The history of Russian vodka
In the old times Russian people didn't have any idea of getting drunk. Before
the adoption of the Christianity alcoholic beverages were put on the table to
celebrate three holidays: the birth of a child, a military victory or the
funeral. Expensive, rich feasts were afforded only by the Great Princes and used
as political events to sign new contracts or arrange new contacts. The most
popular strong beverages were considered honey wines, "braga" (strong bread
beverage) and beer.
In the ancient Rus vodka was highly appreciated and used as miracle-working
medicine, combined with herbs extracts for external and internal use, not more
than a half a spoon. Vodka was considered good to heal the wounds and relieve
the pain. The growing popularity of this strong beverage helped its fast
spreading.
Successful years of Peter the Great's government, whose love towards the
feasts and festivals was the talk of the country, accustomed people to much
alcohol. But the tsar also brought in the strict order in alcohol drinking. It
was the rule to work the whole week and allowed to have alcoholic drinks only on
the holidays. Peter I loved alcohol so much that he could drink 36 glasses of
wine during the day. Thanks to him, Russian Empire learned to drink vodka in a
sweeping and joyful manner.
Vodka was a must of a combat ration. Russian soldiers carried alcohol drinks
to encourage themselves on the field of battle. The soldier got 2 cups of vodka
(15-18%) every day. Simple workers were not deprived of their due share of
vodka , too. One glass (charka) of low quality vodka was supposed to every
builder, road worker or docker.
In 19 century the famous Russian chemist Mendeleev developed the basis of
alcoholic beverage industry. He, first, determined the vague notion "vodka" with
scientific characteristics. Vodka became the only name of principal Russian
strong drink.
Vodka is made from rye spirit, dissolved, by weight, in spring mild water
until 40% alcohol. As during the experiments, Mendeleev found out that only 40%
alcohol releases the maximum of heat and differs by the homogeneity.
In 1894 Mendeleev's vodka was patented as the principal Russian alcoholic
beverage, called "Moscow special" vodka.
In conclusion, it is necessary to say that only vodka from Russia is the true
vodka.
