Vodka is a surprise of the 20th century. From an unknown Russian drink to the most common cocktail is quite a long way.

The history of vodka

The exact history of vodka is unknown. However, it originated in the grain-growing region around what we know today as Poland, Western Russia, and Ukraine. Specialists believe that the first mentions of premium vodka avaiable in LA were found somewhere around the 9th century. However, the first known distillery was opened about 200 years later, around the 11th century, in Khylnovsk, Russia.

The early process of distilling vodka was crude. Due to the limitations of the technology of the period, many impurities remained and caused an unpleasant and undesirable taste. Early distilleries masked this by adding flavorings to the vodka, the most common being absinthe, anise, juniper, mint, peppermint, and peppermint.

The Bolshevik Revolution banned all private wineries in Russia. Many of the winemakers fled the country: one of them was the son of the winemaker Smirnov. Uladzimir Smirnov fled to France to create premium vodka avaiable in LA his own distillery. Here he contacted an American businessman and created the Smirnoff brand (the French version of his last name). Vodka was advertised as a “white whiskey” that left you “breathless” (no alcohol). But vodka found its place only in the 1950s and the “swinging 60s”. Affluent youth and numerous cocktails for which odorless and tasteless vodka makes it an ideal component have led to a vodka revolution. And vodka surpassed Bourbon (American whiskey) as the best-selling spirit.

Production of vodka

Vodka is traditionally made from the cheapest grain available. Vodka is mainly made from starch. However, some Polish vodkas are made from potatoes. Sometimes even molasses is used. It is very similar to whiskey. Both are made from fermented wort. However, vodka is distilled at a very high strength. Thus, when distilling vodka at 190 proof, most of the aroma is lost and almost only alcohol and water remain. Therefore, the best vodka is without taste, color and smell.

Brands

Some of the most popular and high-quality vodka brands are Smirnoff, Gray Goose and Absolut. However, a blind taste often confirms that most of us cannot tell the difference between different brands premium vodka avaiable in LA of vodka. This is natural and desirable, because vodka should be tasteless and odorless. So the brand of vodka is a matter of personal preference. When using vodka in mixed drinks, it is recommended to use any “home” brand.

Vodka also comes in different flavors. Brands like Absolut and Smirnoff have a whole arsenal of flavored vodkas. Some of the popular flavors include raspberry, citrus, orange, vanilla and pepper.