- 1
The sugar
Grain (wheat, rye) or potatoes, cooked and converted with malt or added enzymes; also molasses and grapes in some countries.
- 2
The ferment
A simple wash; what matters is what is removed later.
- 3
The still
Rectified in tall multi-column stills to a neutral spirit of at least 96%, often then filtered through charcoal, and cut with water.
- 4
The wait
Not aged.
The rules
- In the EU: agricultural ethanol of at least 96% before dilution
- Rectified and/or filtered to reduce the character of the raw material
- Bottled at 37.5% abv or more
In the glass
Close to neutral by design; texture and a faint grain or potato sweetness.