Florena vodka starts with a specific set of sourcing decisions made before a single grain enters the distillery. Understanding the journey from ingredient to bottle explains what makes it different from spirits produced without the same constraints and commitments.
The grain is certified organic. This means the farms supplying Armen's Barrels have been audited and certified by a third-party organization, confirming that the land has been managed without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified inputs. The sourcing relationship is documented and traceable.
Milling and mashing convert the grain into a fermentable liquid. The starch in the grain breaks down into sugars, which are then consumed by yeast during fermentation. This stage produces a low-alcohol wash that forms the raw material for distillation.
Distillation concentrates the alcohol and removes impurities. Multiple passes through the still refine the spirit progressively, removing compounds that would compromise clarity or smoothness. The goal is a clean spirit that reflects the quality of its inputs.
Water is added to bring the spirit to bottling proof. The quality and mineral content of that water affects the finished product. Armen's Barrels uses water sourced for consistency and purity, treating it as an ingredient rather than an afterthought.
Bottling is the final step. No glycerol, no added sugar, no citric acid. The finished product is what distillation and dilution produced, nothing more. The name Florena reflects the family's heritage and the specific place where this spirit is made. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 10 McCoy Lane.