The words and phrases used to describe vodka and how it is made can be confusing. Compared to other types of spirits that may be defined by strict rules or geographic designations, vodka can seem like a free-for-all: it can be made anywhere, and from any base ingredient.
Some terms highlight the spirit’s clarity and relative lack of aroma and flavor; others allude to the production methods used to create those prized, pristine characteristics.
To help vodka enthusiasts sip with confidence, we asked the experts to explain what these five common terms mean.
1. Distilled [x] Times
Vodka labels don’t say “x.” But vodka can be distilled once or multiple times. In vodka, distillation is a process used to remove elements called congeners that influence flavors. The more a vodka is distilled, the more congeners are removed.
In some cases, a vodka brand may want to leave some of those congeners, behind to leave the aroma or flavor profile that their brand may seek. Others may want to strip everything out of the vodka that they can.
2. Filtered [x] Times
Filtration is largely optional. After distillation, some vodka producers use minimal filtration—just enough to remove any obvious particles. Others go all in, filtering vodka many times, often using multiple materials and techniques, to remove any remaining congeners.
It is not unusual for vodkas to be filtered many times. Many producers aim to offer a very neutral spirit that is mixable with a number of ingredients and cocktails and will allow other flavors to shine.
Charcoal or carbon is most widely used, since it absorbs efficiently, and some producers specify the material used to make that charcoal (i.e., birch, pine and nut shells) as a differentiator.
Others opt to filter vodka through fabric, gemstones, precious metals, sand, lava rocks, quartz or marble.
3. Neutral
The term "neutral" has come to mean a spirit devoid of all discernible aroma and flavor, but this actually illustrates a sense of confusion on the part of those individuals who initially categorized imported vodka back in the 1930s. The original Slavic names given to the category are all derivatives of a diminutive form of the word "water." Like water, vodka came to be defined as clear, odorless and tasteless.
While “neutral” (or sometimes, “clean”) is often used to define vodka, it’s not an official term, and many producers see nuanced aromas and flavors in their vodkas as a selling point.
Of note, in 2020 the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) specifically changed regulations to omit language that defined vodka as “without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color.”
4. Premium/Ultra-Premium
“Premium" typically refers to a spirit that has been made with higher quality ingredients and a meticulous process used to distill and filter the batch. Additionally, those who are price-sensitive may want to be wary of labels bearing that marketing buzzword, as that process may likely dictate a higher cost.
5. Pure/Purity
“Purity” is often used as a synonym for “neutral,” and like “neutral,” it’s not a technical term, but a marketing-oriented description.
Allowing the purity of one’s product to shine though often means embracing the inherent flavor and character associated with the terroir of the place of production and the crop that was carefully chosen.
