What is vodka?
Vodka is a high-proof spirit which typically is distilled from grain or potatoes. However, almost all plant that contain sugar or starch can be used for the distillation. Thats why you will occasionally come across vodkas made from molasses, grapes, rice, sugar beets or soy beans. Most vodkas are bottled with 40% alcohol content since this is historically considered to be the best amount.
One of the most important unique features, compared to other spirits, is the multiple filtration of vodka. This can happen during or after the distillation. The spirit may, for example, be pumped through an activated carbon filter to remove fusel oils and other particles. The result is a clear and very pure spirit that is almost neutral in flavour.
The history of Russian vodka
According to legend, it was a monk named Isidor who made the first vodka in the monastery Chudov in Moscow. For a long time, his creation was known under the name bread wine and was exclusively produced in the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Until the 18th century, the bread wine was relatively low in alcohol content and was diluted even more for consumption. During this time, the word vodka existed already however, it referred to a herbal spirit with an alcohol content of up to 75%.
In the 18th century, for the first time, the word vodka was used to describe the drink that we associate with this name today. It appeared in a statutory order by the empress Elisabeth from June 8, 1751, which detailed who was permitted to produce vodka and who was not.
In the following hundred years, Russia strongly promoted its state-produced vodka. The result: Vodka quickly became the national drink and everyday life couldnt be imagined without it anymore. When the state monopoly was dissolved in the 1860s, the price of the spirit went down drastically, which boosted the consumption even more. Vodka reached its peak in the beginning of the 20th century when it constituted almost 90% of the alcohol consumed in Russia. Today, it is believed that vodka makes up 70% of Russias alcohol consumption.
How do Russians drink vodka?
Unlike in Central Europe, the consumption of vodka is very much tie to social occasions in Russia. Not only is it important to drink in the same speed as everybody else, it is also vital to pour vodka for others. Pouring vodka only for yourself is considered rude and identifies you clearly as an outsider. To prevent against hangovers, many Russians consume fatty or protein-rich food while drinking, for example, sour cream, roast potatoes, sausage, cheese and oily fish.
What special Russian vodka brands should you know?
The most important Russian vodka brands include Russian Standard, Stolichnaya, Zarskaya, Moskovskaya, Zarskaja, Beluga, Pyat Ozer, Mamont and Green Mark. Additionally, there are hundreds of local vodka brands that rarely cross the borders.
Russian vodka at Gustero
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