the more times it is distilled

Answer 9

they did this experiement on the myth busters...there was no difference in about 6 different distilled vodkas, except in one...and they had a professional vodka taster, from one of the major distributers..you may be able to go to the "myth Busters " web site and look it up..

Answer 10

it makes the taste smoother. every time you distill you lose voume of your product. you have the expense of re-distilling plus lost volume.