A method for forming a suspension of a fibrillated fiber in an alcoholic medium which comprises (i) providing a mixture comprising alcohol, water, and dispersing agent, wherein the concentration of the water is at least about 15 wt. %; (ii) dispersing a fibrillated fiber in the mixture of (i) to provide a fibrillated fiber predispersion; and (iii) diluting the predispersion of (ii) with alcohol to provide a final dispersion of fibrillated fiber in an alcoholic medium.