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{{short description|Clear distilled alcoholic beverage}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}}
{{redirect|Wodka|other uses|Vodka (disambiguation)|and|Wódka (disambiguation){{!}}Wódka}}
{{redirect|Wodka|other uses|Wódka (disambiguation){{!}}wódka|and|vodka (disambiguation)}}
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[[File:04656 market in Sanok.JPG|300px|thumb|Selection of vodkas and spirits at a store in [[Sanok]], Poland]]
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'''Vodka''' ({{lang-ru|водка}} {{IPA-ru|ˈvotkə|}}, {{lang-pl|wódka}} {{IPA-pl|ˈvutka|}}) is a [[distilled beverage]] composed primarily of water and [[ethanol]], sometimes with traces of impurities and flavorings. Traditionally, vodka is made by the distillation of [[Fermentation in food processing|fermented]] [[cereal|cereal grain]]s or [[potato]]es, though some modern brands use other substances, such as fruits or sugar.
{{Infobox beverage
| name = Vodka
| image = Smirnoff Red Label 8213.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| caption = [[Smirnoff]] Red Label vodka
| alternate_name =
| origin = [[Poland]], [[Russia]], [[Sweden]]<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://vocal.media/proof/the-history-of-vodka|title=The History of Vodka|website=Proof}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LGWEDwAAQBAJ&dq=sweden+russia+poland+vodka+15th+century&pg=PA82|isbn=9781631595554|title=The Art of Distilling, Revised and Expanded: An Enthusiast's Guide to the Artisan Distilling of Whiskey, Vodka, Gin and other Potent Potables|date=January 2019|publisher=Quarry Books}}</ref>
| region = Central, Northern and Eastern Europe
| type = [[Distilled beverage|Distilled alcoholic beverage]]
| abv = 35–40%
| proof = 70–80°
| color = clear
| ingredients = [[Water]], [[grains]]
| related = Flavored vodka, [[nalewka]]
}}
'''Vodka''' ({{langx|pl|wódka}} {{IPA|pl|ˈvutka|}}; {{langx|ru|водка}} {{IPA|ru|ˈvotkə|}}; {{langx|sv|vodka}} {{IPA|sv|vɔdkɑː|}}) is a clear [[distilled beverage|distilled alcoholic beverage]]. Different varieties originated in [[Poland]], [[Russia]], and [[Sweden]].<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> Vodka is composed mainly of water and [[ethanol]] but sometimes with traces of impurities and flavourings.<ref name="Vodka: A Global History" >{{cite book |last1=Herlihy |first1=Patricia |title=Vodka: A Global History |date=2012 |publisher=Reaktion Books |isbn=9781861899293|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=362bfAtl3g8C&pg=PA12|page=12 }}</ref> Traditionally, it is made by distilling liquid from [[Fermentation in food processing|fermented]] [[cereal|cereal grains]] and [[potato]]es since the latter was introduced in Europe in the 18th century. Some modern brands use [[maize]], [[Sugarcane|sugar cane]], [[fruits|fruit]], [[honey]], and [[Maple syrup|maple sap]] as the base.


Since the 1890s, the standard [[Poland|Polish]], [[Russia]]n, [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]], [[Estonia]]n, [[Latvia]]n, [[Lithuania]]n and [[Czech Republic|Czech]] vodkas are 40% [[alcohol by volume]] ABV (80 [[Alcohol proof|proof]]), a percentage that is widely misattributed to [[Dmitri Mendeleev]].<ref name=Evseev2011>{{cite web|last=Evseev|first=Anton|title=Dmitry Mendeleev and 40 degrees of Russian vodka|work=Science|publisher=English Pravda.Ru|location=Moscow|date=21 November 2011|url=http://english.pravda.ru/science/mysteries/21-11-2011/119683-dmitry_mendeleev_vodka-0/|accessdate=6 July 2014}}</ref><ref name=RT2011>{{cite web|title=Prominent Russians: Dmitry Mendeleev|work=Prominent Russians: Science and technology|publisher=[[RT (TV network)|RT]]|location=Moscow|year=2011|url=http://russiapedia.rt.com/prominent-russians/science-and-technology/dmitry-mendeleev/|accessdate=6 July 2014}}</ref> The [[European Union]] has established a minimum of 37.5% ABV for any "European vodka" to be named as such.<ref name=ginvodka1>{{Wayback|df=yes|date=20080122091206|url=http://www.ginvodka.org/history/vodkaproduction.html |title=Production of vodka}}. Gin and Vodka Association. ginvodka.org</ref><ref name=europarl/> Products sold as "vodka" in the [[United States]] must have a minimum alcohol content of 40%.<ref name="cfra1">{{cite web|url=http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=a405a5761091de13308884c6cc36ee89;rgn=div6;view=text;node=27%3A1.0.1.1.3.3;idno=27;cc=ecfr |title=United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 27, Section 5.22(a)(1)|publisher=United States Government Printing Office |accessdate=31 May 2011}}</ref> Even with these loose restrictions, most vodka sold contains 40% ABV. For homemade vodkas and distilled beverages referred to as "moonshine", see [[moonshine by country]].
Since the 1890s, standard vodkas have been 40% [[alcohol by volume]] (ABV) (80 [[U.S. proof]]).<ref name=Evseev2011>{{cite web|last=Evseev|first=Anton|title=Dmitry Mendeleev and 40 degrees of Russian vodka|work=Science|publisher=English Pravda.Ru|location=Moscow|date=21 November 2011|url=http://english.pravda.ru/science/mysteries/21-11-2011/119683-dmitry_mendeleev_vodka-0/|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> The [[European Union]] has established a minimum alcohol content of 37.5% for vodka.<ref name="ginvodka1">{{cite web | access-date=20 January 2007 | archive-date=22 January 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080122091206/http://www.ginvodka.org/history/vodkaproduction.html | url=http://www.ginvodka.org/history/vodkaproduction.html | title=The Production of Vodka | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=europarl/> Vodka in the United States must have a minimum alcohol content of 40%.<ref name="cfra1">{{cite web |url=http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=a405a5761091de13308884c6cc36ee89;rgn=div6;view=text;node=27%3A1.0.1.1.3.3;idno=27;cc=ecfr |title=United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 27, Section 5.22(a)(1) |publisher=United States Government Printing Office |access-date=31 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123093631/http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=a405a5761091de13308884c6cc36ee89;rgn=div6;view=text;node=27%3A1.0.1.1.3.3;idno=27;cc=ecfr |archive-date=23 November 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Vodka is traditionally drunk [[Bartending terminology|neat]] (not mixed with any water, ice, or other mixer), though it is often served chilled in the [[Alcohol belts of Europe#Vodka belt|vodka belt]] countries (Belarus, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine). It is also commonly used in [[cocktail]]s and mixed drinks, such as the [[vodka martini]], [[Cosmopolitan (cocktail)|Cosmopolitan]], [[vodka tonic]], [[Screwdriver (cocktail)|Screwdriver]], [[Greyhound (cocktail)|Greyhound]], [[Black Russian|Black]] or [[White Russian (cocktail)|White Russian]], and [[Bloody Mary (cocktail)|Bloody Mary]].
Vodka is traditionally drunk "[[Bartending terminology|neat]]" (not mixed with water, ice, or other [[Mixer drink|mixers]]), and it is often served freezer chilled in the [[Alcohol belts of Europe#Vodka belt|vodka belt]] of Belarus, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and Ukraine.<ref name="Vodka: A Global History"/> It is also used in [[cocktail|cocktails and mixed drink]]s, such as the [[vodka martini]], [[Cosmopolitan (cocktail)|Cosmopolitan]], [[vodka tonic]], [[Screwdriver (cocktail)|screwdriver]], [[Greyhound (cocktail)|greyhound]], [[Black Russian|Black]] or [[White Russian (cocktail)|White Russian]], [[Moscow mule]], [[Bloody Mary (cocktail)|Bloody Mary]], and [[Caesar (cocktail)|Caesar]].


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
The name ''vodka'' is a [[diminutive]] form of the [[Slavic language|Slavic]] word ''voda'' (water), interpreted as "waterkin": [[root (linguistics)|root]] ''vod''- [water] + -''k''- (diminutive [[suffix]], among other functions) + -''a'' ([[Suffix|ending]] of [[feminine gender]]).<ref name="eb">{{Britannica|631781}}</ref><ref name="ety">{{cite dictionary|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=vodka |title=vodka |dictionary=Online Etymology Dictionary |access-date=22 November 2008}}</ref><ref>Etymology of the word "vodka" in Черных&nbsp;П.&nbsp;Я.: Историко-этимологический словарь современного русского языка. Москва, Русский язык-Медиа, 2004.</ref>
[[Image:VodkaBelt.png|thumb|right|300px|The "[[Alcohol belts of Europe#Vodka belt|vodka belt]]" countries of Northern, Central and Eastern Europe are the historic home of vodka. These countries have the highest vodka consumption in the world.]]
The name "vodka" is a [[diminutive]] form of the [[Slavic language|Slavic]] word ''voda'' (water), interpreted as ''little water'': [[root (linguistics)|root]] вод- (''vod-'') [water] + -к- (''-k-'') (diminutive [[suffix]], among other functions) + ''-a'' ([[Suffix|postfix]] of [[feminine gender]]).<ref name=eb>{{cite web|title=Vodka (distilled liquer)|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/631781/vodka|work=Encyclopædia Britannica Online}}</ref><ref name=ety>{{cite dictionary|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=vodka |title=vodka |publisher=Online Etymology Dictionary |accessdate=22 November 2008}}</ref><ref>Etymology of the word "vodka" in Черных&nbsp;П.&nbsp;Я.: Историко-этимологический словарь современного русского языка. Москва, Русский язык-Медиа, 2004.</ref>


In English literature, the word vodka appeared in around the late 18th century. In a book of travels published in English in 1780 (presumably, a translation from German), [[Johann Gottlieb Georgi]] correctly explained that "''kabak'' in the Russian language signifies a public house for the common people to drink ''vodka'' (a sort of brandy) in".<ref>{{Cite book |first=Johann Gottlieb |last=Georgi |title=Russia: or, a compleat historical account of all the nations which compose that Empire. |publisher=printed for J. Nichols: T. Cadell; H. Payne; and N. Conant |year=1780 |url=https://archive.org/details/russiaoracomple00georgoog |page=[https://archive.org/details/russiaoracomple00georgoog/page/n121 115] }}</ref> In 1799, [[William Tooke]] glossed ''vodka'' as "rectified corn-spirits",<ref>{{Cite book |first=William |last=Tooke |title=View of the Russian empire during the reign of Catharine the Second, and to the close of the present century, Volume 1 |publisher=T.N. Longman and O. Rees, Pater-Noster-Row, and J. Debrett|place= Piccadilly|year= 1799 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=wBIbAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA362 |page=362 }}</ref> using the traditional English sense of the word "corn" to refer to any grain, not just [[maize]]. In 1800, French poet [[Théophile Gautier]] glossed it as a "grain liquor" served with meals in Poland (''[[:fr:eau-de-vie|eau-de-vie]] de grain'').<ref>{{Cite book |first=Théophile |last=Gautier|publisher=G. Charpentier et cie. |year=1800 |title=Voyage en Russie |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9lBEAAAAIAAJ&q=vodka |pages=354, 406 }}</ref>
The word "vodka" was recorded for the first time in 1405 in ''Akta Grodzkie'',<ref name=KRPS>{{cite web|url=http://krps.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=27|title=History of vodka production, at the official page of Polish Spirit Industry Association (KRPS), 2007|language=Polish|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070930131416/http://krps.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=27|archivedate=30 September 2007}}</ref> the court documents from the [[Sandomierz Voivodship|Palatinate of Sandomierz]] in Poland.<ref name=KRPS /> At the time, the word vodka (''wódka'') referred to chemical compounds such as [[medicine]]s and [[cosmetics]]' cleansers, while the popular beverage was called ''gorzałka'' (from the [[Old Polish]] ''gorzeć'' meaning "to burn"), which is also the source of Ukrainian ''[[horilka]]'' (горілка). The word vodka written in [[Cyrillic script|Cyrillic]] appeared first in 1533, in relation to a medicinal drink brought from Poland to Russia by the merchants of [[Kievan Rus']].<ref name=KRPS />


Another possible connection of ''vodka'' with "water" is the name of the medieval alcoholic beverage ''[[aqua vitae]]'' ([[Latin language|Latin]], literally, "water of life"), which is reflected in Polish {{Lang|pl|okowita}}, Ukrainian {{lang|uk|оковита}}, Belarusian {{lang|be|акавіта}}, and Scandinavian ''[[akvavit]]''. [[whisky|Whiskey]] has a similar etymology, from the [[Irish language|Irish]] and [[Scottish Gaelic]] ''[[uisce beatha]]''/uisge-beatha.
A number of Russian [[Pharmacology|pharmaceutical]] lists contain the terms "vodka of grain wine" (водка хлебного вина ''vodka khlebnogo vina'') and "vodka in half of grain wine" (водка полу хлебного вина ''vodka polu khlebnogo vina'').<ref>[[William Pokhlebkin|Pokhlebkin, William]] and Clarke, Renfrey (translator). ''[[A History of vodka]]''. Verso: 1992. ISBN 0-86091-359-7.</ref> As alcohol had long been used as a basis for medicines, this implies the term vodka could be a noun derived from the verb ''vodit’'', ''razvodit’'' (водить, разводить), "to dilute with water". Grain wine was a spirit distilled from alcohol made from grain (as opposed to grape wine) and hence "vodka of grain wine" would be a water dilution of a distilled grain spirit.


People in the area of vodka's probable origin have names for vodka with roots meaning "to burn": {{langx|pl|gorzała}}; {{langx|uk|горілка|horilka}}; {{langx|be|гарэлка|harelka}}; {{langx|lt|degtinė}}; {{langx|sgs|degtėnė}} is also in use, colloquially and in [[proverb]]s;<ref>{{cite web | access-date=11 March 2008 | archive-date=11 April 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411121714/http://www.lki.lt/php/English/publications/angliskos_santraukos_KK.doc | url=http://www.lki.lt/php/English/publications/angliskos_santraukos_KK.doc | title=The heritage of professor Juozas Balčikonis, the great educator of the native language | url-status=dead}}</ref> {{langx|lv|degvīns}}; {{langx|fi|[[paloviina]]}}. In [[Russian language|Russian]] during the 17th and 18th centuries, {{lang|ru|горящѣе вино or горячее вино}} (''goryashchee vino'', "burning wine" or "hot wine") was widely used. Others languages include the German ''Branntwein'', [[Danish language|Danish]] ''brændevin'', {{langx|nl|brandewijn}}, {{langx|sv|[[brännvin]]}}, and {{langx|no|[[brennevin]]}} (although the latter terms refer to any strong alcoholic beverage).
Although the word ''vodka'' could be found in early manuscripts and in ''[[lubok]]'' pictograms, it began to appear in Russian dictionaries only in the mid-19th century. It was attested in [[Sámuel Gyarmathi]]'s Russian-German-Hungarian glossary of 1799, where it is glossed with Latin ''vinum adustum'' ("burnt [i.e. distilled] wine").<ref>{{Cite book |first=Sámuel |last=Gyarmathi |title=Affinitas linguae hungaricae cum linguis Fennicae originis grammatice demonstrata. Nec non vocabularia dialectorum tataricarum et slavicorum cum hungarica comparata |place=Göttingen |year= 1799 |url= http://books.google.com/books?id=if1JAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA333 }}</ref>

In English literature the word vodka was attested already in the late 18th century. In a book of his travels published in English in 1780 (presumably, a translation from German), [[Johann Gottlieb Georgi]] correctly explained that "Kabak in the Russian language signifies a public house for the common people to drink ''vodka'' (a sort of brandy) in."<ref>{{Cite journal |first=Johann Gottlieb |last=Georgi |title=Russia: or, a compleat historical account of all the nations which compose that Empire. |publisher=printed for J. Nichols: T. Cadell; H. Payne; and N. Conant |year=1780 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=GKEBAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA115 |page=115 }}</ref> [[William Tooke]] in 1799 glossed ''vodka'' as "rectified corn-spirits".<ref>{{Cite journal |first=William |last=Tooke |title=View of the Russian empire during the reign of Catharine the Second, and to the close of the present century, Volume 1 |publisher=T.N. Longman and O. Rees, Pater-Noster-Row, and J. Debrett|place= Piccadilly|year= 1799 |url= http://books.google.com/books?id=wBIbAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA362 |page=362 }}</ref> In French, [[Théophile Gautier]] in 1800 glossed it as a "grain liquor" served with meals in Poland (''[[:fr:eau-de-vie|eau-de-vie]] de grain'').<ref>{{Cite journal |first=Théophile |last=Gautier|publisher=G. Charpentier et cie. |year=1800 |title=Voyage en Russie |url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=9lBEAAAAIAAJ&q=vodka&redir_esc=y |pages=354, 406 }}</ref>

Another possible connection of "vodka" with "water" is the name of the medieval alcoholic beverage ''[[aqua vitae]]'' ([[Latin language|Latin]], literally, "water of life"), which is reflected in Polish ''okowita'', Ukrainian ''оковита'', Belarusian ''акавіта'', and Scandinavian ''[[akvavit]]''. (Note that [[whisky|whiskey]] has a similar etymology, from the [[Irish language|Irish]]/[[Scottish Gaelic]] ''[[uisce beatha]]''/uisge-beatha.)

People in the area of vodka's probable origin have names for vodka with roots meaning "to burn": {{lang-pl|gorzała, berbelucha, bimber}}; {{lang-uk|горілка, ''horílka''}}; {{lang-be|гарэлка, ''harelka''}}; {{lang-lt|degtinė}}; [[Samogitian language|Samogitian]]: degtėnė, is also in use, colloquially and in [[proverb]]s<ref>Drotvinas, Vincentas. "What was ''šlapjurgis'' drinking?", ''Kalbos kultūra'' ("Language Culture"), issue 78, pp. 241–246 ({{Wayback |df=yes|date=20080411121714 |url=http://www.lki.lt/php/English/publications/angliskos_santraukos_KK.doc |title=online summary }})</ref>); {{lang-lv|degvīns}}; {{lang-fi|[[paloviina]]}}. In [[Russian language|Russian]] during the 17th and 18th centuries, горящѣе вино or горячее вино (''goryashchee vino'', "burning wine" or "hot wine") was widely used. Others languages include the German ''Branntwein'', [[Danish language|Danish]] ''brændevin'', {{lang-nl|brandewijn}}, {{lang-sv|[[brännvin]]}}, and {{lang-no|[[brennevin]]}} (although the latter terms refer to any strong alcoholic beverage).


==History==
==History==
[[File:VodkaBelt.png|thumb|right|The "[[Alcohol belts of Europe#Vodka belt|vodka belt]]" countries of Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe are the historic home of vodka. These countries have the highest vodka consumption in the world.]]
Scholars debate the beginnings of vodka.<ref name="smith_companion" /> It is a contentious issue because very little historical material is available.<ref name=Blocker>Blocker, Jack S; Fahey, David M and Tyrrell, Ian R (2003). [http://books.google.ca/books?id=BuzNzm-x0l8C&lpg=PP1&dq=Alcohol%20and%20temperance%20in%20modern%20history%3A%20an%20international%20encyclopedia&pg=PA636#v=onepage&q=vodka%20history&f=false ''Alcohol and temperance in modern history: An international encyclopedia] Vol. 1 A – L, ABC-CLIO, pp. 389, 636 ISBN 1576078337.</ref><ref name=Ermochkin>Ermochkine, Nicholas and Iglikowski, Peter (2003). ''40 degrees east : an anatomy of vodka'', Nova Publishers, p. 217, ISBN 1590335945.</ref> The first production was either in Poland, [[Central Europe]], in the 8th century or in the area of today's Russia, [[Eastern Europe]], in the late 9th century according to different sources.<ref name="smith_companion">{{Cite book |author=Smith, A. F. |title=The Oxford companion to American food and drink |ref=http://books.google.ca/books?id=AoWlCmNDA3QC&lpg=PP1&dq=Oxford%20companion%20to%20American%20food%20and%20drink&pg=PA612#v=onepage&q=Vodka%20history&f=false |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2007 |page=693 |isbn=978-0-19-530796-2 }}</ref><ref name="The Gin and Vodka Association GVA">[http://classic-web.archive.org/web/20080105095200/www.ginvodka.org/history/originvodka.html Origins & Development of Vodka]. The Gin and Vodka Association. ginvodka.org</ref> According to the Gin and Vodka Association (GVA),<ref name="The Gin and Vodka Association GVA"/> the first distillery was documented over three hundred years later at Khlynovsk as reported in the Vyatka Chronicle of 1174. For many centuries, beverages differed significantly compared to the vodka of today, as the spirit at that time had a different flavor, color and smell, and was originally used as medicine.<ref name="The Gin and Vodka Association GVA"/> It contained little alcohol, an estimated maximum of about 14%, as only this amount can be attained by natural fermentation. The [[still]], allowing for distillation ("burning of wine"), increased purity, and increased alcohol content, was invented in the 8th century.<ref name=Briffault>[[Robert Briffault|Briffault, Robert]] (1938). ''The Making of Humanity'', p. 195.</ref>
Scholars debate the beginnings of vodka<ref name="smith_companion">{{Cite book |author=Smith, A. F. |title=The Oxford companion to American food and drink |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2007 |page=[https://archive.org/details/oxfordcompaniont0000unse_e9i9/page/693 693] |isbn=978-0-19-530796-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/oxfordcompaniont0000unse_e9i9/page/693 }}</ref> because there is little historical material available.<ref name=Blocker>Blocker, Jack S; Fahey, David M, and Tyrrell, Ian R (2003). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=BuzNzm-x0l8C&dq=Alcohol%20and%20temperance%20in%20modern%20history%3A%20an%20international%20encyclopedia&pg=PA636 Alcohol and Temperance in Modern History: An International Encyclopedia]'' Vol. 1 A – L, ABC-CLIO, pp. 389, 636 {{ISBN|1-57607-833-7}}.</ref><ref name=Ermochkin>Ermochkine, Nicholas, and Iglikowski, Peter (2003). ''40 degrees east : an anatomy of vodka'', Nova Publishers, p. 217, {{ISBN|1-59033-594-5}}.</ref> For many centuries, beverages differed significantly compared to the vodka of today, as the spirit at that time had a different flavor, color, and smell, and was originally used as medicine. It contained little alcohol, an estimated maximum of about 14%. [[Distillation]] techniques were developed in [[Roman Egypt]] by the 3rd century, but the description of ''aqua ardens'' ("burning water", i.e., alcohol) made by distilling wine with salt appears in Latin works only by the 12th century. The process was well known among European medieval chemists by about 1300.<ref name=Multhauf>{{Cite book |last=Multhauf |first=Robert P. |title=The Origins of Chemistry |publisher=Oldbourne |year=1966 |isbn=9782881245947 |location=London |author-link=Robert P. Multhauf}} pp. 204-206.<!--[[Robert Briffault|Briffault, Robert]] (1919). ''The Making of Humanity'', [https://archive.org/details/makingofhumanity00brifrich/page/194/mode/2up p. 195].--></ref>

===Russia===
[[File:Wodkaflaschen.JPG|thumb|left|300px|Russian Vodka in various bottles and cups]]
A type of distilled liquor designated by the Russian word ''vodka'' came to Russia in the late 14th century. In 1386, the [[Genoa|Genoese]] ambassadors brought the first ''aqua vitae'' ("the water of life") to Moscow and presented it to [[Grand Duchy of Moscow|Grand Duke]] [[Dmitry Donskoy]]. The liquid obtained by distillation of grape [[must]] was thought to be a concentrate and a "spirit" of wine (''spiritus vini'' in Latin), from where came the name of this substance in many European languages (like English [[Distilled beverage|spirit]], or Russian {{lang|ru|спирт, ''spirt''}}).

According to a legend, around 1430, a monk named [[Isidore (inventor)|Isidore]] from [[Chudov Monastery]] inside the [[Moscow Kremlin]] made a recipe of the first Russian vodka.<ref name="pohlebkin_history">{{Cite book |author=[[Pokhlebkin|Pokhlebkin V. V.]] / Похлёбкин В. В. |title=The history of vodka / История водки |ref=http://vkus.narod.ru/vodka/vodka_00.htm |place=Moscow |publisher=Tsentrpoligraph / Центрполиграф |year=2007 |page=272 |isbn=5-9524-1895-3}}</ref> Having a special knowledge and distillation devices, he became the creator of a new, higher quality type of alcoholic beverage. This "bread wine", as it was initially known, was for a long time produced exclusively in the [[Grand Duchy of Moscow]] and in no other principality of [[Rus' people|Rus']] (this situation persisted until the era of industrial production). Thus, this beverage was closely associated with Moscow.

Until the mid-18th century, the drink remained relatively low in alcohol content, not exceeding 40% ABV. Multiple terms for the drink were recorded, sometimes reflecting different levels of quality, alcohol concentration, filtering, and the number of distillations; most commonly, it was referred to as "burning wine", "bread wine", or even in some locations simply "wine". In some locations, grape wine may have been so expensive that it was a drink only for aristocrats. Burning wine was usually diluted with water to 24% ABV or less before drinking. It was mostly sold in taverns and was quite expensive. At the same time, the word ''vodka'' was already in use, but it described herbal [[tincture]]s (similar to [[absinthe]]), containing up to 75% ABV, and made for medicinal purposes.

[[Image:C0681-Fedyakovo-Auchan-vodka.jpg|thumb|230px|A large selection of vodkas at a hypermarket near [[Nizhny Novgorod]], Russia.]]
The first written usage of the word ''vodka'' in an official Russian document in its modern meaning is dated by the decree of [[Empress]] [[Elizabeth of Russia|Elizabeth]] of 8 June 1751, which regulated the ownership of vodka distilleries. By the 1860s, due to the government policy of promoting consumption of state-manufactured vodka, it became the drink of choice for many Russians. In 1863, the government monopoly on vodka production was repealed, causing prices to plummet and making vodka available even to low-income citizens. The taxes on vodka became a key element of government finances in Tsarist Russia, providing at times up to 40% of state revenue.<ref>{{cite book|author=Bromley, Jonathan |title=Russia 1848–1917|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=vuFjmDQPG7kC&pg=PA40|year=2002|publisher=Heinemann|isbn=978-0-435-32718-7|pages=40–}}</ref> By 1911, vodka comprised 89% of all alcohol consumed in Russia. This level has fluctuated somewhat during the 20th century, but remained quite high at all times. The most recent estimates put it at 70% (2001). Today, some popular Russian vodka producers or brands are (amongst others) [[Stolichnaya]] and [[Russian Standard Vodka|Russian Standard]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlinevodka.net/vodka-manufacturers|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090413034541/http://www.onlinevodka.net/vodka-manufacturers|archivedate=13 April 2009|title=Some vodka manufacturers|work=onlinevodka.net}}</ref>

During the late 1970s, Russian culinary author [[William Pokhlebkin]] compiled a history of the production of vodka in Russia, as part of the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] case in a trade dispute; this was later published as ''[[A History of Vodka]]''. Pokhlebkin claimed that while there is a wealth of publications about the history of consumption and distribution of vodka, virtually nothing had been written about vodka production. One of his assertions was that the word "vodka" was used in popular speech in Russia considerably earlier than the middle of the 18th century, but the word did not appear in print until the 1860s. Pokhlebkin's sources were challenged by David Christian in the ''Slavic Review'' in 1994. Christian criticised the lack of valid references in Pokhlebkin's works stating that his work has an obvious pro-Russian bias. Pokhlebkin is also known for his Pan-Slavic sympathies under the leadership of Russia, and sentiments which in David Christian's opinion discredits majority of his work, especially his ''History of Vodka''.<ref>''Slavic Review'' Vol. 53, no. 1 (1994), pp. 245–247.</ref>


===Poland===
===Poland===
In Poland, vodka ({{lang-pl|wódka}}; obsolete: ''gorzałka'') has been produced since the early [[Middle Ages]] with local traditions as varied as the production of [[cognac]] in France, or Scottish [[whisky]].<ref name="Wiwała" />


The world's first written mention of the drink and of the word "vodka" was in 1405 from ''Akta Grodzkie'' [[recorder of deeds]],<ref name="KRPS" /> in the court documents from the [[Sandomierz Voivodship|Palatinate of Sandomierz]] in Poland<ref name="KRPS" /> and it went on to become a popular drink there. At the time, the word ''wódka'' referred to chemical compounds such as [[medicine]]s and [[cosmetics]]' cleansers, while the popular beverage currently known as vodka was called ''gorzałka'' (from the [[Old Polish]] verb ''gorzeć'' meaning "to burn"), which is also the source of Ukrainian ''horilka'' (горілка). The word written in [[Cyrillic script|Cyrillic]] appeared first in 1533, in relation to a medicinal drink brought from Poland to Russia by the merchants of [[Kievan Rus']].<ref name="KRPS" />
The world's first written mention of the word ''wódka'' was in 1405 from ''Akta Grodzkie'' [[recorder of deeds]],<ref name="KRPS">{{cite web|url=http://krps.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=27|title=History of vodka production, at the official page of Polish Spirit Industry Association (KRPS), 2007|language=pl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930131416/http://krps.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=27 |archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> in the court documents from the [[Sandomierz Voivodeship|Palatinate of Sandomierz]] in Poland.<ref name="KRPS" /> At the time, the word ''wódka'' referred to chemical compounds such as [[medicine]]s and [[cosmetics]]' cleansers. The production of [[liquor]] begins in the mid-15th century, with varied local traditions emerging throughout Europe, in Poland as vodka ({{langx|pl|wódka}} or {{lang|pl|gorzałka}}). In the 16th century, the Polish word for the beverage was ''gorzałka'' (from the [[Old Polish language|Old Polish]] verb ''gorzeć'' meaning "to burn"), which is also the source of Ukrainian {{Lang|uk|horilka}} ({{Lang|uk|горілка}}). The word written in [[Cyrillic script|Cyrillic]] appeared first in 1533, about a medicinal drink brought from Poland to Russia by the Russian merchants.<ref name="KRPS" />


In these early days, the spirits were used mostly as medicines. Stefan Falimierz asserted in his 1534 works on [[herbs]] that vodka could serve "to increase fertility and awaken lust". ''Wódka lub gorzała'' (1614), by Jerzy Potański, contains valuable information on the production of vodka. Jakub Kazimierz Haur, in his book ''Skład albo skarbiec znakomitych sekretów ekonomii ziemiańskiej'' (''A Treasury of Excellent Secrets about Landed Gentry's Economy'', Kraków, 1693), gave detailed recipes for making vodka from [[rye]].
In these early days, the spirits were used mostly as medicines. [[Stefan Falimierz]] asserted in his 1534 works on [[herb]]s that vodka could serve "to increase fertility and awaken lust". ''Wodka lub gorzałka'' (1614), by Jerzy Potański, contains valuable information on the production of vodka. Jakub Kazimierz Haur, in his book ''Skład albo skarbiec znakomitych sekretów ekonomii ziemiańskiej'' (''A Treasury of Excellent Secrets about Landed Gentry's Economy'', Kraków, 1693), gave detailed recipes for making vodka from [[rye]].
{| align="right"
{| align="right"
|-
|-
|[[File:Chopamerd.jpg|50px]]
|[[File:Chopamerd.jpg|50px]]
|[[File:Wódka Wyborowa.jpg|90px]]
|[[File:Wódka Wyborowa.jpg|105px]]
|[[File:Żubrówka bottle export version 700 ml 40percent.jpg|75px]]
|[[File:ZBG-700 B.jpg|88px]]
|[[File:Luksusowa Vodka 700ml.jpg|75px]]
|[[File:Luksusowa Vodka 700ml.jpg|80px]]
|- style="text-align: center;"
|-
|[[Chopin (vodka)|Chopin]]
|[[Chopin (vodka)|Chopin]]
|<center>[[Wyborowa]]</center>
|[[Wyborowa]]
|[[Żubrówka]]
|[[Żubrówka]]
|[[Luksusowa]]
|[[Luksusowa]]
|}
|}


Some Polish vodka blends go back centuries. Most notable are ''[[Żubrówka]]'', from about the 16th century; ''[[Goldwasser]]'', from the early 17th century; and aged ''[[Starka]]'' vodka, from the 16th century. In the mid-17th century, the ''[[szlachta]]'' (nobility of Poland) were granted a monopoly on producing and selling vodka in their territories. This privilege was a source of substantial profits. One of the most famous distilleries of the aristocracy was established by Princess [[Elżbieta Czartoryska (1736–1816)|Lubomirska]] and later operated by her grandson, Count [[Alfred Wojciech Potocki]]. The Vodka Industry Museum, located at the park of the Potocki country estate has an original document attesting that the distillery already existed in 1784. Today it operates as "[[Polmos Łańcut]]".<ref name="Polmos">{{cite web |url=http://www.muzeumgorzelnictwa.pl/museum.html |title=Count Alfred Potocki Factory Museum of Liqueurs, Rosolios and Rum |publisher=Polmos Distillery |accessdate=25 November 2013}}</ref>
Some Polish vodka blends go back centuries. Most notable are ''[[Żubrówka]]'', from about the 16th century; ''[[Goldwasser]]'', from the early 17th century; and aged ''[[Starka]]'' vodka, from the 16th century. In the mid-17th century, the ''[[szlachta]]'' (nobility of Poland) were granted a monopoly on producing and selling vodka in their territories. This privilege was a source of substantial profits. One of the most famous distilleries of the aristocracy was established by [[Elżbieta Izabela Lubomirska]] and later operated by her grandson, [[Alfred Wojciech Potocki]]. The Vodka Industry Museum, located at the park of the Potocki country estate has an original document attesting that the distillery already existed in 1784. Today, it operates as "[[Polmos Łańcut]]".<ref name="Polmos">{{cite web |url=http://www.muzeumgorzelnictwa.pl/museum.html |title=Count Alfred Potocki Factory Museum of Liqueurs, Rosolios and Rum |publisher=Polmos Distillery |access-date=25 November 2013 |archive-date=26 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226213147/http://muzeumgorzelnictwa.pl/museum.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Vodka production on a much larger scale began in Poland at the end of the 16th century, initially at [[Kraków]], whence spirits were exported to [[Silesia]] before 1550. Silesian cities also bought vodka from [[Poznań]], a city that in 1580 had 498 working spirits distilleries. Soon, however, [[Gdańsk]] outpaced both these cities. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Polish vodka was known in the Netherlands, Denmark, England, Russia, Germany, Austria, Hungary, [[Romania]], [[Ukraine]], [[Bulgaria]] and the [[Black Sea]] basin.
Vodka production on a much larger scale began in Poland at the end of the 16th century, initially at [[Kraków]], whence spirits were exported to [[Silesia]] before 1550. Silesian cities also bought vodka from [[Poznań]], a city that in 1580 had 498 working spirits distilleries. Soon, however, [[Gdańsk]] outpaced both these cities. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Polish vodka was known in the Netherlands, Denmark, England, Russia, Germany, Austria, Hungary, [[Romania]], [[Ukraine]], [[Bulgaria]] and the [[Black Sea]] basin.


Early production methods were rudimentary. The beverage was usually low-proof, and the distillation process had to be repeated several times (a three-stage distillation process was common). The first distillate was called ''brantówka'', the second was ''szumówka'', and the third was ''okowita'' (from ''aqua vitae''), which generally contained 70–80% ABV. Then the beverage was watered down, yielding a simple vodka (30–35% ABV), or a stronger one if the watering was done using an [[alembic]]. The exact production methods were described in 1768 by [[Jan Paweł Biretowski]] and in 1774 by [[Jan Chryzostom Pasek]]. The late 18th century inaugurated the production of vodka from various unusual substances including even the [[carrot]].<ref name="Wiwała">{{cite book | url=http://www.ksiazka.net.pl/?id=49&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=6465 | title=Od gorzałki do wódki – zarys historii polskiej wódki (History of Polish vodka) | publisher=Wydawnictwo Leon | author=Leszek Wiwała | year=2010 | isbn=8392886100}}</ref>
Early production methods were rudimentary. The beverage was usually low-proof, and the distillation process had to be repeated several times (a three-stage distillation process was common). The first distillate was called ''brantówka'', the second was ''szumówka'', and the third was ''okowita'' (from ''aqua vitae''), which generally contained 70–80% ABV. Then the beverage was watered down, yielding a simple vodka (30–35% ABV), or a stronger one if the watering was done using an [[alembic]]. The exact production methods were described in 1768 by [[Jan Paweł Biretowski]] and in 1774 by [[Jan Chryzostom Pasek]]. The late 18th century inaugurated the production of vodka from various unusual substances including even the [[carrot]].<ref name="Wiwała">{{cite book | url= | title=Od gorzałki do wódki – zarys historii polskiej wódki (History of Polish vodka) | publisher=Wydawnictwo Leon | author=Leszek Wiwała | year=2010 | isbn=978-83-928861-0-5}}{{page needed|date=February 2023}}</ref>


Though there was clearly a substantial vodka cottage industry in Poland back to the 16th century, the end of the 18th century marked the start of real industrial production of vodka in Poland ([[Kresy]], the eastern part of Poland was controlled [[Russian Partition|by the Russian empire]] at that time). Vodkas produced by the nobility and clergy became a mass product. The first industrial distillery was opened in 1782 in [[Lwów]] by [[J. A. Baczewski]]. He was soon followed by [[Jakub Haberfeld]], who in 1804 established a factory at [[Oświęcim]], and by [[Hartwig Kantorowicz]], who started producing [[Wyborowa]] in 1823 at [[Poznań]]. The implementation of new technologies in the latter half of the 19th century, which allowed the production of clear vodkas, contributed to their success. The first rectification distillery was established in 1871. In 1925, the production of clear vodkas was made a [[Polish government]] monopoly.<ref name="Wiwała" />
Though there was a substantial vodka cottage industry in Poland back to the 16th century, the end of the 18th century marked the start of real industrial production of vodka in Poland ([[Kresy]], the eastern part of Poland was controlled [[Russian Partition|by the Russian empire]] at that time). Vodkas produced by the nobility and clergy became a mass product. The first industrial distillery was opened in 1782 in [[Lwów]] by [[J. A. Baczewski]]. He was soon followed by Jakub Haberfeld, who in 1804 established a factory at [[Oświęcim]], and by Hartwig Kantorowicz, who started producing [[Wyborowa]] in 1823 at [[Poznań]]. The implementation of new technologies in the latter half of the 19th century, which allowed the production of clear vodkas, contributed to their success. The first rectification distillery was established in 1871. In 1925, the production of clear vodkas was made a [[Polish government]] monopoly.<ref name="Wiwała" />


After [[World War II]], all vodka distilleries were taken over by Poland's [[PZPR|Marxist–Leninist government]]. During the martial law of the 1980s, the sale of vodka was rationed. Following the success of the [[Solidarity (Polish trade union)|Solidarity]] movement and the [[Revolutions of 1989|abolition of single-party rule in Poland]], many distilleries began struggling financially. Some filed for bankruptcy, but many were privatized, leading to the creation of various new brands.<ref name="Wiwała" />
After [[World War II]], all vodka distilleries were taken over by Poland's [[PZPR|Marxist–Leninist government]]. During the martial law of the 1980s, the sale of vodka was rationed. Following the success of the [[Solidarity (Polish trade union)|Solidarity]] movement and the [[Revolutions of 1989|abolition of single-party rule in Poland]], many distilleries began struggling financially. Some filed for bankruptcy, but many were privatized, leading to the creation of various new brands.<ref name="Wiwała" />

===Russia===
[[File:Wodkaflaschen.JPG|thumb|left|Russian Vodka in various bottles and cups]]

==== Russian Empire ====
A type of distilled liquor designated by the Russian word ''vodka'' came to Russia in the late 14th century. In 1386, the [[Republic of Genoa|Genoese]] ambassadors brought the first ''aqua vitae'' ("water of life") to Moscow and presented it to [[Dmitry Donskoy]], the grand prince. The liquid obtained by distillation of grape [[must]] was thought to be a concentrate and a "spirit" of wine (''spiritus vini'' in Latin), whence came to the name of this substance in many European languages (like English [[Distilled beverage|spirit]], or Russian {{lang|ru|спирт}}, {{lang|ru-Latn|spirt}}).

Perhaps one of the earliest terms linked to vodka production was ''varenoe vino'' ("distilled wine") which appears in a 1399 document. Another term used was ''perevara'', a precursor to vodka, which last appears in official documents in 1495. The term ''korchma'' is one of the oldest official terms used for vodka, which was used alongside ''varenoe vino'', but later came to denote illegally produced vodka by the 16th century. Other terms that referred to vodka included ''goriachee vino'' ("burning wine"), ''zhzhenoe vino'' ("burnt wine"), and ''khlebnoe vino'' ("bread wine").<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pokhlyobkin |first1=William |author-link1=William Pokhlyobkin |title=A History of Vodka |date=17 December 1992 |publisher=Verso |isbn=978-0-86091-359-7 |pages=100–107 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=esHVFxS0F8YC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Goldstein |first1=Darra |title=The Kingdom of Rye: A Brief History of Russian Food |date=24 May 2022 |publisher=Univ of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-38389-0 |pages=24–26 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h1tZEAAAQBAJ |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Schrad"/>

According to [[William Pokhlyobkin]], in around 1430, a monk named [[Isidore (inventor)|Isidore]] from the [[Chudov Monastery]] inside the [[Moscow Kremlin]] made a recipe of the first Russian vodka.<ref name="pohlebkin_history">{{Cite book |author=[[William Pokhlyobkin|Pokhlyobkin, William]] / Похлёбкин В. В. |title=The history of vodka / История водки |place=Moscow |publisher=Tsentrpoligraph / Центрполиграф |year=2007 |page=272 |isbn=978-5-9524-1895-0}}</ref> Having a special knowledge and distillation devices, he became the creator of a new, higher quality type of alcoholic beverage. This "bread wine", as it was initially known, was for a long time produced exclusively in the Moscow grand principality and in no other Russian principality (this situation persisted until the era of industrial production). Thus, this beverage was closely associated with Moscow. In 1474, [[Ivan III of Russia|Ivan III]] created the first Russian state monopoly on vodka.<ref name="distilled">{{cite book |last1=DeSalle |first1=Rob |last2=Tattersall |first2=Ian |title=Distilled: A Natural History of Spirits |date=12 July 2022 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-26510-1 |pages=140–141 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F8ZyEAAAQBAJ |language=en}}</ref> In 1505, the first exports of distilled Russian vodka arrived in Sweden.<ref name="distilled"/> By the 16th century, government-run taverns known as ''kabaks'' replaced privately-run ''korchmas''.<ref name="Schrad">{{cite book |last1=Schrad |first1=Mark |title=Vodka Politics: Alcohol, Autocracy, and the Secret History of the Russian State |date=March 2014 |publisher=OUP USA |isbn=978-0-19-975559-2 |pages=79–83 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rkRDAgAAQBAJ |language=en}}</ref> [[Giles Fletcher, the Elder|Giles Fletcher]], who was the English ambassador in Russia, wrote:
{{Blockquote
|text = In every great towne of his Realme he hath a ''Caback'' or drinking house, where is sold ''aquavitæ'' (which they call ''Russewine'') ''mead'', ''beere'', ''&c.'' Out of these hee receiveth rent that amounteth to a great summe of money.
|source = ''Of the Russe Common Wealth'' (1591)<ref name="Schrad"/>
}}

Until the mid-18th century, the drink remained relatively low in alcohol content, not exceeding 40% ABV. Multiple terms for the drink were recorded, sometimes reflecting different levels of quality, alcohol concentration, filtering, and the number of distillations; most commonly, it was referred to as "burning wine", "bread wine", or even in some locations simply "wine". In some locations, grape wine may have been so expensive that it was a drink only for aristocrats. Burning wine was usually diluted with water to 24% ABV or less before drinking. It was mostly sold in taverns and was quite expensive. At the same time, the word ''vodka'' was already in use, but it described herbal [[tincture]]s (similar to [[Nalewka]]), containing up to 75% ABV, and made for medicinal purposes.
[[File:Museum of vodka.jpg|thumb|A Vodka museum in Russia, located in Verkhniye Mandrogi, [[Leningrad Oblast]].]]
The first written usage of the word ''vodka'' in an official Russian document in its modern meaning is dated by the decree of Empress [[Elizabeth of Russia|Elizabeth]] of 8 June 1751, which regulated the ownership of vodka distilleries. By the 1860s, a government policy of promoting the consumption of state-manufactured vodka made it the drink of choice for many Russians. In 1863, the government monopoly on vodka production was repealed, causing prices to plummet and making vodka available even to low-income citizens. The taxes on vodka became a key element of government finances in Tsarist Russia, providing at times up to 40% of state revenue.<ref>{{cite book|author=Bromley, Jonathan |title=Russia 1848–1917|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vuFjmDQPG7kC&pg=PA40|year=2002|publisher=Heinemann|isbn=978-0-435-32718-7|pages=40–}}</ref> By 1911, vodka comprised 89% of all alcohol consumed in Russia. This level has fluctuated somewhat during the 20th century but remained quite high at all times. The most recent estimates put it at 70% (2001).

==== Post-Soviet Russia ====
Vodka remains a major source of state revenue and therefore of power. Seizing control of the state spirits monopoly [[Rosspirtprom]] and its [[Moscow Distillery Crystal|Kristall]] distillery was instrumental for [[Vladimir Putin]] to consolidate his power as prime minister and president.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Schrad |first=Mark Lawrence |title=Russia Has a Vodka Addiction. So Does Vladimir Putin – But Not the Same Way. |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/05/05/vladimir-putin-vodka-empire-00095109 |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=POLITICO |date=5 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Under his rule, the "[[Putinka]]" ("little Putin") brand of vodka became a bestseller, partly to Putin's financial benefit.<ref name=":0" />

Other popular Russian vodka producers or brands include [[Stolichnaya]] and [[Russian Standard Vodka|Russian Standard]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Some vodka manufacturers |url=http://www.onlinevodka.net/vodka-manufacturers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413034541/http://www.onlinevodka.net/vodka-manufacturers |archive-date=13 April 2009 |work=onlinevodka.net}}</ref>

==== William Pokhlebin's ''A History of Vodka'' ====
During the late 1970s, Russian culinary author [[William Pokhlebkin]] compiled a history of the production of vodka in Russia, as part of the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] case in a trade dispute; this was later published as ''[[A History of Vodka]]''. Pokhlebkin wrote that while there is a wealth of publications about the history of consumption and distribution of vodka, virtually nothing had been written about vodka production. One of his assertions was that the word "vodka" was used in popular speech in Russia considerably earlier than the middle of the 18th century, but the word did not appear in print until the 1860s.

Pokhlebkin's sources were challenged by David Christian in the ''Slavic Review'' in 1994, who criticized the lack of valid references in Pokhlebkin's works and its pro-Russian bias. Pokhlebkin is also known for his Pan-Slavic sympathies under the leadership of Russia and sentiments that, in David Christian's opinion, discredit most of his work, especially his ''History of Vodka''.<ref>''Slavic Review'' Vol. 53, no. 1 (1994), pp. 245–247.</ref>


===Sweden===
===Sweden===
Up until the 1950s, vodka was not used as a designation for Swedish distilled beverages, which were instead called ''[[brännvin]]'' ("burn-wine"), the word having the same etymology as the Dutch ''Brandewijn'', which is the base for the word [[brandy]]. This beverage has been produced in Sweden since the late 15th century, although the total production was still small in the 17th century.<ref>[https://runeberg.org/nfbd/0235.html Brännvinslagstiftning] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621022712/http://runeberg.org/nfbd/0235.html |date=21 June 2013 }} in ''[[Nordisk familjebok]]'', volume 4 (1905)</ref> From the early 18th century, production expanded, although production was prohibited several times, during grain shortages. Although initially a grain product, [[potato]]es started to be used in production in the late 18th century and became dominant from the early 19th century.<ref>[https://runeberg.org/nfbd/0233.html Brännvinsbränning] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621032823/http://runeberg.org/nfbd/0233.html |date=21 June 2013 }} in ''[[Nordisk familjebok]]'', volume 4 (1905)</ref> From the early 1870s, distillery equipment was improved.
[[File:Absolut vodka.jpg|thumb|150px|A miniature bottle of Absolut Vodka.]]
Up until the 1950s, vodka was not used as a designation for Swedish distilled beverages, which were instead called ''[[brännvin]]'' ("burn-wine"), the word having the same etymology as the Dutch ''Brandewijn'', which is the base for the word [[brandy]]. This beverage has been produced in Sweden since the late 15th century, although the total production was still small in the 17th century.<ref>[http://runeberg.org/nfbd/0235.html Brännvinslagstiftning] in ''[[Nordisk familjebok]]'', volume 4 (1905)</ref> From the early 18th century, production expanded, although production was prohibited several times, during grain shortages. Although initially a grain product, [[potato]]es started to be used in the production in the late 18th century, and became dominant from the early 19th century.<ref>[http://runeberg.org/nfbd/0233.html Brännvinsbränning] in ''[[Nordisk familjebok]]'', volume 4 (1905)</ref> From the early 1870s, distillery equipment was improved.


Progressively from the 1960s, unflavoured Swedish ''brännvin'' also came to be called vodka. The first Swedish product to use this term was [[Explorer Vodka]], which was created in 1958 and initially was intended for the American export market.<ref>[http://www.cocktailguiden.com/artiklar/explorer-vodka Cocktailguiden: Explorer Vodka], accessed 16 December 2012 {{dead link|date=July 2013}}</ref> In 1979, [[Absolut Vodka]] was launched, reusing the name of the old ''Absolut Rent Brännvin'' ("absolutely pure ''brännvin''") created in 1879.
Progressively from the 1960s, unflavoured Swedish ''brännvin'' also came to be called vodka. The first Swedish product to use this term was [[Explorer Vodka]], which was created in 1958 and initially was intended for the American export market. Although it ultimately failed in that market, it remains one of the most popular vodka brands in Sweden today.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.conaxesstrade.com/brand/explorer-vodka/|title=Conaxess Trade: Explorer Vodka|website=Conaxess Trade|access-date=5 December 2019|archive-date=5 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205152651/https://www.conaxesstrade.com/brand/explorer-vodka/|url-status=dead}} Retrieved 12 December 2019.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/757098/sales-volume-of-the-leading-spirits-brands-in-systembolaget-stores-in-sweden/|title=Sweden: sales volume of the leading spirits brands in Systembolaget stores 2018|website=Statista|language=en|access-date=5 December 2019}}</ref> In 1979, [[Absolut Vodka]] was launched, reusing the name of the old ''Absolut Rent Brännvin'' ("absolutely pure ''brännvin''") created in 1879.


After Sweden joined the European Union in 1995, the regulations were changed so that privately owned companies could produce Vodka.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/dokument/kommittedirektiv/oversyn-av-vissa-bestammelser-i-alkohollagen-samt_GMB119|title=Översyn av vissa bestämmelser i alkohollagen samt av bestämmelserna om försäljning av teknisk sprit m.m. Kommittédirektiv 1998:19 - Riksdagen|website=www.riksdagen.se}}</ref>
Vodka has become a popular source of insobriety among young people, with a flourishing black market.<ref>[http://www.thelocal.se/39046/20120210/ 'Vodka-mobile' selling booze to Swedish kids]. Thelocal.se (10 February 2012). Retrieved on 19 July 2013.</ref> In 2013, the organizers of a so-called "vodka car" were jailed for two and a half years for having illegally provided thousands of liters to young people, some as young as thirteen years old.<ref>[http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/atalade-for-vodkabilen-domda-till-fangelse Åtalade för vodkabilen dömda till fängelse]. Expressen.se (3 May 2013). Retrieved on 2013-07-19.</ref>

Vodka has become popular among young people, with a flourishing [[black market]].<ref>[http://www.thelocal.se/20120210/39046 'Vodka-mobile' selling booze to Swedish kids] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204011728/http://www.thelocal.se/20120210/39046 |date=4 February 2016 }}. Thelocal.se (10 February 2012). Retrieved on 19 July 2013.</ref> In 2013, the organizers of the so-called "vodka car" were jailed for two and a half years for having illegally provided thousands of liters to young people, some as young as 13.<ref>[http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/atalade-for-vodkabilen-domda-till-fangelse Åtalade för vodkabilen dömda till fängelse] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606074744/http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/atalade-for-vodkabilen-domda-till-fangelse/ |date=6 June 2013 }}. Expressen.se (3 May 2013). Retrieved on 19 July 2013.</ref>


==Production==
==Production==
[[Image:UkrainianVodkaStill.jpg|thumb|230px|An old Ukrainian vodka still.]]
[[Image:UkrainianVodkaStill.jpg|thumb|230px|An old Ukrainian vodka still]]
[[Image:Vodka bottling machine.jpg|thumb|230px|Vodka bottling machine, Shatskaya Vodka ([[Shatsk, Russia]]) ]]
[[Image:Vodka bottling machine.jpg|thumb|230px|Vodka bottling machine, Shatskaya Vodka ([[Shatsk, Russia]]) ]]
Vodka may be distilled from any [[starch]]- or [[sugar]]-rich plant matter; most vodka today is produced from [[Cereal|grains]] such as [[sorghum]], [[maize|corn]], [[rye]] or [[wheat]]. Among grain vodkas, rye and wheat vodkas are generally considered superior. Some vodkas are made from [[potato]]es, [[molasses]], [[soybean]]s, [[grape]]s, [[rice]], [[sugar beet]]s and sometimes even byproducts of oil refining<ref name=ermochkine>Ermochkine, Nicholas and Iglikowski, Peter (2003). ''40 degrees east : an anatomy of vodka'', Nova Publishers, p. 65, ISBN 1590335945.</ref> or wood pulp processing. In some Central European countries, such as Poland, some vodka is produced by just fermenting a solution of crystal sugar and yeast. In the [[European Union]] there are talks about the standardization of vodka, and the [[Vodka Belt]] countries insist that only spirits produced from grains, potato and sugar beet molasses be allowed to be branded as "vodka", following the traditional methods of production.<ref name=reuters>{{Wayback |df=yes|date=20070310191503 |url=http://www.flexnews.com/pages/5412/European_Union/Spirits/eu_farm_chief_warns_legal_action_vodka_row.html |title="EU Farm Chief Warns of Legal Action in Vodka Row" }}, [[Reuters]] via flexnews.com (25 October 2006)</ref><ref name=stubb>[[Alexander Stubb]], [http://www.alexstubb.com/artikkelit/bw_vodka.pdf The European Vodka Wars], a December 2006 ''[[Blue Wings (magazine)|Blue Wings]]'' article</ref>
Vodka may be distilled from any [[starch]]- or [[sugar]]-rich plant matter; most vodka today is produced from [[Cereal|grains]] such as [[sorghum]], [[maize|corn]], [[rye]], or [[wheat]]. Among grain vodkas, rye and wheat vodkas are generally considered superior. Some vodkas are made from [[potato]]es, [[molasses]], [[soybean]]s, [[grape]]s, [[rice]], [[sugar beet]]s and sometimes even byproducts of oil refining<ref name=ermochkine>Ermochkine, Nicholas and Iglikowski, Peter (2003). ''40 degrees east : an anatomy of vodka'', Nova Publishers, p. 65, {{ISBN|1-59033-594-5}}.</ref> or wood pulp processing. In some Central European countries, such as Poland, some vodka is produced by just fermenting a solution of crystal sugar and yeast. In the [[European Union]], there are talks about the standardization of vodka, and the [[Vodka Belt]] countries insist that only spirits produced from grains, potato, and sugar beet molasses be allowed to be branded as "vodka", following the traditional methods of production.<ref name="reuters">{{cite web | access-date=10 March 2007 | archive-date=10 March 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310191503/http://www.flexnews.com/pages/5412/European_Union/Spirits/eu_farm_chief_warns_legal_action_vodka_row.html | url=http://www.flexnews.com/pages/5412/European_Union/Spirits/eu_farm_chief_warns_legal_action_vodka_row.html | title=EU Farm Chief Warns of Legal Action in Vodka Row | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=stubb>[[Alexander Stubb]], [http://www.alexstubb.com/artikkelit/bw_vodka.pdf The European Vodka Wars] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215005220/http://www.alexstubb.com/artikkelit/bw_vodka.pdf |date=15 February 2012 }}, a December 2006 ''[[Blue Wings (magazine)|Blue Wings]]'' article</ref>


In the United States, many vodkas are made from 95% ethanol produced in large quantities by agricultural-industrial giants [[Archer Daniels Midland]] and Midwest Grain Processors. Bottlers purchase the base spirits in bulk, then filter, dilute, distribute and market the end product under a variety of vodka brand names.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nasaw|first=Daniel|title=Why are there so many brands of vodka on sale?|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18360315|accessdate=14 July 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=7 June 2012}}</ref>
In the United States, many vodkas are made from 95% pure [[grain alcohol]] produced in large quantities by agricultural-industrial giants [[Archer Daniels Midland]], Grain Processing Corporation,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grainprocessing.com/alcohol/|title=Ethyl Alcohol – Alcohol – Markets|website=www.grainprocessing.com}}</ref> and Midwest Grain Products (MGP).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mgpingredients.com/product-list/|title=Product – MGP|website=www.mgpingredients.com}}</ref> Bottlers purchase the base spirits in bulk, then filter, dilute, distribute and market the end product under a variety of vodka brand names.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nasaw|first=Daniel|title=Why are there so many brands of vodka on sale?|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18360315|access-date=14 July 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=7 June 2012}}</ref> Similar methods are used in other regions such as Europe.<ref name="Akwawit-Polmos">{{Cite web |url=http://www.akwawit.com.pl/en/spirits_in_bulk.html |title=Spirits in bulk |website=Akwawit-Polmos |access-date=4 August 2017 |quote=The agricultural ethyl alcohol we produce is the basic component of clear and fine vodkas. Our product is used for manufacturing vodkas of the best brand in Poland. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805030216/http://www.akwawit.com.pl/en/spirits_in_bulk.html |archive-date=5 August 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


This pure grain alcohol, also known as ''rectified spirit'', ''neutral spirit'', or ''ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin'', is also available directly to consumers in some areas, as products such as [[Everclear (alcohol)|Everclear]], Polmos ''spirytus rektyfikowany'', and others. In contrast to very high ABV vodkas such as the Bulgarian ''Balkan 176°'' with 88% ABV, these grain alcohol products are not considered vodka; they have not (yet) gone through the filtration and refining process used to produce vodka.<ref name=ginvodka1 /><ref name="Akwawit-Polmos" /><ref name="Everclear">{{Cite web |url=http://www.makeityourown.com/faq |title=Everclear Uses and Products FAQs |website=Make it Your Own with Everclear |publisher=Luxco |access-date=4 August 2017}}</ref>
===Distilling and filtering===
A common property of the vodkas produced in the United States and Europe is the extensive use of filtration prior to any additional processing including the addition of [[flavor]]ants. Filtering is sometimes done in the [[still]] during [[distillation]], as well as afterwards, where the distilled vodka is filtered through [[activated charcoal]] and other media to absorb trace amounts of substances that alter or impart off-flavors to the vodka. However, this is not the case in the traditional vodka-producing nations, so many distillers from these countries prefer to use very accurate distillation but minimal filtering, thus preserving the unique flavors and characteristics of their products.


A study conducted on [[National Public Radio|NPR]]'s ''[[Planet Money]]'' podcast revealed negligible differences in taste between various brands of vodka, leading to speculation as to how much branding contributes to the concept of "super-premium vodkas".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2018/03/01/590022606/is-there-really-a-difference-between-expensive-vodka-and-cheap-vodka |title=Is There Really A Difference Between Expensive Vodka And Cheap Vodka? |website=NPR.org |language=en |access-date=19 March 2018}}</ref>
The master distiller is in charge of distilling the vodka and directing its filtration, which includes the removal of the "fore-shots", "heads" and "tails". These components of the distillate contain flavor compounds such as [[ethyl acetate]] and [[ethyl lactate]] (heads) as well as the [[fusel oil]]s (tails) that impact the usually desired clean taste of vodka. Through numerous rounds of distillation, or the use of a fractioning still, the taste is modified and clarity is increased. In contrast, distillery process for liquors such as [[whiskey]], [[rum]], and [[baijiu]] allow portions of the "heads" and "tails" to remain, giving them their unique flavors.


===Distilling and filtering===
Repeated distillation of vodka will make its ethanol level much higher than is acceptable to most end users, whether legislation determines strength limits or not. Depending on the distillation method and the technique of the stillmaster, the final filtered and distilled vodka may have as much as 95–96% ethanol. As such, most vodka is diluted with water prior to bottling.
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2017}}
A common property of the vodkas produced in the United States and Europe is the extensive use of filtration before any additional processing including the addition of [[flavorant]]s. Filtering is sometimes done in the [[still]] during [[distillation]], as well as afterward, where the distilled vodka is filtered through [[activated charcoal]] and other media to absorb trace amounts of substances that alter or impart off-flavors to the vodka. However, this is not the case in the traditional vodka-producing nations, so many distillers from these countries prefer to use very accurate distillation but minimal filtering, thus preserving the unique flavors and characteristics of their products.

The master distiller is in charge of distilling the vodka and directing its filtration, which includes the removal of the "fore-shots", "heads" and "tails". These components of the distillate contain flavor compounds such as [[ethyl acetate]] and [[ethyl lactate]] (heads) as well as the [[fusel oil]]s (tails) that impact the usually desired clean taste of vodka. Through numerous rounds of distillation, or the use of a fractioning still, the taste is modified and clarity is increased. In contrast, the distillery process for liquors such as [[whiskey]], [[rum]], and [[baijiu]] allow portions of the "heads" and "tails" to remain, giving them their unique flavors.


Repeated distillation of vodka will make its ethanol level much higher than is acceptable to most end users, whether legislation determines strength limits or not. Depending on the distillation method and the technique of the still master, the final filtered and distilled vodka may have as much as 95–96% ethanol. As such, most vodka is diluted with water before bottling.
Polish distilleries make a very pure (96%, 192 proof, formerly also 98%) [[rectified spirit]] (Polish language: ''[[spirytus rektyfikowany]]''). Technically a form of vodka, it is sold in liquor stores rather than pharmacies. Similarly, the German market often carries German, Hungarian, Polish, and Ukrainian-made varieties of vodka of 90 to 95% ABV. A [[Bulgaria]]n vodka, ''Balkan 176°'', has an 88% alcohol content. [[Everclear (alcohol)|Everclear]], an American brand, is also sold at 95% ABV.


===Flavoring===
===Flavoring===
{{Main|Flavored liquor}}
{{Main|Flavored liquor}}
[[File:Polmos Białystok - Żubrówka.jpg|thumb|right|A vodka distillery in [[Bialystok]], Poland, where the bison grass vodka "[[Żubrówka]]" is produced]]
While most vodkas are unflavored, many flavored vodkas have been produced in traditional vodka-drinking areas, often as home-made recipes to improve vodka's taste or for medicinal purposes. Flavorings include red pepper, ginger, fruit flavors, vanilla, chocolate (without sweetener), and cinnamon. In Russia, vodka flavored with honey and pepper, ''pertsovka'' in Russian, is also very popular. In Poland and Belarus, the leaves of the local [[bison grass]] are added to produce ''[[zubrówka]]'' (Polish) and ''[[zubrovka]]'' (Belarusian) vodka, with slightly sweet flavors and light amber colors. In Lithuania and Poland, a famous vodka containing honey is called ''[[krupnik]]''.
[[File:Finlandia_Classic_vodka.jpg|thumb|right|Finnish-grown six-row barley and glacial spring water, [[Finlandia Vodka]]]]
While most vodkas are unflavored, many flavored vodkas have been produced in traditional vodka-drinking areas, often as home-made recipes to improve vodka's taste or for medicinal purposes. Flavorings include red pepper, ginger, fruit flavors, vanilla, chocolate (without sweetener), and cinnamon. In Russia, vodka flavored with honey and pepper, ''pertsovka'' in Russian, is also very popular. In Poland and Belarus, the leaves of the local [[bison grass]] are added to produce ''[[żubrówka]]'' (Polish) and ''[[zubrovka]]'' (Belarusian) vodka, with slightly sweet flavors and light amber colors. In Lithuania and Poland, a famous vodka containing honey is called ''[[krupnik]]''.


This tradition of flavoring is also prevalent in the [[Nordic countries]], where vodka seasoned with herbs, fruits and spices is the appropriate strong drink for several seasonal festivities. Sweden has forty-odd common varieties of herb-flavored vodka (''kryddat brännvin''). In Poland and Ukraine, a separate category (''nalyvka'' in Ukraine and ''[[nalewka]]'' in Poland) is used for vodka-based spirits with fruit, root, flower, or herb extracts, which are often home-made or produced by small commercial distilleries. Their alcohol contents vary between 15 and 75%. In [[Estonia]], vodkas are spiced with barbaris, blackcurrant, cherry, green apple, lemon, vanilla and watermelon flavors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.therealculture.com/estonian-culture/estonian-vodka-2/|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20100401100638/http://www.therealculture.com/estonian-culture/estonian-vodka-2/|archivedate=1 April 2010|title=Estonian Vodka flavors|work=therealculture.com}}</ref>
This tradition of flavoring is also prevalent in the [[Nordic countries]], where vodka seasoned with herbs, fruits, and spices is the appropriate strong drink for several seasonal festivities. Sweden has forty-odd common varieties of herb-flavored vodka (''kryddat brännvin''). In Poland and Ukraine, a separate category ({{lang|uk|nalyvka}} in Ukraine and ''[[nalewka]]'' in Poland) is used for vodka-based spirits with fruit, root, flower, or herb extracts, which are often home-made or produced by small commercial distilleries. Their alcohol contents vary between 15 and 75%. In [[Estonia]], vodkas are available with barberry, blackcurrant, cherry, green apple, lemon, vanilla, and watermelon flavors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.therealculture.com/estonian-culture/estonian-vodka-2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401100638/http://www.therealculture.com/estonian-culture/estonian-vodka-2/ |archive-date=1 April 2010|title=Estonian Vodka flavors|work=therealculture.com}}</ref>


In most cases, vodka flavoring comes from a post-distillation infusion of flavors. Through the fermentation process, grain mash is transformed into a neutral alcohol beverage that is unflavored. The process of flavoring vodka so that it tastes like fruits, chocolate, and other foods occurs after fermentation and distillation. Various chemicals that reproduce the flavor profiles of foods are added into vodka to give it a specific taste.
More recently, people have experimented with producing more unusual flavors of vodka, such as very hot chili flavored vodka<ref>[http://www.masterofmalt.com/vodka/100000-scovilles-naga-chilli-vodka/ 100,000 Scovilles – Naga Chilli Vodka Vodka]. Master of Malt. Retrieved on 19 July 2013.</ref> and even [[bacon vodka]].<ref>[http://www.tastings.com/scout_spirits.lasso?id=193201 Spirits Review for Bakon Bacon Flavored Vodka $30]. Tastings.com. Retrieved on 19 July 2013.</ref>


==Today==
==Today==
Vodka is less likely than other spirits to produce the [[Hangover|undesirable aftereffects of heavy consumption]]
According to ''The Penguin Book of Spirits and Liqueurs'', "Its low level of [[fusel oil]]s and [[Congener (alcohol)|congeners]]—impurities that flavour spirits but that can contribute to the after-effects of heavy consumption—led to its being considered among the 'safer' spirits, though not in terms of its powers of intoxication, which, depending on strength, may be considerable."<ref>*{{cite book|last=Price|first=Pamela Vandyke|title=The Penguin Book of Spirits and Liqueurs|year=1980|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=0-14-046335-6|pages=196 ff.}}</ref>
(though no less likely to intoxicate) because of its low level of [[fusel oil]]s and [[Congener (alcohol)|congeners]], which are impurities that flavor spirits.<ref>*{{cite book|last=Price|first=Pamela Vandyke|title=The Penguin Book of Spirits and Liqueurs|year=1980|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=0-14-046335-6|pages=196 ff}}</ref>


Since the year 2000, due to evolving consumer tastes and regulatory changes, a number of 'artisanal vodka' or even 'ultrapremium vodka' brands have appeared.
Since the year 2000, because of evolving consumer tastes and regulatory changes, several 'artisanal vodka' or even 'ultra premium vodka' brands have appeared.


===European Union regulation===
===European Union regulation===
The recent success of [[grape]]-based vodka in the United States prompted traditional vodka producers in the Vodka Belt countries of [[Poland]], [[Finland]], [[Estonia]], [[Lithuania]], and [[Sweden]] to campaign for [[EU legislation]] that will categorize only spirits made from grain or potatoes as "vodka".<ref name=reuters/><ref name=stubb/> This proposition provoked heavy criticism from south European countries, which often distill used [[Mashing|mash]] from wine-making into spirits; although higher quality mash is usually distilled into some variety of [[pomace brandy]], lower-quality mash is better turned into neutral-flavored spirits instead.
The success of [[grape]]-based vodka in the United States in the early twenty-first century prompted traditional vodka producers in the Vodka Belt countries of [[Poland]], [[Finland]], [[Estonia]], [[Lithuania]], and [[Sweden]] to campaign for [[EU legislation]] that would define ''vodka'' as only spirits made from grain or potatoes.<ref name=reuters/><ref name=stubb/> This proposition provoked heavy criticism from South European countries, which often distill used [[Mashing|mash]] from wine-making into spirits; although higher-quality mash is usually distilled into some variety of [[pomace brandy]], the lower-quality mash is better turned into neutral-flavored spirits instead. Any vodka not made from either grain or potatoes would have to display the products used in its production. This regulation entered into force in 2008.<ref name="europarl">{{cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32008R0110|title=Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89|website=EUR-Lex|access-date=17 February 2020}}</ref>

Any vodka not made from either grain or potatoes would have to display the products used in its production. This regulation entered into force in 2008.<ref name=europarl>{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/Notice.do?val=464638:cs&lang=en&list=464638:cs,&pos=1&page=1&nbl=1&pgs=10&hwords=|title=Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89}}</ref>
===Canadian regulations===
Under [[Canadians|Canadian]] regulations, vodka is a potable alcoholic distillate obtained from potatoes, cereal grain, or any other material of agricultural origin fermented by the action of yeast or a mixture of yeast and other microorganisms.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._870/page-31.html#h-569931|title=Consolidated federal laws of canada, Food and Drug Regulations|last=Branch|first=Legislative Services|date=3 June 2019|website=laws.justice.gc.ca|access-date=15 July 2019}}</ref>

===United States regulations===
In 1956, it was put into revenue ruling that sugar not more than 0.2% and trace amounts of citric acid are not considered flavoring agent. The meaning of "trace amounts" of citric acid was clarified as not more than 1,000ppm in 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 29, 1995 |title=ATF Ruling 97-1 |url=https://www.ttb.gov/images/pdfs/rulings/97-1.htm}}</ref>

It is no longer defined as "to be without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Allan |first=M. Carrie |date=2021-10-28 |title=Vodka has a new definition — it's still neutral, but no longer flavorless |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/voraciously/wp/2020/06/12/vodka-has-a-new-definition-its-still-neutral-but-no-longer-flavorless/ |access-date=2023-12-27 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> The law includes other requirements: Vodka cannot be aged in wood; it may or may not be charcoal filtered; and it must meet minimum distillation and bottling proofs.<ref name="27 CFR 5.22">{{Cite web |title=27 CFR § 5.22 – The standards of identity. |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/27/5.22 |access-date=22 January 2021 |website=LII / Legal Information Institute |language=en}}</ref>

== Boycotts ==
{{Globalize|section|North America|date=January 2024}}
In summer 2013, American [[LGBT rights activism|LGBT rights activists]] targeted Russian vodka brands for boycott over [[LGBT rights in Russia|Russia's anti-gay policies]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=1 August 2013|title=Vodka boycott in U.S. spreads on concerns over gay rights in Russia|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-vodka-boycott-idINBRE97000C20130801|access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Abad-Santos|first=Alexander|date=8 August 2013|title=The Russian Vodka Boycott Is Working, Whether You Like It or Not|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/08/russian-vodka-boycott-working-whether-you-it-or-not/312367/|access-date=26 February 2022|website=The Atlantic|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=31 July 2013|title=Stoli CEO Speaks Out On How Company Will Respond To Vodka Boycott|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/stoli-vodka-gay-boycott_n_3682365|access-date=26 February 2022|website=HuffPost|language=en}}</ref>

In late February 2022, with the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion of Ukraine]], some North American liquor stores and bars expressed symbolic solidarity with Ukraine, and opposition to Russia, by boycotting Russian vodka brands.<ref>{{Cite news|date=26 February 2022|title=Canadian liquor stores remove Russian vodka from shelves after Ukraine invasion|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/canadas-ontario-province-orders-russian-liquor-off-store-shelves-2022-02-25/|access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Boycotting Russian vodka brands: How big of an impact does it have and on who?|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/boycotting-russian-vodka-brands-how-big-of-an-impact-does-it-have-and-on-who/ar-AAUjJiH|access-date=26 February 2022|website=MSN|language=en-US}}</ref>

One critic argued that boycotts of Russian-branded vodka may inadvertently affect U.S. vodka manufacturers and noted that only 1.2 percent of U.S. vodka imports come from Russia.<ref name="reason.com">{{Cite web|title=Why Are You Boycotting American Vodka To Punish Russia?|url=https://reason.com/2022/02/28/why-are-you-boycotting-american-vodka-to-punish-russia/|date=28 February 2022}}</ref>

==Illegal production==
In some countries, [[black market|black-market]] or "[[Bathtub gin|bathtub]]" vodka is widespread because it can be produced easily and avoids taxation. However, severe poisoning, [[blindness]], or death can occur as a result of dangerous industrial ethanol substitutes being added by black-market producers.<ref>{{cite news|first=Steven |last=Eke |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6157015.stm |title='People's vodka' urged for Russia |work=BBC News |date=29 November 2006 |access-date=22 November 2008}}</ref> In March 2007 in a documentary, [[BBC News]] UK sought to find the cause of severe [[jaundice]] among imbibers of a "bathtub" vodka in Russia.<ref>{{cite news|first=John |last=Sweeney |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/6434789.stm |title=When vodka is your poison |work=BBC News |date=10 March 2007 |access-date=22 November 2008}}</ref> The cause was suspected to be an industrial disinfectant ([[Extrasept]])—95% ethanol but also containing a highly toxic chemical—added to the vodka by the illegal traders because of its high alcohol content and low price. Death toll estimates list at least 120 dead and more than 1,000 poisoned{{Vague|reason=Over what time span?|date=October 2023}}. The death toll is expected to rise due to the chronic nature of the [[cirrhosis]] that is causing jaundice.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}


==Public health effects==
==Health==
{{See also|Alcohol and health}}
{{See also|Alcohol and health}}
Estimates of the annual death toll resulting from [[Alcohol consumption in Russia|vodka consumption]] extend up to the thousands in Russia.<ref>See, e.g., [[Andrey Korotayev|Korotayev A.]], [[Daria Khaltourina|Khaltourina D.]] [https://www.academia.edu/32754260/Russian_Demographic_Crisis_in_Cross-National_Perspective._In_Russia_and_Globalization._Baltimore_John_Hopkins_University_Press Russian Demographic Crisis in Cross-National Perspective. ''Russia and Globalization: Identity, Security, and Society in an Era of Change''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604225120/https://www.academia.edu/32754260/Russian_Demographic_Crisis_in_Cross-National_Perspective._In_Russia_and_Globalization._Baltimore_John_Hopkins_University_Press |date=4 June 2019 }}. Ed. by D. W. Blum. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008. P. 37–78; Khaltourina, D. A., & Korotayev, A. V. [http://ehp.sagepub.com/content/31/3/272.short 'Potential for alcohol policy to decrease the mortality crisis in Russia', Evaluation & the Health Professions, vol. 31, no. 3, Sep 2008. pp. 272–281] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701002031/http://cliodynamics.ru/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=376&Itemid=1 |date=1 July 2018 }}.</ref><ref>[https://www.academia.edu/41473801/Distilled_Spirits_Overconsumption_as_the_Most_Important_Factor_of_Excessive_Adult_Male_Mortality_in_Europe_Alcohol_and_Alcoholism_2018_53_6_742_752 Korotayev, A., Khaltourina, D., Meshcherina, K., & Zamiatnina, E. Distilled Spirits Overconsumption as the Most Important Factor of Excessive Adult Male Mortality in Europe. ''Alcohol and Alcoholism'', 2018, 53(6), 742-752] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108180042/https://www.academia.edu/41473801/Distilled_Spirits_Overconsumption_as_the_Most_Important_Factor_of_Excessive_Adult_Male_Mortality_in_Europe_Alcohol_and_Alcoholism_2018_53_6_742_752 |date=8 January 2021 }}.</ref>


== Cooking ==
In some countries, [[black market|black-market]] or "[[Bathtub gin|bathtub]]" vodka is widespread because it can be produced easily and avoid taxation. However, severe poisoning, [[blindness]], or death can occur as a result of dangerous industrial ethanol substitutes being added by black-market producers.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Steven |last=Eke |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6157015.stm |title='People's vodka' urged for Russia |publisher=BBC News |date=29 November 2006 |accessdate=22 November 2008}}</ref> In March 2007 in a documentary, [[BBC News]] UK sought to find the cause of severe [[jaundice]] among imbibers of a "bathtub" vodka in Russia.<ref>{{Cite news|first=John |last=Sweeney |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/6434789.stm |title=When vodka is your poison |publisher=BBC News |date=10 March 2007 |accessdate=22 November 2008}}</ref> The cause was suspected to be an industrial disinfectant ([[Extrasept]]) – 95% ethanol but also containing a highly toxic chemical – added to the vodka by the illegal traders because of its high alcohol content and low price. Death toll estimates list at least 120 dead and more than 1,000 poisoned. The death toll is expected to rise due to the chronic nature of the [[cirrhosis]] that is causing the jaundice. However, there are also much higher estimates of the annual death toll (dozens or even hundreds of thousand of lives) produced by the vodka consumption in Russia.<ref>See, e.g., [[Andrey Korotayev|Korotayev A.]], [[Daria Khaltourina|Khaltourina D.]] [http://cliodynamics.ru/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=376&Itemid=1 Russian Demographic Crisis in Cross-National Perspective. ''Russia and Globalization: Identity, Security, and Society in an Era of Change'']. Ed. by D. W. Blum. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008. P. 37-78; Khaltourina, D. A., & Korotayev, A. V. [http://ehp.sagepub.com/content/31/3/272.short 'Potential for alcohol policy to decrease the mortality crisis in Russia', Evaluation & the Health Professions, vol. 31, no. 3, Sep 2008. pp. 272–281].</ref>
[[File:Erica's Vodka Sauce - 16784035738.jpg|thumb|[[Penne alla vodka]]]]
Vodka can also be used in cooking and various recipes are improved by the addition of vodka or rely on it as a key ingredient. [[Vodka sauce]] is a pasta sauce made from tomato sauce, cream, and vodka that gained popularity in the 1970s. Vodka can be used in baking as a substitute for water: pie crusts can be made flakier with vodka.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-use-alcohol-in-baking-article|title=The Boozy Ingredient Your Baked Goods Are Missing|work=Epicurious|access-date=6 March 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> It may be used in seafood dishes, cheesecake, or [[bitters]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://feastandwest.com/2015/05/27/how-to-cook-with-vodka/|title=How to Cook with Vodka » Feast + West|date=27 May 2015|work=Feast + West|access-date=6 March 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chowhound.com/food-news/54862/10-recipes-using-vodka/|title=10 Recipes Using Vodka|last=Chowhound|work=Chowhound|access-date=6 March 2018|language=en}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{portal|Drink}}
*[[List of cocktails with vodka]]
*[[List of cocktails with vodka]]
*[[List of vodkas]]
*[[List of vodkas]]
*[[Vodka war]] at [[European Parliament]]
*[[Vodka sauce]]
*[[Vodka war]]
{{clear right}}


==References==
==References==
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==Further reading==
==Further reading==
*{{cite book|last=Begg|first=Desmond|title=The Vodka Companion: A Connoisseur's Guide|year=1997|publisher=Running|isbn=0-7624-0252-0}}
*{{cite book|last=Begg|first=Desmond|title=The Vodka Companion: A Connoisseur's Guide|year=1997|publisher=Running|isbn=0-7624-0252-0}}
*{{cite book|last=Broom|first=Dave|title=Complete Book of Spirits and Cocktails|year=1998|publisher=Carlton Books Ltd.|location=Italy|isbn=1-85868-485-4}}
*{{cite book|last=Broom|first=Dave|title=Complete Book of Spirits and Cocktails|year=1998|publisher=Carlton Books Ltd.|location=Italy|isbn=1-85868-485-4|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/spiritscocktails0000broo}}
*{{cite book|last=Delos|first=Gilbert|title=Vodkas of the World|year=1998|publisher=Wellfleet Press|location=Edison, New Jersey|isbn=0-7858-1018-8}}
*{{cite book|last=Delos|first=Gilbert|title=Vodkas of the World|year=1998|publisher=Wellfleet Press|location=Edison, New Jersey|isbn=0-7858-1018-8}}
*{{cite book|last=Elborn|first=Geoffrey|title=The Dedalus Book of Vodka|year=2013|publisher=Dedalus|isbn=9-781907-650048}}
*{{cite book|last=Elborn|first=Geoffrey|title=The Dedalus Book of Vodka|year=2013|publisher=Dedalus|isbn=978-1-907650-04-8|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/dedalusbookofvod0000elbo}}
*{{cite book|last=Faith|first=Nicholas|title=Classic Vodka|year=1977|publisher=Prion Books Ltd|location=London|isbn=1-85375-234-7|author2=Ian Wisniewski }}
*{{cite book|last=Faith|first=Nicholas|title=Classic Vodka|year=1977|publisher=Prion Books Ltd|location=London|isbn=1-85375-234-7|author2=Ian Wisniewski }}
*{{cite book|last=Lingwood|first=William|title=Vodka: Discovering, Exploring, Enjoying|year=2003|publisher=Ryland Peters & Small|location=New York|isbn=1-84172-506-4|author2=Ian Wisniewski }}
*{{cite book|last=Lingwood|first=William|title=Vodka: Discovering, Exploring, Enjoying|year=2003|publisher=Ryland Peters & Small|location=New York|isbn=1-84172-506-4|author2=Ian Wisniewski }}
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://culture.pl/en/article/history-in-a-vodka-bottle-how-baczewski-ruled-european-royal-courts-invented-marketing-rose-from-the History in a Vodka Bottle: How Baczewski Ruled European Royal Courts, Invented Marketing & Rose from the Ashes]
*{{Commonscat-inline|Vodka}}


{{Vodkas}}
{{Alcoholic beverages}}
{{Alcoholic beverages}}
{{Subject bar|Liquor|Drink|auto=1|wikt=y}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Vodkas| ]]
[[Category:Vodkas| ]]
[[Category:Polish inventions]]
[[Category:Polish inventions]]
[[Category:Russian inventions]]
[[Category:Russian inventions]]
[[Category:Swedish inventions]]

Latest revision as of 12:57, 18 December 2024

Vodka
Smirnoff Red Label vodka
TypeDistilled alcoholic beverage
Country of origin Poland, Russia, Sweden[1][2]
Region of originCentral, Northern and Eastern Europe
Alcohol by volume 35–40%
Proof (US)70–80°
Colorclear
IngredientsWater, grains
Related productsFlavored vodka, nalewka

Vodka (Polish: wódka [ˈvutka]; Russian: водка [ˈvotkə]; Swedish: vodka [vɔdkɑː]) is a clear distilled alcoholic beverage. Different varieties originated in Poland, Russia, and Sweden.[1][2] Vodka is composed mainly of water and ethanol but sometimes with traces of impurities and flavourings.[3] Traditionally, it is made by distilling liquid from fermented cereal grains and potatoes since the latter was introduced in Europe in the 18th century. Some modern brands use maize, sugar cane, fruit, honey, and maple sap as the base.

Since the 1890s, standard vodkas have been 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) (80 U.S. proof).[4] The European Union has established a minimum alcohol content of 37.5% for vodka.[5][6] Vodka in the United States must have a minimum alcohol content of 40%.[7]

Vodka is traditionally drunk "neat" (not mixed with water, ice, or other mixers), and it is often served freezer chilled in the vodka belt of Belarus, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and Ukraine.[3] It is also used in cocktails and mixed drinks, such as the vodka martini, Cosmopolitan, vodka tonic, screwdriver, greyhound, Black or White Russian, Moscow mule, Bloody Mary, and Caesar.

Etymology

The name vodka is a diminutive form of the Slavic word voda (water), interpreted as "waterkin": root vod- [water] + -k- (diminutive suffix, among other functions) + -a (ending of feminine gender).[8][9][10]

In English literature, the word vodka appeared in around the late 18th century. In a book of travels published in English in 1780 (presumably, a translation from German), Johann Gottlieb Georgi correctly explained that "kabak in the Russian language signifies a public house for the common people to drink vodka (a sort of brandy) in".[11] In 1799, William Tooke glossed vodka as "rectified corn-spirits",[12] using the traditional English sense of the word "corn" to refer to any grain, not just maize. In 1800, French poet Théophile Gautier glossed it as a "grain liquor" served with meals in Poland (eau-de-vie de grain).[13]

Another possible connection of vodka with "water" is the name of the medieval alcoholic beverage aqua vitae (Latin, literally, "water of life"), which is reflected in Polish okowita, Ukrainian оковита, Belarusian акавіта, and Scandinavian akvavit. Whiskey has a similar etymology, from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic uisce beatha/uisge-beatha.

People in the area of vodka's probable origin have names for vodka with roots meaning "to burn": Polish: gorzała; Ukrainian: горілка, romanizedhorilka; Belarusian: гарэлка, romanizedharelka; Lithuanian: degtinė; Samogitian: degtėnė is also in use, colloquially and in proverbs;[14] Latvian: degvīns; Finnish: paloviina. In Russian during the 17th and 18th centuries, горящѣе вино or горячее вино (goryashchee vino, "burning wine" or "hot wine") was widely used. Others languages include the German Branntwein, Danish brændevin, Dutch: brandewijn, Swedish: brännvin, and Norwegian: brennevin (although the latter terms refer to any strong alcoholic beverage).

History

The "vodka belt" countries of Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe are the historic home of vodka. These countries have the highest vodka consumption in the world.

Scholars debate the beginnings of vodka[15] because there is little historical material available.[16][17] For many centuries, beverages differed significantly compared to the vodka of today, as the spirit at that time had a different flavor, color, and smell, and was originally used as medicine. It contained little alcohol, an estimated maximum of about 14%. Distillation techniques were developed in Roman Egypt by the 3rd century, but the description of aqua ardens ("burning water", i.e., alcohol) made by distilling wine with salt appears in Latin works only by the 12th century. The process was well known among European medieval chemists by about 1300.[18]

Poland

The world's first written mention of the word wódka was in 1405 from Akta Grodzkie recorder of deeds,[19] in the court documents from the Palatinate of Sandomierz in Poland.[19] At the time, the word wódka referred to chemical compounds such as medicines and cosmetics' cleansers. The production of liquor begins in the mid-15th century, with varied local traditions emerging throughout Europe, in Poland as vodka (Polish: wódka or gorzałka). In the 16th century, the Polish word for the beverage was gorzałka (from the Old Polish verb gorzeć meaning "to burn"), which is also the source of Ukrainian horilka (горілка). The word written in Cyrillic appeared first in 1533, about a medicinal drink brought from Poland to Russia by the Russian merchants.[19]

In these early days, the spirits were used mostly as medicines. Stefan Falimierz asserted in his 1534 works on herbs that vodka could serve "to increase fertility and awaken lust". Wodka lub gorzałka (1614), by Jerzy Potański, contains valuable information on the production of vodka. Jakub Kazimierz Haur, in his book Skład albo skarbiec znakomitych sekretów ekonomii ziemiańskiej (A Treasury of Excellent Secrets about Landed Gentry's Economy, Kraków, 1693), gave detailed recipes for making vodka from rye.

Chopin Wyborowa Żubrówka Luksusowa

Some Polish vodka blends go back centuries. Most notable are Żubrówka, from about the 16th century; Goldwasser, from the early 17th century; and aged Starka vodka, from the 16th century. In the mid-17th century, the szlachta (nobility of Poland) were granted a monopoly on producing and selling vodka in their territories. This privilege was a source of substantial profits. One of the most famous distilleries of the aristocracy was established by Elżbieta Izabela Lubomirska and later operated by her grandson, Alfred Wojciech Potocki. The Vodka Industry Museum, located at the park of the Potocki country estate has an original document attesting that the distillery already existed in 1784. Today, it operates as "Polmos Łańcut".[20]

Vodka production on a much larger scale began in Poland at the end of the 16th century, initially at Kraków, whence spirits were exported to Silesia before 1550. Silesian cities also bought vodka from Poznań, a city that in 1580 had 498 working spirits distilleries. Soon, however, Gdańsk outpaced both these cities. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Polish vodka was known in the Netherlands, Denmark, England, Russia, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria and the Black Sea basin.

Early production methods were rudimentary. The beverage was usually low-proof, and the distillation process had to be repeated several times (a three-stage distillation process was common). The first distillate was called brantówka, the second was szumówka, and the third was okowita (from aqua vitae), which generally contained 70–80% ABV. Then the beverage was watered down, yielding a simple vodka (30–35% ABV), or a stronger one if the watering was done using an alembic. The exact production methods were described in 1768 by Jan Paweł Biretowski and in 1774 by Jan Chryzostom Pasek. The late 18th century inaugurated the production of vodka from various unusual substances including even the carrot.[21]

Though there was a substantial vodka cottage industry in Poland back to the 16th century, the end of the 18th century marked the start of real industrial production of vodka in Poland (Kresy, the eastern part of Poland was controlled by the Russian empire at that time). Vodkas produced by the nobility and clergy became a mass product. The first industrial distillery was opened in 1782 in Lwów by J. A. Baczewski. He was soon followed by Jakub Haberfeld, who in 1804 established a factory at Oświęcim, and by Hartwig Kantorowicz, who started producing Wyborowa in 1823 at Poznań. The implementation of new technologies in the latter half of the 19th century, which allowed the production of clear vodkas, contributed to their success. The first rectification distillery was established in 1871. In 1925, the production of clear vodkas was made a Polish government monopoly.[21]

After World War II, all vodka distilleries were taken over by Poland's Marxist–Leninist government. During the martial law of the 1980s, the sale of vodka was rationed. Following the success of the Solidarity movement and the abolition of single-party rule in Poland, many distilleries began struggling financially. Some filed for bankruptcy, but many were privatized, leading to the creation of various new brands.[21]

Russia

Russian Vodka in various bottles and cups

Russian Empire

A type of distilled liquor designated by the Russian word vodka came to Russia in the late 14th century. In 1386, the Genoese ambassadors brought the first aqua vitae ("water of life") to Moscow and presented it to Dmitry Donskoy, the grand prince. The liquid obtained by distillation of grape must was thought to be a concentrate and a "spirit" of wine (spiritus vini in Latin), whence came to the name of this substance in many European languages (like English spirit, or Russian спирт, spirt).

Perhaps one of the earliest terms linked to vodka production was varenoe vino ("distilled wine") which appears in a 1399 document. Another term used was perevara, a precursor to vodka, which last appears in official documents in 1495. The term korchma is one of the oldest official terms used for vodka, which was used alongside varenoe vino, but later came to denote illegally produced vodka by the 16th century. Other terms that referred to vodka included goriachee vino ("burning wine"), zhzhenoe vino ("burnt wine"), and khlebnoe vino ("bread wine").[22][23][24]

According to William Pokhlyobkin, in around 1430, a monk named Isidore from the Chudov Monastery inside the Moscow Kremlin made a recipe of the first Russian vodka.[25] Having a special knowledge and distillation devices, he became the creator of a new, higher quality type of alcoholic beverage. This "bread wine", as it was initially known, was for a long time produced exclusively in the Moscow grand principality and in no other Russian principality (this situation persisted until the era of industrial production). Thus, this beverage was closely associated with Moscow. In 1474, Ivan III created the first Russian state monopoly on vodka.[26] In 1505, the first exports of distilled Russian vodka arrived in Sweden.[26] By the 16th century, government-run taverns known as kabaks replaced privately-run korchmas.[24] Giles Fletcher, who was the English ambassador in Russia, wrote:

In every great towne of his Realme he hath a Caback or drinking house, where is sold aquavitæ (which they call Russewine) mead, beere, &c. Out of these hee receiveth rent that amounteth to a great summe of money.

— Of the Russe Common Wealth (1591)[24]

Until the mid-18th century, the drink remained relatively low in alcohol content, not exceeding 40% ABV. Multiple terms for the drink were recorded, sometimes reflecting different levels of quality, alcohol concentration, filtering, and the number of distillations; most commonly, it was referred to as "burning wine", "bread wine", or even in some locations simply "wine". In some locations, grape wine may have been so expensive that it was a drink only for aristocrats. Burning wine was usually diluted with water to 24% ABV or less before drinking. It was mostly sold in taverns and was quite expensive. At the same time, the word vodka was already in use, but it described herbal tinctures (similar to Nalewka), containing up to 75% ABV, and made for medicinal purposes.

A Vodka museum in Russia, located in Verkhniye Mandrogi, Leningrad Oblast.

The first written usage of the word vodka in an official Russian document in its modern meaning is dated by the decree of Empress Elizabeth of 8 June 1751, which regulated the ownership of vodka distilleries. By the 1860s, a government policy of promoting the consumption of state-manufactured vodka made it the drink of choice for many Russians. In 1863, the government monopoly on vodka production was repealed, causing prices to plummet and making vodka available even to low-income citizens. The taxes on vodka became a key element of government finances in Tsarist Russia, providing at times up to 40% of state revenue.[27] By 1911, vodka comprised 89% of all alcohol consumed in Russia. This level has fluctuated somewhat during the 20th century but remained quite high at all times. The most recent estimates put it at 70% (2001).

Post-Soviet Russia

Vodka remains a major source of state revenue and therefore of power. Seizing control of the state spirits monopoly Rosspirtprom and its Kristall distillery was instrumental for Vladimir Putin to consolidate his power as prime minister and president.[28] Under his rule, the "Putinka" ("little Putin") brand of vodka became a bestseller, partly to Putin's financial benefit.[28]

Other popular Russian vodka producers or brands include Stolichnaya and Russian Standard.[29]

William Pokhlebin's A History of Vodka

During the late 1970s, Russian culinary author William Pokhlebkin compiled a history of the production of vodka in Russia, as part of the Soviet case in a trade dispute; this was later published as A History of Vodka. Pokhlebkin wrote that while there is a wealth of publications about the history of consumption and distribution of vodka, virtually nothing had been written about vodka production. One of his assertions was that the word "vodka" was used in popular speech in Russia considerably earlier than the middle of the 18th century, but the word did not appear in print until the 1860s.

Pokhlebkin's sources were challenged by David Christian in the Slavic Review in 1994, who criticized the lack of valid references in Pokhlebkin's works and its pro-Russian bias. Pokhlebkin is also known for his Pan-Slavic sympathies under the leadership of Russia and sentiments that, in David Christian's opinion, discredit most of his work, especially his History of Vodka.[30]

Sweden

Up until the 1950s, vodka was not used as a designation for Swedish distilled beverages, which were instead called brännvin ("burn-wine"), the word having the same etymology as the Dutch Brandewijn, which is the base for the word brandy. This beverage has been produced in Sweden since the late 15th century, although the total production was still small in the 17th century.[31] From the early 18th century, production expanded, although production was prohibited several times, during grain shortages. Although initially a grain product, potatoes started to be used in production in the late 18th century and became dominant from the early 19th century.[32] From the early 1870s, distillery equipment was improved.

Progressively from the 1960s, unflavoured Swedish brännvin also came to be called vodka. The first Swedish product to use this term was Explorer Vodka, which was created in 1958 and initially was intended for the American export market. Although it ultimately failed in that market, it remains one of the most popular vodka brands in Sweden today.[33][34] In 1979, Absolut Vodka was launched, reusing the name of the old Absolut Rent Brännvin ("absolutely pure brännvin") created in 1879.

After Sweden joined the European Union in 1995, the regulations were changed so that privately owned companies could produce Vodka.[35]

Vodka has become popular among young people, with a flourishing black market.[36] In 2013, the organizers of the so-called "vodka car" were jailed for two and a half years for having illegally provided thousands of liters to young people, some as young as 13.[37]

Production

An old Ukrainian vodka still
Vodka bottling machine, Shatskaya Vodka (Shatsk, Russia)

Vodka may be distilled from any starch- or sugar-rich plant matter; most vodka today is produced from grains such as sorghum, corn, rye, or wheat. Among grain vodkas, rye and wheat vodkas are generally considered superior. Some vodkas are made from potatoes, molasses, soybeans, grapes, rice, sugar beets and sometimes even byproducts of oil refining[38] or wood pulp processing. In some Central European countries, such as Poland, some vodka is produced by just fermenting a solution of crystal sugar and yeast. In the European Union, there are talks about the standardization of vodka, and the Vodka Belt countries insist that only spirits produced from grains, potato, and sugar beet molasses be allowed to be branded as "vodka", following the traditional methods of production.[39][40]

In the United States, many vodkas are made from 95% pure grain alcohol produced in large quantities by agricultural-industrial giants Archer Daniels Midland, Grain Processing Corporation,[41] and Midwest Grain Products (MGP).[42] Bottlers purchase the base spirits in bulk, then filter, dilute, distribute and market the end product under a variety of vodka brand names.[43] Similar methods are used in other regions such as Europe.[44]

This pure grain alcohol, also known as rectified spirit, neutral spirit, or ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin, is also available directly to consumers in some areas, as products such as Everclear, Polmos spirytus rektyfikowany, and others. In contrast to very high ABV vodkas such as the Bulgarian Balkan 176° with 88% ABV, these grain alcohol products are not considered vodka; they have not (yet) gone through the filtration and refining process used to produce vodka.[5][44][45]

A study conducted on NPR's Planet Money podcast revealed negligible differences in taste between various brands of vodka, leading to speculation as to how much branding contributes to the concept of "super-premium vodkas".[46]

Distilling and filtering

A common property of the vodkas produced in the United States and Europe is the extensive use of filtration before any additional processing including the addition of flavorants. Filtering is sometimes done in the still during distillation, as well as afterward, where the distilled vodka is filtered through activated charcoal and other media to absorb trace amounts of substances that alter or impart off-flavors to the vodka. However, this is not the case in the traditional vodka-producing nations, so many distillers from these countries prefer to use very accurate distillation but minimal filtering, thus preserving the unique flavors and characteristics of their products.

The master distiller is in charge of distilling the vodka and directing its filtration, which includes the removal of the "fore-shots", "heads" and "tails". These components of the distillate contain flavor compounds such as ethyl acetate and ethyl lactate (heads) as well as the fusel oils (tails) that impact the usually desired clean taste of vodka. Through numerous rounds of distillation, or the use of a fractioning still, the taste is modified and clarity is increased. In contrast, the distillery process for liquors such as whiskey, rum, and baijiu allow portions of the "heads" and "tails" to remain, giving them their unique flavors.

Repeated distillation of vodka will make its ethanol level much higher than is acceptable to most end users, whether legislation determines strength limits or not. Depending on the distillation method and the technique of the still master, the final filtered and distilled vodka may have as much as 95–96% ethanol. As such, most vodka is diluted with water before bottling.

Flavoring

A vodka distillery in Bialystok, Poland, where the bison grass vodka "Żubrówka" is produced
Finnish-grown six-row barley and glacial spring water, Finlandia Vodka

While most vodkas are unflavored, many flavored vodkas have been produced in traditional vodka-drinking areas, often as home-made recipes to improve vodka's taste or for medicinal purposes. Flavorings include red pepper, ginger, fruit flavors, vanilla, chocolate (without sweetener), and cinnamon. In Russia, vodka flavored with honey and pepper, pertsovka in Russian, is also very popular. In Poland and Belarus, the leaves of the local bison grass are added to produce żubrówka (Polish) and zubrovka (Belarusian) vodka, with slightly sweet flavors and light amber colors. In Lithuania and Poland, a famous vodka containing honey is called krupnik.

This tradition of flavoring is also prevalent in the Nordic countries, where vodka seasoned with herbs, fruits, and spices is the appropriate strong drink for several seasonal festivities. Sweden has forty-odd common varieties of herb-flavored vodka (kryddat brännvin). In Poland and Ukraine, a separate category (nalyvka in Ukraine and nalewka in Poland) is used for vodka-based spirits with fruit, root, flower, or herb extracts, which are often home-made or produced by small commercial distilleries. Their alcohol contents vary between 15 and 75%. In Estonia, vodkas are available with barberry, blackcurrant, cherry, green apple, lemon, vanilla, and watermelon flavors.[47]

In most cases, vodka flavoring comes from a post-distillation infusion of flavors. Through the fermentation process, grain mash is transformed into a neutral alcohol beverage that is unflavored. The process of flavoring vodka so that it tastes like fruits, chocolate, and other foods occurs after fermentation and distillation. Various chemicals that reproduce the flavor profiles of foods are added into vodka to give it a specific taste.

Today

Vodka is less likely than other spirits to produce the undesirable aftereffects of heavy consumption (though no less likely to intoxicate) because of its low level of fusel oils and congeners, which are impurities that flavor spirits.[48]

Since the year 2000, because of evolving consumer tastes and regulatory changes, several 'artisanal vodka' or even 'ultra premium vodka' brands have appeared.

European Union regulation

The success of grape-based vodka in the United States in the early twenty-first century prompted traditional vodka producers in the Vodka Belt countries of Poland, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Sweden to campaign for EU legislation that would define vodka as only spirits made from grain or potatoes.[39][40] This proposition provoked heavy criticism from South European countries, which often distill used mash from wine-making into spirits; although higher-quality mash is usually distilled into some variety of pomace brandy, the lower-quality mash is better turned into neutral-flavored spirits instead. Any vodka not made from either grain or potatoes would have to display the products used in its production. This regulation entered into force in 2008.[6]

Canadian regulations

Under Canadian regulations, vodka is a potable alcoholic distillate obtained from potatoes, cereal grain, or any other material of agricultural origin fermented by the action of yeast or a mixture of yeast and other microorganisms.[49]

United States regulations

In 1956, it was put into revenue ruling that sugar not more than 0.2% and trace amounts of citric acid are not considered flavoring agent. The meaning of "trace amounts" of citric acid was clarified as not more than 1,000ppm in 1995.[50]

It is no longer defined as "to be without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color."[51] The law includes other requirements: Vodka cannot be aged in wood; it may or may not be charcoal filtered; and it must meet minimum distillation and bottling proofs.[52]

Boycotts

In summer 2013, American LGBT rights activists targeted Russian vodka brands for boycott over Russia's anti-gay policies.[53][54][55]

In late February 2022, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, some North American liquor stores and bars expressed symbolic solidarity with Ukraine, and opposition to Russia, by boycotting Russian vodka brands.[56][57]

One critic argued that boycotts of Russian-branded vodka may inadvertently affect U.S. vodka manufacturers and noted that only 1.2 percent of U.S. vodka imports come from Russia.[58]

Illegal production

In some countries, black-market or "bathtub" vodka is widespread because it can be produced easily and avoids taxation. However, severe poisoning, blindness, or death can occur as a result of dangerous industrial ethanol substitutes being added by black-market producers.[59] In March 2007 in a documentary, BBC News UK sought to find the cause of severe jaundice among imbibers of a "bathtub" vodka in Russia.[60] The cause was suspected to be an industrial disinfectant (Extrasept)—95% ethanol but also containing a highly toxic chemical—added to the vodka by the illegal traders because of its high alcohol content and low price. Death toll estimates list at least 120 dead and more than 1,000 poisoned[vague]. The death toll is expected to rise due to the chronic nature of the cirrhosis that is causing jaundice.[citation needed]

Public health effects

Estimates of the annual death toll resulting from vodka consumption extend up to the thousands in Russia.[61][62]

Cooking

Penne alla vodka

Vodka can also be used in cooking and various recipes are improved by the addition of vodka or rely on it as a key ingredient. Vodka sauce is a pasta sauce made from tomato sauce, cream, and vodka that gained popularity in the 1970s. Vodka can be used in baking as a substitute for water: pie crusts can be made flakier with vodka.[63] It may be used in seafood dishes, cheesecake, or bitters.[64][65]

See also

References

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  6. ^ a b "Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89". EUR-Lex. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
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  8. ^ Vodka at the Encyclopædia Britannica
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  11. ^ Georgi, Johann Gottlieb (1780). Russia: or, a compleat historical account of all the nations which compose that Empire. printed for J. Nichols: T. Cadell; H. Payne; and N. Conant. p. 115.
  12. ^ Tooke, William (1799). View of the Russian empire during the reign of Catharine the Second, and to the close of the present century, Volume 1. Piccadilly: T.N. Longman and O. Rees, Pater-Noster-Row, and J. Debrett. p. 362.
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Further reading