How to Make Vodka

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Russian Potato Vodka - How to

We have not tried this particular "potato vodka" recipe. However, the process used for turning potatoes are turned into vodka is an interesting concept to think about. So, we pulled information some of the best sources online create the best possible tutorial on how to make vodka.

FYI: anyone can make a potato vodka mash. To the best of our knowledge, this is legal everywhere in the US. However, only individuals with a federal fuel alcohol or a distilled spirits plant permit (as well as state and local permits) can distill alcohol. Our distillation equipment is designed for legal uses only and the information in this article is for educational purposes only.

Potato Vodka Recipe

Potato Vodka Ingredients

5 Pounds 2 row malted barley
25 Pounds potatoes
7 gallons of water
2 packets of bread yeast (or yeast of choice)

Stats

OG = 1.065 (We would add sugar if needed to reach a desired gravity)
FG = 1.010 or below
ABV = 7.2%

Potato vodka Mash Procedure

This is the process we would follow if we were to make this recipe.

  1. Clean the potatoes with a produce brush.
  2. Cut the potatoes into small 1 inch cubes and cover them with two inches of water in a stock pot on the stove.
  3. Turn the heat to high and boil the potatoes for 15 minutes.
  4. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or an electric immersion blender.
  5. Transfer the mashed potatoes and any liquid from the stock pot into a large mash pot. We would transferring the potato mash to a mash bag. We recommend using the mash in a bag method for this recipe. 
  6. Add water to reach 7 gallons total volume. While adding water keep an eye on the temperature of the mash. The temperature after adding the water should be around 140 degrees.
  7. Add 5 pounds of crushed malted barley to the mash bag while stirring well.
  8. Add heat if needed and hold the mash at 140 degrees for 20 minutes.
  9. Raise the temperature of the mash to 150 while stirring.
  10. Mash at 150 for one hour. Add heat to the mash while stirring as needed during the mash.
  11. Take a gravity reading with a refractometer or hydrometer.
  12. If the starting gravity is below 1.065 add sugar until 1.065 is reached
  13. Use a wort chiller to cool mash to 70-75 degrees.

Potato Vodka Fermentation Process

  1. Create a yeast starter. Let the yeast starter propagate for 15-20 minutes before adding it to the fermenter.
  2. Once the mash has been cooled transfer only the liquid to a sanitized carboy/bucket
  3. Add the yeast starter to the fermenter.
  4. Add airlock and ferment between 65-75 degrees for 2 weeks or until fermentation is complete.

    Remember, it is illegal to distill alcohol without the proper permits.

    Portrait of Kyle Brown

    Kyle Brown is the owner of Clawhammer Supply, a small scale distillation and brewing equipment company which he founded in 2009. His passion is teaching people about the many uses of distillation equipment as well as how to make beer at home. When he isn't brewing beer or writing about it, you can find him at his local gym or on the running trail.

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    49 Comments

    • JS
      Comment Author: John S.

      Potato vodka is a Polish tradition, typically using Stobrawa potatoes. Russians traditionally use winter wheat and rye. Comparing the two is like comparing bourbon and scotch; they’re both whiskey and both can be amazing, but they’re both unique and not directly comparable.

    • G
      Comment Author: Girma
      Is not the hydrolyzing needed that use the application enzymes like α-amylase ?
    • M
      Comment Author: Mansur

      What do vodka companies use to dilute.؟

    • J
      Comment Author: johan

      my mulch bubbles very little after a week, like one bubble a second? will it increase?

    • D
      Comment Author: DOldensr

      I picked 42 lbs of Japan plums and distilled. 5 lbs sugar only Processed 21 lbs
      Making 2-5 gallon runs. Removed seeds left skin on just cut tips off. Started slow got rid of 4 oz of methanol. Bring temp to165. Let sit 10 minutes or until it quits running at 165 methanol will be gone. My friend bring temp up to 173-or your happy place. I quit collecting at 100 proof. Collected 3 1-/2 quarts. 170-100 and tails for next batch.
      Happy distilling!!!!