What type of agricultural product is a key ingredient in the production of wheat-based vodkas?

Wheat is the primary ingredient in the production of wheat-based vodkas. It is favored for its high starch content, which is essential for fermentation into alcohol. Wheat contributes to the spirit's flavor profile, often imparting a smooth and clean taste that is characteristic of vodkas made from this grain. This choice aligns with the typical processes used in distilling vodka, where the type of grain used can significantly influence the final product's characteristics, including aroma and palate.

Other grains like barley, corn, and rye can also be used in vodka production, but they are not the main ingredient for wheat-based vodkas. Barley, for example, is often used in the production of Scotch whisky, while corn is predominant in bourbons. Rye typically lends a spicier profile in spirits like rye whiskey. Therefore, while these grains play significant roles in other types of spirits, wheat specifically is the key agricultural product for wheat-based vodkas.