The starch in the ground rye is released, liquefied, converted to grain sugar and gently distilled in a three-step process. In the first stage, the fermented mash is carefully distilled in a traditional, small copper alembic still.  This distillation method is unique for vodka and begins to impart Xellent Swiss Vodka with its incomparable flavor. In the second phase, the raw spirit is purified in a reflux still consisting of a small copper column with 45 plates.
                                                    
Xellent Swiss Vodka is produced at the only distillery which possesses equipment of the kind required to produce vodka of this quality. But even at this second stage, the vodka falls short of our exacting standards, so it is distilled a third time to remove any remaining impurities. After the third distillation, the vodka presents an alcohol content of over 96% by volume before the critical addition of glacial water.