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Russian vodka when they began to produce. The veracity of the expression "to drink in buckets"

The reason for the emergence of this unofficial holiday was the defense of the doctoral dissertation "On the combination of alcohol with water" by Dmitry Mendeleev, which took place on this day back in 1865 in St. Petersburg.

The first vodka recipes appeared in Russia 500 years ago, as evidenced by the exhibits of the Moscow Museum of the History of Russian Vodka. But it was Mendeleev who found the "ideal" proportion and "created" forty-degree vodka.

Vodka is a special drink, the taste of which is simply impossible to reveal without a hearty and salty snack. Therefore, vodka should be accompanied by the following dishes - caviar, sturgeon, salmon, smoked meats, pickled mushrooms, herring with boiled potatoes, and so on.

"The Mind Thief"

Alcohol has been called the "stealer of the mind" since ancient times. People learned about the intoxicating properties of alcoholic beverages about eight thousand years BC, when they were made from honey, fruit juices and wild grapes.

It is believed that winemaking arose even before the beginning of cultivated agriculture. The famous traveler Miklukho-Maclay observed the Papuans of New Guinea, who did not yet know how to make fire, but already knew how to prepare intoxicating drinks.

Pure alcohol began to be obtained in the 6th-7th centuries by the Arabs and they called it "al cogol", which means "intoxicating". The first bottle of vodka was made by the Arab Ragez in 860. The distillation of wine to obtain alcohol sharply aggravated drunkenness, and it is possible that this was the reason for the ban on the use of alcoholic beverages by the founder of Islam, Muhammad (570-632).

This prohibition was subsequently included in the code of Muslim laws - the Koran, and since then, for 12 centuries, alcohol has not been consumed in Muslim countries, and apostates of this law have been severely punished. Despite this, the cult of wine still flourished and was sung in verse in Asian countries.

In the Middle Ages in Western Europe, they also learned how to get strong liquor by distilling wine and other fermenting sugary liquids. The first to perform this operation was the Italian monk-alchemist Valentius.

Bottles of Riga vodka, which was produced by the A. Wolfshmidt factory

After tasting the resulting product, which intoxicated him, the alchemist declared that he had discovered a miraculous elixir that makes the old man young, tired, cheerful, yearning cheerful.

Since then, strong alcoholic beverages have rapidly spread throughout the world, primarily due to the ever-growing industrial production alcohol from cheap raw materials - potatoes, waste sugar production and so on.

Alcohol entered everyday life so quickly that almost no artist, writer or poet avoided this topic.

The volatile liquid obtained as a result of the distillation of fermented must was perceived as a concentrate - the "spirit" of wine (in Latin spiritus vini), from which the modern name of this substance in many languages, including Russian - "alcohol" comes from.

Russian vodka

Vodka appeared in Russia at the end of the 14th century - grape spirit (aqua vitae - "living water") was first brought by Genoese merchants in 1386. The drink became famous at the grand ducal court, but did not impress.

The next time "living water" was brought by foreigners to Moscow in 1429 - as a universal medicine. At the court of Prince Vasily II, the liquid, apparently, was appreciated, but due to its strength, they preferred to dilute it with water. Historians suggest that the idea of diluting alcohol served as an impetus for the production of Russian vodka, but from grain.

The method of producing vodka became presumably known in Russia in the second half of the 15th century. According to one version, the recipe for vodka was invented by Isidore, a monk of the Chudov Monastery. Having the necessary distilling equipment, as well as experience in making less strong drinks, the monk made a strong drink, which later became known as vodka.

So the year 1430 can be considered the beginning of the production of vodka - this fact is confirmed by the International Arbitration, which secured the right to use the name "vodka" for Russia.

The production of vodka in Russia in mass quantities began from the middle of the 15th century, and already at the beginning of the 16th century there is information about the export of vodka from Russia to neighboring Sweden, where it first became known from the Russians, and not from the Germans. This was the first experience of Russian vodka export, which was later destined to conquer the world.

The very word "vodka" appeared in Russia in the 17th-18th centuries and, most likely, is derived from "water". At the same time, in the old days, the terms wine, tavern were also used to refer to vodka.

With the development and improvement of vodka production in Russia, remarkable results have been achieved in terms of purification and taste characteristics of the drink.

In the Petrine era, the beginning of the dynasties of Russian "vodka kings", breeders was laid. In 1716, the first Emperor of All Russia offered the nobility and merchant classes the exclusive right to engage in distillation on their lands.

In the middle of the 18th century, the production of vodka in Russia, along with state-owned factories, was carried out by noble landowners, owners of estates scattered throughout the country. Russian "homemade" vodkas, produced in the households of the princes Kurakins, Counts Sheremetevs, Counts Rumyantsevs and others, enjoyed an excellent reputation.

Manufacturers sought to achieve a high degree of purification of vodka, they used natural animal proteins for this - milk and egg white.

The state standard for vodka was introduced for the first time in Russian history at the end of the 19th century. This was largely facilitated by the research of well-known chemists Nikolai Zelinsky and Dmitry Mendeleev, members of the commission for the introduction of a vodka monopoly.

The merit of Mendeleev is that he developed the composition of vodka, which was supposed to correspond to forty degrees in strength. "Mendeleevsky" version of vodka in 1894 was patented in Russia as "Moscow Special" (later - "Special").

Fruit vodka.

Vodka is perceived as a national symbol of Russia, along with the samovar, balalaika, matryoshka, caviar. Remaining one of the most common Russian national drinks until the end of the 20th century, vodka was the basis for a huge number of tinctures, the preparation of which became a special branch of home production in Russia.

Monopoly

The state (tsarist) monopoly on the production and sale of vodka has been repeatedly introduced in Russian history.

In 1533, the first "Tsar's tavern" was opened in Moscow, and the entire vodka trade became the prerogative of the tsarist administration. In 1819, Alexander I reintroduced the state monopoly, which lasted until 1828.

In Russia, since 1894, a state monopoly began to be periodically introduced, which was strictly observed in 1906-1913.

The state monopoly on vodka existed throughout the entire period of Soviet power (formally - since 1923), while the production technology of the drink was improved, and its quality was at a consistently high level.

In 1992, by decree of Russian President Boris Yeltsin, the monopoly was abolished, which entailed a number of negative consequences (financial, medical, moral, and others).

Already in 1993, a new decree was signed, which returned the monopoly, but the state was unable to tightly control its implementation.

No alcohol law

During the Russo-Japanese War, there was a ban on the sale of vodka in some provinces of the empire. The "dry law", which was introduced in Russia at the very beginning of the First World War, continued to operate after the establishment of Soviet power.

Only in 1923 was it allowed to sell liqueurs with a strength of no more than twenty degrees. In 1924, the allowed fortress was increased to 30, in 1928 the restrictions were lifted.

Mikhail Gorbachev in 1986 launched an unprecedented campaign against drunkenness, and in fact against the use of alcohol. But this company, which entailed the mass destruction of vineyards, the production of low-quality "underground" alcoholic products, the growth of drug addiction, and so on, was not successful.

Real vodka should be practically tasteless and not give off fusel oils.

The medal "For drunkenness" was established by Peter I in 1714. He decided that it would be a panacea for drunkenness. Probably, the first Russian emperor relied on the accusatory inscription, which betrayed a drunkard in a person, and on the weight of the medal. Together with the collar and chains, the medal weighed eight kilograms. They "awarded" the medal at the police station and fixed it in such a way that it was impossible to remove it. It took a week to wear the medal.

Favorite vodka of Peter I was aniseed. This drink was obtained by double distillation of "bread wine", then insisted on aniseed and diluted by a third with soft spring water.

Until 1885, takeaway vodka was sold only in buckets - 12 liters each. It was from that time in Russia that the popular expression "drink vodka in buckets" remained. However, it was possible to drink on the spot the standard 50 grams (half-cup) or 100 grams (cup).

The bottle as a container for vodka, familiar to modern man, began to be used only in 1894.

Bar culture, widely developed today, has its roots in the time of Ivan the Terrible. Back in the 16th century, they came up with such a format of establishments where it was customary to drink without snacks.

Vodka in tubes "for astronauts"

In January 1940, during the Soviet-Finnish war, the Red Army began to receive vodka rations, which were called "Voroshilov rations" or "People's Commissar's 100 grams."

Since May 1942, vodka has been distributed daily to soldiers on the front lines. Moreover, later the norm was increased to 200 grams. On the Transcaucasian front, they did not give out vodka, but 300 grams of dry wine or 200 grams of port wine.

From 1977 to 1982, Poland and the USSR argued in court over the priority of vodka production as the Russian national drink. The case was won by the Soviet Union by international arbitration.

Website for a distributor of alcoholic products

Vodka "Oil"

The birthplace of the strongest vodka is Scotland. The strength of Scottish vodka is 88.8 degrees. It is said that it is especially popular with the Chinese, as the number 8 symbolizes infinity.

Today, vodka is considered one of the strongest drinks, but initially it contained no more than 10-15 degrees.

About 500 years ago, vodka was made in a clay vessel - a korchaga, where fermented berries and fruits were placed, poured with boiling water, covered with a lid and sent to a Russian stove. In the process of condensation, alcoholic vapors flowed into the pan - this was what we now call vodka, only weak.

The material was prepared on the basis of open sources.

An interesting topic for many :). Who Invented Vodka? Where did she come from? How did its production start? What kind of drink is this, which the whole world considers “originally Russian” and does not imagine a real Russian person without a glass of vodka on the table?

The word "vodka" first appeared in the XIV-XV century, but then this word was called a strong infusion of berries, herbs or roots in strong alcohol. There is an opinion that in the 10th century a Persian doctor Ar-Razion made some kind of vodka for the first time, they also say that the Arabs invented vodka, but since the use of alcohol is prohibited in Muslim countries, they used it for the production of perfumes and as a medicine.

The trade name "vodka" appeared in the USSR in 1936 with the adoption of GOST. The basis of vodka is rectified alcohol, which is produced mainly from grain or potato raw materials. But the latter is used for the production of vodka in the EU countries, as well as in Belarus. In our country, vodka is produced only from grain raw materials.

In Europe, vodka appeared in the XIII century, but it was used as a medicine.

In Russia, vodka first appeared at the beginning of the 15th century. She was brought by European ambassadors as a gift to Vasily the Dark as a medicine needed to lubricate wounds.

Vodka received mass distribution later, under Ivan the Terrible. I will deviate a little from the topic and tell you that earlier in Russia people did not drink strong alcoholic drinks, but only drank light low-alcohol drinks, honey, beer, berry wine. The housewives prepared all these drinks at home and put them on the table only on major holidays.

Here is what Samuil Maskevich, a famous Polish traveler, wrote about Russia at that time:

“Muscovites observe great sobriety, which is strictly demanded of both the nobles and the people. No place to buy wine or beer. Others tried to hide the barrels of wine by artfully sealing them in the ovens. But the culprits were found there too. The drunkard is immediately taken to the “bargain prison”, specially arranged for them, and only after a few weeks is released from it, at someone's request. The one who is noticed in drunkenness for the second time is again imprisoned for a long time, then they are led through the streets and mercilessly flogged with a whip until drunkenness disgusts him. Like this.

But Ivan the Terrible began to forcibly impose the tradition of drinking vodka, acting very cruelly. Why did he do it? Thus, he wanted to replenish the treasury for the development of Siberian lands. And this method he considered the most effective. Seeing the so-called "taverns" in the Kazan he conquered, he realized what benefits they could bring if a state monopoly on vodka was introduced.

People were dragged into these taverns by force, forced to drink vodka, which, moreover, was very expensive and completely unusual for a Russian person. home production alcoholic beverages were banned under pain of death.

In general, sooner or later, Ivan IV got his way, Russia began to drink ... and the income of the royal treasury to grow ...

However, Russian people were not very eager to sell this drink. This occupation was considered shameful, the very last thing. Yes, and drunkards in Russia have always been despised ...

Since the appearance of vodka in Russia, the moral decay of the people began, such a disease as alcohol addiction appeared.

Rumor has it that D.I. Mendeleev allegedly invented vodka, and this is based on the fact that his doctoral dissertation is called “On the combination of alcohol with water.” But, it is known for certain that Mendeleev did not participate in the creation of vodka. In fact, his work relates to metrology.

And in 1885, sobriety societies began to appear in Russia. One of these societies was headed by L.N. Tolstoy. Here is what he wrote about drunkenness:

“Contagious disease captures more and more people. Drinking already women, girls, children. It seems to both the rich and the poor that it is impossible to be merry otherwise than drunk or half-drunk, it seems that the best remedy to show one's grief or joy is to become intoxicated and, having lost human dignity, become like an animal ... "

Interestingly, by the end of the 19th century, Russia occupied the penultimate place in terms of the amount of alcohol consumed. We have more than half of the population were teetotalers. Almost all women did not drink alcohol at all.

Comparison by country of the amount of alcohol consumed, XIX century.

And much later, during the Great Patriotic War in the Red Army, soldiers participating in hostilities were given daily combat 100 grams. However, this order changed several times, and in 1942, on May 12, an order of the People's Commissar of Defense No. 0373 was issued. He said:

“Stop the daily issuance of all personnel of the army in the field, establish the procedure and rate for the issuance of vodka.”

In accordance with the order, the daily issuance of vodka only to front line fighters who had success in combat operations against the fascist invaders was retained, and the rate was increased to 200 grams per person. For this purpose, vodka was allocated monthly at the disposal of the command of the fronts and individual armies in the amount of 20 percent of the number of troops of the front - the army. The rest of the soldiers relied on 100 grams for revolutionary, public and regimental (the day the unit was formed) holidays.

By the way, this law was often used by foreign media to discredit the Russian army. There were rumors about "drunken battalions" and the like. fiction. Moreover, even in those days, alcohol consumption per capita in the USSR was much lower than in European countries.

Where did the name "vodka" come from? Opinions differ on this issue. Possibly from Polish. The Polish "Wodka" has its original meaning from "water", which is similar to the old Russian word "vodka" - "water". But there is also an opinion that “water” and “vodka” have different roots and therefore are not related to each other in any way.

In Russia, the word "vodka", also in the meaning of "alcoholic drink" was first mentioned in 1533. The earliest Russian document where we can find the word “vodka” is the decree of Ivan IV “On the collection of duties exported from the sea of various wines and vodkas with efimka, and with sugar with money, according to the previous decrees” dated August 4, 1683. But for a long time, vodka was called in state acts and statements “hot, plain, table wine”, “foam”, “polugar” and “moonshine”.

But the tradition of drinking vodka was not always implanted in Russia, sometimes alcohol was banned, introducing the so-called "dry law". For example, in 1914 at the beginning of the First World War. And the Bolsheviks, who came to power in 1917, extended it until 1924. Or, for example, during the reign of Gorbachev, a "dry law" was also adopted. There were even so-called "sober Komsomol" weddings, where there was supposedly no alcohol. In fact, there was alcohol on the tables, but not in bottles, but in samovars, teapots, in general, our people are resourceful. And the famous coupons for vodka?

And in 1936, GOST was adopted, according to which the pure alcohol mixture was called "vodka". There were "vodkas" and "special vodkas". The former are a purely water-alcohol mixture, while the latter have minor flavored additives.

And finally, in some Russian cities there are museums of vodka. For example, in Uglich, where the "Municipal Museum of the History of Russian Vodka" was opened in 1998. It is known that the Uglich land is the birthplace of Pyotr Arsenievich Smirnov, the king of vodka, the founder of the P.A. Smirnov Trading House in Moscow in 1860, the supplier of the Supreme Court since 1866.

His own museum of vodka in 2003 opened in Smolensk. There are "vodka museums" in Tyumen, Moscow and Amsterdam.

An interesting fact: the most expensive vodka in the world is Diva, produced in Scotland. Its price ranges from 4,000 thousand to 1 million dollars per bottle and depends on the decorations on the bottle.

I also suggest watching an interesting video about the history of vodka and drunkenness in Russia:

Don't forget to share in the comments what you think about this issue.

The first Russian alcohol monopoly was established in 1474 by Ivan III. Strict state control over the production and sale of alcohol was introduced.

Under Ivan the Terrible, the taverns, where vodka was usually served, were replaced by "royal taverns", which were farmed out by the treasury. Having paid a certain amount of money, the farmer received the right to trade in alcoholic beverages.

In 1648, under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, "tavern" riots swept through Moscow and other cities. The artisans, who were also supported by the peasants, demanded the abolition of the "farms" for the tavern business and distilling. But the confusion was suppressed. In 1652, the tsar convened the Zemsky Sobor, which reformed the "drinking business." From now on, feudal lords were forbidden to keep taverns on their estates and estates, as well as to trade in wine, which had previously been widely practiced.

Another state monopoly was introduced in 1696 by Peter I. To increase profits, a system of farming out was again established, which was combined with the state-owned sale of wine. The term "vodka" itself was officially enshrined in Russia in 1751 by Empress Elizaveta Petrovna.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the treasury began to lose control over the alcohol business, and revenues fell. In 1817, a decree was issued re-introducing the "state sale of drinks" at a single price - 7 rubles per bucket.

At first, this gave a result and money flowed into the treasury. But gradually sales of wine began to decline. As it turned out, there were many abuses in the drinking departments. In this regard, Nicholas I in January 1828 abolished the state wine monopoly and once again introduced a system of farming out. However, the arbitrariness of tax-farmers, as well as widespread drunkenness, led to the fact that in 1863 the authorities were forced to replace the tax-farmers with excise duty.

On May 14, 1885, the Law on the Sharing Sale of Beverages was passed, abolishing pubs and replacing them with liquor stores selling take-out alcohol in glass bottles. But sales began to fall again, and in 1893 the Minister of Finance S.Yu. Witte submitted a proposal to the State Council to return the monopoly on wine. It extended to the purification of alcohol, as well as the sale of strong liquor.

January 31 marks 154 years since the "birthday" of vodka. On this day in 1865, Dmitry Mendeleev defended his doctoral dissertation on the topic "On the combination of alcohol with water."

Vodka is a strong alcoholic drink, a mixture of rectified (food) ethyl alcohol with water. To prepare vodka, a mixture of alcohol and water (sorting) is passed through activated carbon, then filtered.

By adding infusions of herbs, seeds, roots and spices to vodka, various tinctures are prepared.

Other types of vodka are obtained by distillation of fermented sweet liquids.

Types of vodka

Ordinary vodka in Russia is a 40% solution of alcohol purified from fusel oil in water. Purification is carried out in a hot way at distillation plants or cold - in vodka. Alcohol is diluted with water (to a strength of 40-45%) and filtered through a series of vats filled with charcoal (preferably birch), which absorbs fusel oil (traces remain). The best vodka is made from rectified alcohol.

Special vodka is prepared by dissolving in ordinary vodka or alcohol of various essential oils and aromatic substances.

To obtain fruit vodka, ripe berries are crushed, the juice is squeezed out, sweetened and forced to ferment (adding yeast). The fermented wort is distilled.

History of vodka

The prototype of vodka was made in the 11th century by the Persian doctor Ar-Razi, who was the first to isolate ethanol (ethyl alcohol) by distillation. The Koran forbids Muslims from drinking any alcoholic beverages, so the Arabs used this liquid (vodka) exclusively for medical purposes, as well as for making perfumes.

In Europe, the first distillation of an alcoholic liquid was made by the Italian alchemist monk Valentius. The alchemists of Provence (France) adapted the distillation cube invented by the Arabs to convert grape must into alcohol.

Vodka appeared in Russia at the end of the 14th century. In 1386, the Genoese embassy brought the first vodka (aqua vitae - "living water") to Moscow and presented it to Prince Dmitry Donskoy. In Europe, all modern strong drinks were born from "Aqua Vita": brandy, cognac, whiskey, schnapps and Russian vodka. The volatile liquid obtained as a result of the distillation of the fermented must was perceived as a concentrate, the "spirit" of wine (in Latin spiritus vini), from which the modern name of this substance in many languages, including Russian - "alcohol" comes from.

In 1429, Aqua Vita was again brought to Moscow by foreigners, this time as a universal medicine. At the court of Prince Vasily II Vasilyevich, the liquid, apparently, was appreciated, but due to its strength, they preferred to dilute it with water. It is likely that the idea of diluting alcohol, which in essence was "aqua vita", served as an impetus for the production of Russian vodka, but, of course, from grain.

The method of producing vodka became presumably known in Russia in the second half of the 15th century and was probably due to the appearance of grain surpluses that required rapid processing.

Already at the beginning of the 16th century, "burning wine" was taken not to Russia, but from it. This was the first experience of Russian vodka export, which was later destined to conquer the world.

The very word "vodka" appeared in Russia in the XVII-XVIII centuries and, most likely, is derived from "water". At the same time, in former times, the terms wine, tavern were also used to refer to vodka (this was the name for vodka made illegally, under the conditions of the state monopoly introduced in the 18th century), tavern wine, smoked wine, burning wine, burnt wine, bitter wine, etc.

With the development and improvement of vodka production in Russia, remarkable results have been achieved in terms of purification and taste characteristics of the drink.

In the middle of the 18th century, the production of vodka in Russia, along with state-owned factories, was carried out by noble landowners, owners of estates scattered throughout the country. Empress Catherine II, who patronized the nobility, granted them many different benefits, made distilling an exclusive privilege of the nobles. A significant part of the vodka was produced in the estates of the landlords, and the quality of the drink was raised to an unimaginable height. Manufacturers sought to achieve a high degree of purification of vodka, they used natural animal proteins for this - milk and egg white. In the 18th century, Russian "home-made" vodkas, produced in the households of the princes Kurakins, Counts Sheremetevs, Counts Rumyantsevs, and others enjoyed an excellent reputation.

At the end of the 19th century, for the first time in Russian history, a state standard for vodka was introduced. This was largely facilitated by the research of well-known chemists Nikolai Zelinsky and Dmitry Mendeleev, members of the commission for the introduction of a vodka monopoly. The merit of the latter is that he developed the composition of vodka, which was supposed to correspond to 40 ° in strength. "Mendeleevsky" version of vodka was patented in Russia in 1894 as "Moscow Special" (later - "Special").

In Russian history, the state (tsarist) monopoly on the production and sale of vodka was repeatedly introduced. For example, in 1533, the first "Tsar's tavern" was opened in Moscow, and the entire trade in vodka became the prerogative of the tsarist administration; in 1819, Alexander I reintroduced the state monopoly, which lasted until 1828; observed in 1906-1913.

The state monopoly on vodka existed throughout the entire period of Soviet power (formally - since 1923), while the technology for the production of the drink was improved, and its quality was at a consistently high level. In 1992, by decree of Russian President Boris Yeltsin, the monopoly was abolished, which entailed a number of negative consequences (financial, medical, moral, and others). Already in 1993, a new decree was signed, which returned the monopoly, but the state was unable to tightly control its implementation.

The history of prohibitive measures against vodka is noteworthy. So, during the Russo-Japanese War, there was a ban on the sale of vodka in some provinces of the empire. "Dry law" was introduced in Russia at the very beginning of the First World War, continuing to operate after the establishment of Soviet power (only in 1923 they allowed the sale of liquors with a strength of no more than 20 °, in 1924 the permissible fortress was increased to 30 °, in 1928 the restrictions were lifted , in 1986, under Mikhail Gorbachev, an unprecedented campaign was launched to combat drunkenness, in fact, alcohol consumption, which was unsuccessful and led to the massive destruction of vineyards, the production of low-quality "underground" alcoholic products, the growth of drug addiction, etc.) .

As an element of everyday culture, vodka has taken a specific place in the history of Russian life, marked by such verbal symbols - "signs" as "mentikov dime", "katenka", "kerenki", "monopolka", "rykovka", "andropovka", "smirnovka". "(by the name of one of the largest domestic producers of vodka), etc., and has also become an invariable solid payment unit ("a bottle of vodka"), especially in rural areas. Vodka is often perceived as a national symbol of Russia, on a par with the samovar, balalaika, matryoshka, caviar. Remaining one of the most common Russian national drinks until the end of the 20th century, vodka was the basis for a huge number of tinctures, the preparation of which became a special branch of home production in Russia.

On January 1, 2010, in order to combat illegal alcohol trafficking in the country, Russia introduced a minimum price for a 0.5-liter bottle of vodka in the amount of 89 rubles. The corresponding order was signed by the Federal Service for Alcohol Market Regulation (Rosalkogolregulirovanie). If the bottle is of a different volume, the minimum price will be calculated in proportion to the capacity.

Thus, now the consumer will be able to make an informed choice between legal and illegal producers. According to experts, taking into account the excise tax on alcohol planned for 2010, the cost of a bottle, VAT and minimum retail and wholesale markups, the price of a bottle of vodka really does not exceed 89 rubles.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from RIA Novosti and open sources

Vodka is an alcoholic drink of increased strength, created on the basis of water and alcohol. The product has an alcoholic smell, a characteristic taste and absolute transparency. In the process of making the drink, rectified ethyl alcohol mixed with corrected water is used. The solution is treated with modified starch or activated carbon to remove harmful impurities. According to the recipe, filtration and addition of various ingredients can be carried out.

The strength of vodka is expressed as a percentage, although instead of the “%” sign, “degrees” appear on the labels. Russian standards regulate the strength of vodka within 40-45 degrees. In the European Union, the minimum ABV threshold is 37.5%. As for the taste of vodka, it can vary significantly depending on the content of water, ethanol and specific impurities. In general, taste characteristics are defined by the concepts of "burning" and "bitter taste". Its “softness” depends on the purity of vodka. The role of flavoring and aromatic additives can be:

vitamins;
thickeners;
stabilizers;
flavorings (ginger, red pepper, cinnamon and even chocolate).

After drinking a glass, there may be a residual sensation in the mouth - this will be the taste of vodka. This phenomenon may be due to insufficient purification from fusel spirits. The key components of vodka are rectified alcohol and water.

Production features

As a raw material for the production of alcohol, cereals are usually used (less often, beets and potatoes). In addition to the main grain component, the following can be added to the wort:

millet;
oats;
barley;
corn;
peas;
buckwheat.

The quality of future vodka largely depends on the water. The best recognized water taken from glaciers, springs and upper rivers. Water is purified by sedimentation, aeration and filtration (quartz sand is often used at the final stage). The result should be a colorless, clear liquid with a low salt content. Since the 1890s, the technology for making vodka has not changed. The process looks like this:

Rectified alcohol is mixed with water.
Sorting is filtered (mechanically and with activated carbon).
Premium drinks have additional processing (egg white, milk or silver).
Additives are added (if the recipe provides for them).
Products are bottled and sealed.
Quality control is carried out.

History of vodka

The origin of vodka itself and its name is shrouded in darkness. Finland, Poland and Germany tried to claim the right to be considered the birthplace of the drink. In 1982, the International Arbitration Court made a decision based on historical facts, according to which vodka was recognized as a national treasure of Russia. In the old days, vodka was called "hot", "bread" and "smoked" wine. The use of the word forms "wodko, vodka" was found in the Polish language around 1405-1437.

The concept of "wodki" in 1534 meant "distilled medicinal products." Pokhlebkin believed that the term "wódka" was borrowed from the Russian language. In 1533, this word denoted a medicinal herbal tincture. Already in the 17th century, foreigners began to clearly distinguish "Russian vodka", this name began to appear in official papers. In the 18th century, fortified tinctures (fruit and berry) were called vodka. It was only in the 19th century that vodka acquired a modern look.

World history

Distillation is mentioned by Greek alchemists as early as the first century AD. Avicenna in the 11th century used this technology to extract essential oils - in any case, he wrote about this in his own writings. The first documentary evidence of distillation dates back to the 12th century - it mentions the Italian school of Salerno. Rectification has been practiced since the middle of the 19th century.

There is an assumption that the Poles borrowed the technology of alcohol distillation from the alchemists of the Holy Roman Empire - this happened in the XIV century. Already in the 16th century, Polish tax documents mention alcoholic beverages everywhere. The earliest information about this dates back to 1537. Apparently, it was about grain drinks. There is a well-known essay of 1614 called “Wodka albo Gorzałka”, where it is reported that it was rye vodka that became widespread in Poland.

Russian sources say that vodka had predecessors - "overvar" and "boiled wine". In some sources, these products are mentioned since 1399. Russia is also recognized as the Motherland of vodka by the famous Encyclopedia Britannica. There is evidence that in 1386 Genoese ambassadors visited Russia - it was they who introduced Prince Dmitry Donskoy to "living water" ("aqua vitae"). This term denoted a concentrated wine spirit obtained by Arnold Villeneuve, an alchemist from Provence in 1334. The idea of a distillation cube was suggested to the alchemist by the Arabs, who used this unit to produce perfumes.

History in Russia

William Pokhlebkin claims that distillation appeared in one of the Russian monasteries at the turn of 1440-1470. Pokhlebkin writes in his book that isolated cases of vodka production cannot be considered serious evidence of its existence - facts of mass production and related state regulation are required. General financial control over the production of vodka was introduced in 1478. The state became a monopoly not only in the manufacture, but also in the trade of this alcoholic beverage.

In the middle of the 15th century, honey production became less profitable, and crop yields increased significantly. All relations with Byzantium were terminated, and after all, traditional wine was supplied from there for church needs. During this difficult historical period, according to Pokhlebkin, the recipe for Russian vodka was developed by the monk Isidore from the town of Chudova.

Re-regulation occurred in the era of Elizabeth Petrovna. The empress, by a royal decree, designated the categories of people who are allowed to have stills. And in 1789, the manufacturers of St. Petersburg began to use charcoal for cleaning. Subsequently, a monopoly was introduced on vodka.

Mendeleev and vodka

A fascinating mythology has developed around the popular drink in Russia. There is a legend that connects the emergence of 40-degree vodka with the activities of D.I. Mendeleev, inventor of the periodic table. Mendeleev is said to have set the 40-degree standard while working on his dissertation. The great scientist is also credited with the creation of the Moscow Special vodka, patented in 1894.

In fact, Mendeleev did not improve alcoholic beverages. The dissertation of the scientist was devoted to ethyl alcohol, but other people used the information gleaned from there. Information about the effects of vodka on the human body was not found in the works of the great chemist.

How to drink vodka

An important element of the use of vodka is preparation. 2-3 hours before a large-scale feast, it is recommended to consume 50 grams of vodka - this is how you prepare your body for stress. Eat something fatty an hour before the event (a sandwich with ham or caviar will do). In order not to "pass out" at the table, you can swallow 6-8 tablets activated carbon- This is done half an hour before the meal.

Cool the bottle of vodka until the glass fogs up a little. Drinking warm vodka is bad form. Cooling should not take place in the freezer (otherwise you risk "overfreezing" the product). Frozen vodka gains strength as the water crystallizes and releases the purest alcohol. Here are some more helpful tips:

The ideal container for vodka is 50-gram shot glasses.
Before drinking, it is better to exhale (a sip is taken while inhaling).
It is better to have a snack at the beginning of the meal with hot dishes, gradually switching to cold ones.
Avoid drinks containing bubbles of carbon dioxide.
Mixing vodka with other alcoholic beverages is not recommended.
After drinking a lot of vodka in the winter, do not go out into the cold.
After the celebration, avoid drinking alcohol again.

How to drink vodka

It is better to refuse everything that contains bubbles (mineral water, soft drinks, Coca-Cola). Compotes, fruit drinks and juices are considered safe. Between the use of glasses of vodka, take three-minute breaks.

What to eat vodka

A good appetizer emphasizes the merits of the product, a bad one hopelessly spoils the feast. Vodka goes well with any dish, excluding desserts. Use the “hot first, then cold” rule. Here are the main groups of dishes that are recommended for use as a snack:

Nutrients. This may include fried fish and hot meat. These dishes are eaten first, they are designed to eliminate a burning sensation in the throat and an unpleasant aftertaste.
Enveloping. This group includes soups, salads and hot sauces. First you must get enough of the first group of dishes, and only then proceed to the second. Take a short break between the two groups.
washing. These are mushrooms vegetable marinades and pickles. Final group. This type of snack prepares the body for a new intake of vodka.

Classification and types of vodka

Modern vodka has a fairly simple classification, directly related to the cost of the drink and the quality of the ingredients. The classification is as follows:

Economy (cheap vodka, poorly protected from fakes and filtered once).
Standard (several degrees of purification, taste variations, alcohol of the Extra category).
Premium (alcohols "Alfa" and "Lux", mild taste, several degrees of protection, designer packaging).
Super premium (cleaning with silver, gold and rare components, packaging complexity, unique recipe).
Ultra-premium (extraordinary ecological purity, rare cooking technology, strict tasting control).

The alcohol content in good vodka ranges from 40-56%. "Correct" vodka is distinguished by a delicate vodka aroma, mild taste and the complete absence of harmful impurities. There should be no sediment in the drink. If the product burns the mouth, vodka is classified as "economy". If the product contains low-quality alcohol, you will experience an unpleasant odor. Be sure to turn the vodka bottle upside down - this way you can determine if there is sediment inside.

Of course, The best way buy high-quality vodka - give preference to premium drinks. But the high price does not always justify itself - the market is filled with counterfeit. How to identify counterfeit, you will learn a little later.

Cooking methods at home

In order to prepare vodka at home, you need to correctly choose alcohol, water and other ingredients. Water should contain a minimum of salts and minerals, so a bottled product seems to be the most suitable solution. Alcohol is better to choose medical or food. Do a methyl test to keep yourself healthy (technical alcohol is deadly). And here is what a list of other components might look like:

glycerol;
sugar;
glucose.

The classic recipe provides for a mixture of pharmacy glucose (0.04 liters), bottled water (2 liters), 96% alcohol (about 1.25 liters). First, the main ingredient (water) is poured into the container, then alcohol is placed there, the resulting solution is mixed. Other components are added. Everything is shaken and put in the refrigerator. There is also a more exotic way that will allow you to make the product more spicy. Here's what's required:

water (three glasses);
alcohol (two glasses);
spices (cardamom, ground nutmeg and cinnamon;
sugar;
dry citric acid (1 cup).

In this case, the vodka container is cooled for three hours, and then lemon zest is added. The subsequent infusion lasts 6 hours. Spices are gradually added to the mixture, after which the container is moved for 12 hours to a warm room. Warming up vodka, it is necessary to cool it again. At the end, the mixture is filtered and sugar is added there.

How to distinguish a fake

There are seven signs by which you can identify counterfeit vodka. These are the signs:

Price. Those who use specific vodka brands should remember the price of the product. Reducing the cost by 15-30% is a sure sign of a fake.
Color. Real vodka has no color. The drink is absolutely transparent, there are no yellowish shades and foreign particles.
Outlet. Buy a drink in trusted stores - large hypermarkets and vodka boutiques. Be sure to keep your receipt.
Cap. Factory products are distinguished by a tight-fitting cap that does not leak or scroll. The ball dispenser is even better - it is unrealistic to fake it in clandestine factories.
Label. Legible inscriptions, smooth sticker, no grammatical errors. Make sure you have GOST, bottling date, composition and manufacturer.
Manufacturer Protection. This is an individual indicator, so before buying, go to the website of the brand you want to consume. Among the methods of protection, we note coats of arms, embossed signs, quality markers.
Excise stamp. This parameter is relevant only for foreign brands.

Not all vodka brands are associated with Russia. Quality vodka is made in France, Poland and Finland.

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Russian vodka when they began to produce. The veracity of the expression "to drink in buckets"

"The Mind Thief"

Russian vodka

Monopoly

No alcohol law

Production features

History of vodka

World history

History in Russia

Mendeleev and vodka

How to drink vodka

How to drink vodka

What to eat vodka

Classification and types of vodka

Cooking methods at home

How to distinguish a fake

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