The Core Ingredients: Corn, Wheat, and Texas Water
Bare Bone Vodka's identity is defined by its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Unlike many vodkas that rely on a single base, this Houston-based spirit uses a mixed-grain mash bill of corn and wheat. This combination, common in bourbon production, is what gives it a unique character and smoothness. The quality of these grains is paramount to the final product's flavor profile. In addition to the grains, the water source plays a crucial role. Bare Bone uses locally sourced, triple-distilled Texas water, contributing to the vodka's clean and crisp taste. This focus on quality and local sourcing is a key part of the brand's ethos.
The "Bourbon-Inspired" Grain Bill
The decision to use a blend of corn and wheat is central to the Bare Bone story. The brand's founder drew inspiration from the complex flavor profiles of bourbon, which also relies on a mixed grain bill. The corn provides a natural sweetness and a hint of spice, creating a robust base for the spirit. The wheat, meanwhile, contributes a clean, crisp taste and exceptional smoothness. This combination results in a vodka that is more nuanced and flavorful than many competitors, which often aim for complete neutrality. The specific ratio of grains, developed over three years and 82 blends, results in the handcrafted Blend No. 82.
The Role of Water and Yeast
Water is arguably the most critical ingredient in any vodka, comprising over 60% of the finished product. The purity and mineral content of the water significantly influence the final taste and mouthfeel. By using local, triple-distilled water, Bare Bone ensures a high degree of purity that enhances the smoothness of the spirit. The water is added after distillation to dilute the high-proof spirit to the final bottling strength, typically 80 proof (40% ABV). Yeast is the final essential ingredient, responsible for fermentation. It consumes the sugars from the corn and wheat mash to produce the alcohol base.
The Production Process: Distillation and Filtration
The craftsmanship behind Bare Bone Vodka goes beyond selecting high-quality ingredients; it also involves a meticulous production process. The spirit is distilled in small batches to ensure quality and consistency. The distillation process is particularly tailored to the base grains: the corn is distilled six times, while the wheat is distilled three times. This variation in distillation cycles is intentional, designed to extract the desired characteristics from each grain while maintaining overall balance. The spirit is then subjected to a triple charcoal filtration, a process that removes impurities and provides the exceptionally smooth finish that the brand is known for. This triple filtration step is crucial for achieving a clean, polished result without stripping the vodka of its delicate grain-derived flavors.
Key Features of Bare Bone Vodka
- Mixed Grain Mash Bill: Distilled from a combination of American wheat and corn, creating a balanced and flavorful profile.
- Bourbon-Inspired: The grain bill and production process are intentionally reminiscent of bourbon, resulting in a spirit with more character than typical neutral vodkas.
- Locally Sourced Water: Uses locally sourced, triple-distilled water from Texas, adding to the product's unique regional identity.
- Triple Charcoal Filtration: This advanced filtration method ensures a remarkably smooth and clean finish.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Despite being made from grains, the distillation process removes gluten, making it a naturally gluten-free spirit.
Bare Bone Vodka vs. Other Common Vodkas
| Feature | Bare Bone Vodka | Typical Corn Vodka | Typical Wheat Vodka | Typical Potato Vodka |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Base | Corn and Wheat | Corn | Wheat | Potatoes |
| Flavor Profile | Balanced, slightly sweet corn with spicy wheat notes | Richer, buttery, and often slightly sweet | Crisp, clean, and subtly sweet | Full-bodied, creamy, and earthy |
| Origin | Houston, Texas | Varies (e.g., Tito's) | Varies (e.g., Grey Goose) | Varies (e.g., Chopin) |
| Filtration | Triple Charcoal Filtered | Varies by brand | Varies by brand | Varies by brand |
| Mouthfeel | Smooth and robust | Sweet and heavy | Light and crisp | Viscous and creamy |
Conclusion
What are the ingredients in Bare Bone Vodka? The answer lies in a carefully crafted mash bill of corn and wheat, combined with high-quality, locally sourced water. The spirit's unique character is a direct result of this combination, setting it apart from traditional single-source vodkas. This Texas distillery's commitment to mimicking bourbon-making techniques provides a product with notable complexity and smoothness, further enhanced by its triple charcoal filtration process. For vodka drinkers seeking a spirit with more discernible flavor notes and a robust mouthfeel, the bourbon-inspired approach of Bare Bone Vodka offers a compelling alternative. The final product is a testament to the brand's dedication to quality ingredients and craftsmanship. For further reading on the origin story of this spirit, check out the MarketWatch article from February 2022.
