Vodka is a clear, distilled spirit primarily composed of water and ethanol but born from fermented grains (like wheat or rye), potatoes, or any starch or sugar-rich plant. It is known for its purity and clean, neutral character, typically bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Vodka has deep roots in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Poland, both of which claim to have invented it in the 8th–9th centuries. The word comes from the Slavic word Voda (Russia) or Woda (Poland), meaning "Water." Vodka is the diminutive form, translating to "Little Water."

Technically, vodka is considered a "neutral spirit" because of how it is distilled, not because it lacks soul. To be classified as vodka, the spirit must be distilled to an incredibly high proof; usually 95% ABV (190 proof) or higher. At this level of purity, the distillation process strips away most of the heavy oils, esters, and distinct flavours (known as congeners) that you would find in whiskey or rum. This high-proof distillate is then typically filtered (often through charcoal) to polish it further. The result is a spirit that is "neutral" in the sense that it is:

• 1. Unaged: It doesn't pick up flavours from oak barrels (like vanilla or caramel).
• 2. Clean: It lacks the aggressive "burn" or heavy funk of less-distilled spirits. However, "Neutral" does not mean "Flavourless." While the heavy flavours are removed, the heart of the ingredient remains. A skilled distiller leaves behind subtle traces of the raw material - whether it's the spicy bite of rye, the creamy sweetness of wheat, or the earthy richness of potato. Think of "neutrality" not as an absence of flavour, but as a pure foundation that allows these delicate textures to shine.

Vodka can be made from any starch- or sugar-rich plant. Common sources:

• Grains: wheat, rye, barley, corn
• Potatoes
• Fruits or sugar beets
• Molasses

• Fermentation: Yeast converts sugars/starches into alcohol.
• Distillation: Alcohol is purified by heating and collecting vapours; this separates alcohol from water and impurities.
• Filtration: Further purification (often through charcoal or quartz).
• Dilution: The distilled spirit (often 90–96% ABV) is diluted with high-quality water to 37.5–40% ABV.
• Bottling: After quality checks, it's bottled and sealed.

To refine the spirit. Each distillation creates a purer, smoother liquid by stripping away heavy 'fusel oils' and impurities. While brands often boast 3, 5, or even 7 distillations to maximize neutrality, the true goal is balance - removing the harsh burn without stripping away the vodka's distinct texture and character.

Highly purified water is essential, as it makes up 60% of the final product. Premium vodkas use spring, glacial, or mineral water known for smoothness and character.

Filtering helps:

• Remove trace impurities and off-notes.
• Smooth out the mouthfeel.
• Some premium vodkas use charcoal, silver, platinum, or diamond dust filters for marketing and actual refinement.

"Fire water" is an old term (originating with Native Americans) describing the strong, burning nature of spirits like vodka. Its high proof and neutral appearance made it feel deceptively potent.

Launched in May 2025, CASHMIR Vodka is India’s first premium organic vodka, crafted from the rare heritage grain Sona Moti and pristine Himalayan glacial water.

Sona Moti, meaning "Golden Pearl," is a heritage winter wheat strain over 2000 years old, nearly lost to time. This organic grain provides a distinct, nuanced flavour profile and boasts naturally higher fibre, starch, and nutrients compared to modern hybrid varieties. It is the soul of the spirit.

The water is sourced from the pristine springs of the Kashmir Valley. This glacial water source is instrumental in achieving the radical purity and exceptionally smooth profile that defines Cashmir.

Yes, Cashmir is India's first premium organic craft vodka. The entire process, from the cultivation of the Sona Moti grain without synthetic fertilisers or pesticides to the final bottling, adheres to the highest standards of purity.

Cashmir achieves its pristine quality through a highly intentional, dual process that honours both precision and heritage:

• 7X Distillation: Cashmir Vodka is crafted with precision, undergoing an intricate journey of seven-time distillation. This meticulous process slowly refines and transforms the liquid, ensuring impurities fall away.
• 5X Artisanal Filtration: Following distillation, Cashmir Vodka is elevated through an artisanal filtration ritual that reflects both tradition and innovation, giving the spirit its final, velvety texture:
• Activated Carbon: The spirit first flows through Activated Carbon to shed any initial harshness, gaining clarity and softness.
• Mango Charcoal: It then passes through Mango Charcoal, a unique nod to Indian heritage that infuses subtle natural smoothness and removes residual bitterness.
• Layers of Precious Metals: The final stages involve passing the spirit through Platinum, Gold, and Silver. These layers each add a touch of final refinement, removing micro-impurities while lending the vodka a rich body, smooth texture, and velvety finish.

Yes. Cashmir is uncompromising in its purity. The spirit is Non-GMO, organic, non-hybrid, zero sugar, and 100% vegan. Cashmir was designed for mindful consumption, ensuring the highest integrity in every drop.

Radical purity is achieved by using only two primary, high-integrity ingredients - the organic Sona Moti grain and pure Kashmir glacial water. The high quality of the base spirit is so clean and smooth that it requires no additives, masking agents, or artificial flavours, ensuring that you taste the character of the grain.

Cashmir is considered "craft" because the process is centred on painstaking attention to detail, a patient, small-batch approach, and a focus on the unique character of the heritage Sona Moti grain.

Cashmir’s growing collection of accolades is a testament to the fact that authentic heritage and patient craftsmanship translate directly into world-class excellence.

• The Vodka Masters 2025 by Spirits Business Vodka: Won Gold in the Organic category.
• Spiritz Conclave & Achievers Awards 2025: Won Gold in the ‘Vodka’ Product of the Year category.