Vodka

Vodka is originally a Russian alcoholic drink produced since the 15th century originally from potatoes, corn or grain. It is characterized by a clear color and a strong alcoholic taste. It has a spicy alcohol scent with an aromatic undertone.

History: The origin of vodka is unclear, it is estimated that it originated somewhere in Poland, Russia, or other Nordic countries. The word vodka comes from the Slavic word for water, but this label did not come into use until the 17th century. Previously, this drink, or rather its prototype, was called "bread wine" or just aqua vitae - from the Latin "water of life". The first mentions of vodka in Russia date back to the 14th century. Until the 18th century, vodka contained relatively little alcohol (only around 20%), it was sold in pubs and was prized. Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible established a network of distilleries in the 16th century. He outlawed pubs he did not control. As part of policy, Russian Tsars granted nobility and officials the right to distil. Taxes collected from production they were a very important item in the economy of Tsarist Russia. Vodka was also an important social element here, it was used at feasts, religious ceremonies, served at the Tsar's court. As a result of the large consumption of vodka, its price decreased and thus became available to the lower classes population. At the beginning of the 20th century, vodka consumption in Russia accounted for 89% of alcoholic beverages, decreasing slightly during the century.