The History of Vodka

Vodka developed in Northern European. Poles claim it was their discovery. The Russians will tell you it was theirs.  In reality three countries played the biggest role - Russia, Poland, and Sweden.

The word vodka derives from the word voda; in Russia, meaning water.   Vodka was a part of the Russian culture, being distilled even before the word vodka came into general use.   The techniques for distilling emerged primarily from Russia.  Distilling techniques and strategies further improved with the introduction of different herbs and spices. Russians have been introduced to many varieties of Vodka including vodka made out of wheat and potatoes, but rye is now considered (in Russie)  to produce the finest taste. 
 
Over the years, Russia experienced problems with vodka, namely drunkenness.  In 1917, vodka was banned from the markets and, until 1936, no beverages over 20% of alcohol content were allowed. When the ban was lifted, drunkenness, again, became an issue.  President Gorbachev tried to take control of this, increasing prices and imposing various policies, but that only forced the Russians underground, creating an alcoholic mix called samogon, meaning self-brew.

Vodka is mainly distilled in Moscow under various companies like IDV, the owners of Smirnoff, and still serves as a comforter for Russians from some of the horrors of daily life. 

In the 8th century, strong alcohol was discovered in Poland,  however, the solution produced was used for medicinal purposes. It was used for these purposes until the 15th century.  Polish historians claim that vodka was first produced in 1405 and is said to have reached Russia from Poland.

In the 17th century vodka was established as Poland's national drink. In this time, the Poles were also exporting their production to Northern European countries like Russia. By the 18th century, their techniques had advanced to include such practices as triple distillation.

Polmos, the largest vodka distiller in Poland, encompasses 25 independent distilleries and holds the domestic market rights with a "no fee" license to produce the classic vodka brands.

Sweden did not play as huge a role as Russia and Poland have in the vodka movement, partly because of the strong temperance movement that took place before the 19th century. However, It is interesting to note that Sweden, like Poland, also used vodka for medicinal benefits, at first. 

By the 16th century, vodka was officially sold as a liquor beverage. There were multiple attempts to ban its production for health reasons, judging from the condition of the Swedish culture, but it was decided that its resulting revenue was far more significant than the culture's health.

These temperance movements reappeared throughout the Swedish history, but evidently, did not affect the success of the company Vin & Spirit, known for their Absolut brand vodka.