History of Vodka

Context of Vodka are shrouded in mystery. Many nations and many more persons claiming to be the birthplace of the popular spirit. The two leading candidates, the mother country of vodka are Poland and Russia. Each boasts a heavy body and great popularity of drinks. In each country, is eighty proof alcoholic drink with meals. In Russia the word voda, believed to be the word vodka came from, means water. Vodka is just as popular in Poland.

Believed to have originated from either Poland or Russia (some say Persia also), the birth date of Vodka has been estimated around the beginning of the twelfth century. Made for medical purposes, this crude anesthetic and disinfectant was distilled from rye. It was not until the mid-fourteenth century that vodka was discovered to have narcotic properties. Families and communities were producing drinks before the end of 1300 in order to drink. In Russia, it was believed that the drink contained its own spirit, and it was used at religious events. A cup would be passed around, sometimes containing more than one gallon of vodka. Those who refused to take part will be considered wicked. From the beginning of the seventeenth century it had become plain that vodka to be served at Russian Imperial banquets. All meals were begun with bread and vodka.

Although vodka began as rye-based liquor, as it became more popular to the masses, the potato was an ingredient of choice. The potato was much more widespread and although vodka not taste so good, much easier to distill from than other grains. As vodka made the transition from a family that fluid to one that was produced on a large scale by large distilleries, potatoes were condemned and grain was embraced. Today most brands of vodka are distilled from rye, wheat, barley, and most corn. Vodka is distilled at very high proofs and then filtered through vegetable charcoal. The higher the proof, the less taste and bright colors.

While vodka has been a hit over in Russia and Eastern Europe for hundreds of years, it was not popular in the U.S. until the 1930s when Smirnoff Company opened for business. They introduced gold vodka, vodka, aged ten years in oak casks before it is sold on the market. Today vodka commands 20% market share in the U.S., and almost the entire market in Russia and Eastern Europe. It is one of the most popular beverages worldwide and should remain for a long time in the future.