Find out what's behind the Russian vodka production process
Vodka is a concept. Not only in Russia, nowadays all over the world, but until the 1950s it was especially popular in Europe. Today, however, in the USA it is fighting with whiskey for the first place in consumption, it has also gained great popularity in the Philippines and in Slovakia it has been sovereignly the best-selling alcohol in recent years. Where does its history go back and how is vodka made?
When and where vodka originated
The history of vodka is shrouded in mystery. Due to the lack of sources, we cannot pinpoint exactly where and when it was created. Russia, Poland and Sweden are the most prominent countries of origin of this spirit. The Poles claim to have distilled vodka as early as 1405. The Swedes say it was produced 800 years ago. And the Russians have traced sources that say vodka was first produced on their territory in a Moscow monastery in 1430. Although we don't know the exact origins, we do know that it was not originally drunk. Vodka was used as a medicine due to its antibacterial properties. In one episode of the popular TV series Mythbusters, the popular spirit and cinnamon were used to make an effective mouthwash.
However, the word "vodka" itself has Slavic roots and is a diminutive of the word "water". Interestingly, in the early days the spirit was only around 20 %, nowadays we most often come across 40 %. The percentage increase must have appealed to the Russian czars, who used to set the tax on alcohol according to this value. Due to the lack of historical sources, the actual country of origin will probably remain secret forever. One thing is certain, however, the Russians are the biggest consumers - the average person here drinks 17,3 glasses of this spirit per month. And also in this country vodka fundamentally influences and has influenced not only ordinary life, but also the economy or politics.
How is vodka made?
Vodka is based on raw materials with a high sugar or starch content - the Poles most often make it from potatoes, the Swedes from rye, the Finns from wheat, and the Russians exaggeratedly claim to be able to make it from anything. Vodka made from sugar beet, corn or fruit is no exception. The whole process starts with grinding the raw material into small pieces, continues with boiling in pure water and the resulting mass is left to ferment. The fermentation process takes three to four days and results in alcohol ready for distillation. Here a simple rule applies: the higher the number of distillations, the higher the alcohol content of the vodka. It can then be diluted to the desired level with water and then comes the filtration - for example, with charcoal. This rids the spirit of impurities.
In principle, a higher number of distillations will result in higher quality alcohol. In most countries there is a legal minimum: you must distil vodka at least three times. For example, the Slovakian Double Cross vodka, which has conquered the USA, is distilled and filtered 7 times. The exception is not even spirits with flavours that are more like ice cream - peach, coconut, mango. You'll also come across bold or even crazy ideas like bacon, smoked salmon or pancake flavours. Flavouring has its historical reasons: in the past, it was done to cover up the bad taste of vodka.
Mixed drinks with vodka
We often associate drinking vodka with drinking a triple shot, eating bread and repeating until nirvana. However, this spirit is an integral part of many mixed drinks. Even ones you wouldn't think of. Take Sex on the Beach, for example, which combines vodka, orange and cranberry juice, peach liqueur and ice. The Moscow Mule mixed drink, in turn, is responsible for the huge popularisation of the spirit in the US in the mid-20th century. The base is vodka, ginger beer and lime syrup, complemented by lime itself. A simple but all the more popular drink is the Screwdriver: vodka mixed with orange juice, most often in a 1:2 ratio.
If you're not a fan of mixed drinks, you'll find something spicier in our range. Rasputin 70 % vodka, for example, will rock your world.
