Spy X Vodka highlights spelt-led distillation
Vodka brand Spy X has shared details behind the production of its spelt-based spirit, which focuses on ‘structural precision instead of marketing-driven distillation claims’.
Distilled and bottled in Poland at Ima Polska, a third-generation distillery run by Jakub Ima, Spy X is primarily made from spelt, a heritage grain rarely used in large-scale vodka production. The spelt is sourced from a single estate in the Jelenia Góra region of Poland – a deliberate choice that underscores Spy X’s commitment to provenance, restraint, and a design philosophy centred on scarcity.
Jakub Ima, CEO of Ima Polska, explained: “Spelt isn’t a commodity grain – it’s a heritage grain with a strong identity and natural limits to scalability. Often referred to as ancient wheat, it’s lower yielding, harder to cultivate, and rarer on the market, which makes it unsuitable for mass production – but ideal for an ultra-luxury vodka like Spy X.”
Working with spelt is said to require technical precision in production. Spy X is created using an integrated three-column distillation and rectification system, comprising a total of 225 distillation and rectification plates.
“The fermentation itself requires greater precision and control to achieve the desired clarity and balance,” he continued. “Over time, it has become common to ‘count’ columns, heat exchangers, or even the plates within a column. But each of these elements has a specific function in distillation and rectification, and together they form a single, integrated process.”
Ima Polska Distillery believes that quality depends on factors such as fermentation control, column configuration, and precision in the take-off point, rather than on prominent claims regarding distillation frequency.
Preserving flavour
After distillation, the spelt-based distillate rests for more than 30 days before it is diluted and bottled. Ima Polska describes this step as prioritising balance over speed: “We’re trading speed for balance, so the final vodka tastes smoother, more stable, and more complete.”
The distillery also uses minimal filtration to preserve texture: “Filtration can clean a vodka, but over-filtration can also flatten it… For Spy X, we use minimal filtration as a refinement, not a reset.”
Ima Polska said the brand brief was different from typical commercial production as it was asked to create something entirely new rather than replicating an existing profile.
Spy X is currently expanding into the UK, Europe, and Asia, with the aim of securing listings at premium hospitality and fine-dining establishments.
The brand will also be present at this year’s ProWein trade show in Düsseldorf from 15 to 17 March. While Spy X will not have a dedicated stand, its team will be available for meetings and industry discussions throughout the fair.
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