How is Le Philtre Vodka made?

Vodka appears simple.

A clear liquid, 40% ABV and few clues as to what happened before it reached the glass.

At Le Philtre, however, the story begins long before the bottle.

First line: the wheat

Le Philtre is made from organic wheat, more specifically, soft winter wheat. The grains are prepared to transform their starch into fermentable sugars: some are malted, before being milled, combined with water, heated and mashed.

This produces the wort: the liquid that will undergo fermentation.

Yeast then enters the scene, transforming the sugars into alcohol and producing a liquid at around 8% ABV.

Six distillations. Not one more.

Next comes distillation.

The first four distillations take place continuously in column stills. They gradually concentrate the alcohol while removing undesirable compounds. By the end of these stages, the liquid reaches approximately 96% ABV.

It then travels to the Cognac region for the final two finishing stages. This is where the story takes a less expected turn.

A natural preparation made from the heart of French oak is crafted separately, then distilled. This oak distillate reveals notes reminiscent of chocolate and toasted almond. A small amount is then incorporated before a final distillation in a copper pot still, bringing the different elements together and creating balance.

Six distillations in total. The right number for a balanced liquid, combining purity with texture.

Add water. And time.

After the final distillation, the liquid is still at around 95 to 96% ABV.

It is gradually reduced to 40% ABV using Gensac spring water, then left to rest. For Le Philtre, this stage lasts fifteen days, allowing the liquid to settle and regain its balance before bottling.