Vodka is the traditional distilled spirit of Russia, Poland, Finland, and other Eastern European countries.
Vodka is made from fermented grains (mostly wheat and rye), or from potatoes. It is distilled repeatedly until it is almost pure alcohol (95% ). Then, it is diluted to a drinkable concentration, around 40% alcohol. Flavoring is sometimes added at this point, but pure vodka is unflavored.
Vodka is not aged.
Vodka was rarely consumed outside Europe before 1950, but it has become very popular around the world since then.