The history of vodka is rich in tradition and enjoyment. Originally, vodka was used for medicinal purposes before becoming a symbol of cultural diversity and socializing around the world. Its versatility in cocktails and its popularity as a spirit for festive occasions make it an indispensable part of the bar world. Immerse yourself in the rich history and timeless enjoyment of vodka and discover an extensive selection of first-class varieties that you can conveniently buy in our online store.
The origins of the clear little water go back to the 9th century, so vodka would be much older than rum or whiskey. However, this cannot be proven in writing and the first official mention was in 1405 in the Kingdom of Poland. But the Russians also claim to be the inventors of vodka. However, the production was documented in writing only after the Poles.
The final authorship leaves some questions unanswered, and it is likely that vodka production only became established and developed over time. This process most likely occurred in several regions at the same time. Today, you can find vodka all over the world.
The Russians recognized the enormous sales potential of vodka very early on and imposed a monopoly on its production. Compared to beer, wine or kvass (a slightly alcoholic drink made from fermented bread), vodka was not integrated into people's daily lives and religion. Nevertheless, its consumption spread widely over time. In 1552, under Ivan the Terrible, the first drinking houses were opened in Moscow - so-called kabaks - to toast in his honor. Moreover, these houses were popular among philistines, who sought shelter there - even from the authorities - until they had squandered their last possessions. Due to the moderate success, the state monopoly on production was subsequently lifted entirely by Peter the Great. After that, production increased noticeably.
The heyday of Russian vodka began in 1765 under the reign of Catherine the Great. She allowed the production on the one hand to the state distilleries and on the other hand to the landed aristocracy for their own use as well as their peasantry. The nobility - for whom money was no object - distilled the best grain, while the peasants had to be satisfied with inferior grain for their daily bread. The first taste experiments with various herbs and fruits took place and were already exported in small quantities.
Despite the strict production rules, vodka was also distilled black, in rather poor quality. In combination with cheaply produced spirits from abroad, Russian producers had to lower their prices and, as a result, vodka quality also suffered. The state reacted to this unfortunate situation in 1890 with a renewed monopoly on the production of spirits. A "Vodka Committee" was established to ensure state vodka quality, and standardized production processes were introduced.
Low-quality vodka continued to be produced in moonshine distilleries, alcohol addiction was widespread, and after the first Russian Revolution, this problem was even raised in Parliament. As a result, all liquor stores were closed. With the October Revolution under Lenin, it was planned to put a strict end to alcohol consumption - under the motto "dictatorship of sobriety". But the desired effect of the ban failed to materialize, and with Lenin's death, alcohol production and consumption rose sharply.
Well-known producers, such as Smirnov and Gorbachev, had already left for the West. With the start of the war, the strict ban developed in the opposite direction: from 1940, fighting soldiers were provided with a daily ration of vodka to increase their willingness to fight and sacrifice. After the war was won, 15 million people in the Soviet Union were addicted to alcohol.
Decreased productive capacity nationwide and the destruction of many families were long-term consequences. As a result, the government adopted abstinence campaigns. These resulted in the drinking of home-brewed booze and brake fluid, which was very harmful to health. Between the years 1985 and 1991, it is estimated that around 50,000 people died as a result of alcohol consumption! This anti-alcohol policy is even said to be partly responsible for the collapse of the Soviet Union. In times of war and the arms race, there was a lack of revenue from vodka production, which had previously accounted for up to 30% of the state budget.
After the ban on alcohol was lifted, Western companies bought up Russian companies that had produced vodka, exerting a significant influence on the taste and drinking culture of vodka.
Vodka is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. In the production of vodka lies the secret of its unmistakable neutral taste. The basic ingredient consists mainly of grain, potatoes or grapes and water as ingredients. Regardless of the base ingredient, the goal is to achieve a neutral taste. The use of the ingredient depends on the local offered raw materials, tradition and taste.
The distillation process uses 60% water, which is particularly soft and comes from a well, spring or icebergs. The quality of the water is crucial in the production to distill a qualitative vodka. During the production process, the base material is crushed into small pieces, mixed with the qualitative water and heated. Due to the high temperature, the starch completely transforms into sugar and a sweet thick liquid (mash) is produced. Then yeast is added and fermented for several days, producing a thick mass. This is followed by distillation, which takes place in two divided columns (analyzer and rectifier). In the analyzer, the raw alcohol is steamed with hot steam from below and the mash is added from above. In the process, the mash is heated by the steam on its way down. The mash is then fed into the rectifier, where the undesirable substances are removed. In the rectifier, steam is again used to heat the mash, causing the alcohol and the water it contains to condense on the side walls. Through this process, the alcohol liquefies further up and then removed.
Before bottling, the last step is filtration, which removes other unwanted aromas. In the process of filtration, charcoal made of birch, beech or oak is added to a column-type filter. The vodka is then pumped from the bottom to the top, resulting in a very high degree of purity. The remaining fine suspended solids are finally removed by a filtration process using paper filters or membrane filters. In the following process, blending takes place by blending the vodka with blend water. This produces the blend in the ratio of 60% water and 40% distillate. Today, however, the alcohol content in vodka varies depending on the variety.
Vodka is made from various raw materials, with potatoes, wheat or rye often serving as the starting base. Very rarely, the vodka is made from rice or grapes. In the Russian tradition, vodka is made from rye, which gives it a particularly light and mild taste. Polish and German vodka, on the other hand, is often made from potatoes. The vodka made from potatoes tends to be heavier and has a sweetish taste. In Ukraine and Scandinavian countries, wheat is often used.
The taste of vodka is influenced in particular by the quality of the water used. A cheap vodka does not attach importance to the origin of the water, whereas a high-quality vodka, on the other hand, advertises the origin of the water. This is often a pure and soft water from deep springs. A mineral-rich and hard water brings its own flavor and negatively affects the taste of the vodka. In addition, the filtering technique has an impact on the vodka. The more passes made during filtering, the smoother and higher quality the vodka will be. When it comes to filtering, reliable techniques and methods have proven to be effective. For example, filtering with milk protein or silver provides very good results.
The quality of vodka is influenced by the manufacturing process and the raw materials used. As a rule, a good vodka is characterized by a mild and aromatic taste that does not burn when drunk. A high-quality vodka can thus be consumed neat. However, nowadays vodka is used as a mixed drink for long drinks. Vodka is a clear spirit, which has characteristic properties. The alcohol content ranges from 37.5 to 56 percent, with the volume percentage usually at 40. This makes vodka one of the high-proof drinks.
Unfortunately, this question can not be answered so precisely. However, the use of raw materials and the number of filtration is considered an indicator of the quality of a vodka. Many people have already had intense experiences through the consumption of vodka. Vodka is not only used as a mixed drink, but also drunk neat. Especially a chilled vodka is a pleasure for the senses. Mostly, rather a cheap vodka is used for mixing long drinks or cocktails. A high-quality vodka, on the other hand, is suitable for short shots.
One of the most popular vodka from 40% can be bought here in the Vodka Shop from delicando. Absolut Vodka 100 with 50% alcohol content in a 1 liter bottle! The Absolut brand is one of the most popular spirits brands in the world. South Swedish winter wheat and high-quality spring water is used in the production. Absolut Vodka 100 is available in a limited edition and the bottle is designed in a black stylish design. Now conveniently buy this Absolut Vodka.
Chopin Potato Vodka 40% Vol. 0,7l with 40% alcohol content in a 0.7 liter bottle is the most awarded vodka from potatoes in the world. This vodka comes from one of the most fertile regions in Poland and has a high starch content. The high-proof drink has a slightly earthy, full-bodied and creamy taste. Buy this vodka now in our online store delicando.
One of the most popular varieties is Beluga Noble Russian Vodka with 40% alcohol content in a 1.5 liter bottle. This vodka is produced in Siberia and is based on natural grains as well as pure filtered water. The taste is luxurious and smooth at the same time. In the Vodka Shop of delicando this luxurious drink is available. Buy now this noble vodka and enjoy.
Puschkin Time Warp 17,7% Vol. 0,7l with an alcohol content of 17.7% is available in the online store in a 0.7 liter bottle. This Pushkin Vodka is produced in a special process, distilled 6 times and cooled at -8°C. This vodka is characterized by a sweet fruity taste. The Vodka Shop of delicando has this fruity drink in the assortment. Buy this Pushkin Vodka now and enjoy the fruity aroma.
In an aromatic vodka, additional flavorings are added during the production process. In recent years, the number of flavored vodkas has increased. Flavored vodkas are available in a variety of flavors, such as currant, lemon, or mango. Thus, a flavored vodka brings a distinct fruit aroma and is well suited for mixing cocktails.
Smirnoff with an alcohol content of 37.5% is available in delicando's Vodka Shop in a 1 liter bottle. Since the late 1930s, Smirnoff Vodka has been sold in numerous countries around the world. Smirnoff is one of the first distilleries in the world, which uses charcoal for filtering. Buy now the world's best-selling vodka and feel the pure aroma.
Inexpensive vodkas are often used in the preparation of cocktails or long drinks, as the fruity taste of the mixed drink is the main focus and the choice of vodka is therefore less important. A mild and expensive product would be lost in a mixed drink. A vodka with a high alcohol content is more suitable for mixed drinks, as the mixing ratio can be adjusted individually. In addition, a high-proof vodka offers a concentrated aroma that is clearly perceptible in the mixed drink.
An outstanding example of a vodka that is ideal for mixing is “Absolut Vodka”. With its clear purity and neutral taste, it harmonizes perfectly with a wide range of ingredients and gives every cocktail a first-class quality. The diverse range of Absolut Vodka varieties offers a wide choice for different tastes and preferences. Discover the world of mixing and buy your ideal Absolut Vodka from our online store today.
Vodka is available in all possible price ranges. High quality can already be found in the middle segment. Expensive vodkas stand out in the market and advertise a handcrafted production and special properties. Inexpensive vodkas are already available between 5 and 8 euros. However, the raw materials used, the filter technology used and the exact origin are often not indicated on the label. However, excellent cocktails can be mixed with inexpensive vodkas.
A popular and inexpensive vodka is Gorbatschow Wodka 37,5% Vol. 0,7l with an alcohol volume of 37.5% in a 0.7 liter bottle. For more than 100 years, the Gorbachev brand has stood for quality and tradition. In Germany, Gorbachev Vodka is one of the most famous spirits. The origin of this vodka is in St. Petersburg and was already brought to Berlin in 1917. In the online store of delicando this popular drink is available. Access now and buy this Russian vodka.
The Belvedere Vodka with an alcohol content of 40% is available in the Vodka Shop of delicando in a 0.05 liter bottle. The name Belvedere comes from the royal palace in Poland. The production of this vodka looks back on an experience of over 500 years. Belvedere Vodka is distilled four times and is made from 100% rye. This vodka has already won numerous prizes and awards. The taste consists of different flavors. Buy now this Belvedere Vodka and enjoy on ice or in cocktails.
Absolut Vodka with an alcohol content of 40% in a 1 liter bottle is one of the most popular brands. Absolut Vodka is one of the biggest brands in the world. South Swedish winter wheat and high quality spring water is used in the production. delicando has this popular drink in the vodka store in the assortment. Buy now one of the most popular Vokda and enjoy the clear, pleasant as well as soft taste.
Among the most expensive vodkas is Grey Goose with an alcohol content of 40%. This is available in a 6 liter bottle in the Vodka Shop of delicando. The Grey Goose Vodka comes from France and is made from high quality ingredients. The basic ingredients consist of a high-quality winter wheat and pure spring water. The bottle comes in a noble design. Buy the Grey Goose Vodka now and enjoy the luxurious taste pure.
The right vodka depends on personal taste. Some attach importance to the origin of the vodka and the others to organic raw materials. For some consumers, the design also plays an important role. Ultimately, everyone must decide this for themselves. Inexpensive and medium-priced vodkas are overall ideal for mixing long drinks and cocktails. Flavored vodkas are mainly used for mixed drinks. Inexpensive vodkas are available for as little as 5 euros. Medium-priced vodkas, on the other hand, cost between 15 and 20 euros. With high-quality vodkas, however, there is hardly a price limit. You can save money on inexpensive vodkas, but the quality is often variable. The more expensive vodkas are better enjoyed neat, as these have a milder and smoother taste. Ice-cooled, these vodkas can be enjoyed especially well. The production of vodkas from wheat or rye are generally higher quality, because these tend to taste more aromatic and lighter. In comparison, vodkas made from potatoes tend to be sweeter and heavier in taste. Higher quality is promised by vodkas that have been filtered with activated carbon, milk or silver. However, one thing can be said with certainty. In the store of delicando all possible brands are available in different price ranges and a huge selection. Each brand and variety has its own peculiarities in taste and production process, which ultimately makes the unique pleasure of vodka.
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