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Drinking my paternal grandfather happens infrequently, on major holidays and memorable meetings. And then a case turned out, his great-grandson was born, my nephew means, well, we all gathered to wash the addition. Grandpa went into the store and asked for vodka, as he used to do with the advice, and stumbled upon the condescending smile of the saleswoman.
The girl almost twisted her finger at her temple, advising an imported bottle in a colorful wrapper. On such a status occasion, they say, it is a sin to choke on domestic goods. Grandpa bought something to buy, but it became a shame for the state.
On the way back, my grandfather said that his first acquaintance with strong alcohol began with the Soviet brands Sibirskaya (Sibirskaya), Moskovskaya (Moscow), Russian, Pshenichnaya and Extra. The surging memories of youth made us wonder – where did the Soviet vodka go?
What was vodka made from then?
In Soviet times, vodka was produced by mixing ethyl alcohol with softened drinking water. Softening means that the liquid has passed through an activated carbon barrier and then passed through sand or ceramic filters a second time.
After the strength of the vodka was evaluated and purified again. The best critic was public opinion, not every product passed the harsh meetings of the garage cooperative.
Moskovskaya (Moscow) vodka belongs to the old-timers of the market, leading a history from imperial Russia. The recipe for this drink contains a small amount of sugar syrup and vinegar to create a memorable aftertaste.
Less pretentious was Russian vodka, which was actively used as payment in kind for the services of all communal brethren. Grandmother saved on big bills, in her own way, presenting a little white bottle to plumbers.
Extra, Russian and Wheat vodka occupied a single niche of a budget product. It was these brands that were stamped by all distilleries in the country. They even say that Russkaya (Russian) vodka has become the best-selling alcoholic brand on the planet. Why not be proud?
And how much did these brands of vodka cost in the USSR
In the 1980s, Moskovskaya (Moscow) vodka cost 5 rubles. 50 kop. The price of Russian vodka was originally 4 rubles. 12 kopecks, later rising to 6 rubles. It should be borne in mind that prices were the same throughout the USSR, there was only the concept of explanation.
Sibirskaya (Siberian) had a price tag of 4 rubles. 42 kopecks, after a rise in price in 1981 – 6 rubles. 20 kop. The white label of Pshenichnaya cost exactly the same amount. It was more difficult to find Siberian – popular rumor attributed to it a higher quality.
The price of Extra vodka was not much lower – 4 rubles. 12 kopecks, later – 5 rubles. 30 kop. Grandfather’s salary in 1980 was 180 rubles.
What happened to them after the USSR
Despite the fact that Siberian vodka is patented in the Union, the life of the brand continues abroad. A coalition of Canadian spirits companies recently launched 45-proof bottles of Siberian in the Toronto market. The founders of the companies have Russian roots and surnames.
The owner of the trademarks Russian and Moscow vodka is the federal enterprise Soyuzplodoimport. Both drinks are produced to this day, having changed their usual design and participating in a tense market struggle. The price for a half-liter bottle of Moscow vodka in the capital is about 440 rubles.
A rare find from the garage: a bottle of Russkaya (Russian) vodka from 1984.
Since 2013, on the basis of a license agreement with FKP Soyuzplodoimport, the production of Extra vodka has been produced by the Strizhament plant. The modern recipe includes: ethyl alcohol, purified water and sugar syrup.
A sadder turn in the history of the Pshenichnaya brand – since 2016, the production of vodka has been discontinued. The manufacturer, represented by Shadrinsk Brewery, went bankrupt, but there is still hope for the resurrection of the national brand.
Brands of vodka that, in my opinion, are very similar to Soviet
Evaluating vodka according to the example of the Soviet one, my grandfather and I decided to conduct our own research, correlating the price and quality of available brands. It took a fair amount of time, but let me share my findings.
It is clear that Beluga vodka (Beluga) is tasty and soft to drink, but it is not suitable for the rank of folk. First of all, because of its “bourgeois” price tag.
Therefore, in the third place of the personal post-Soviet top, I put Parliament vodka (Parliament) at a price of 485 rubles per 0,7 liter. Among the advantages: cost and minimal hangover.
An honorable second place is given to the Talka brand with a price of 330 rubles per 0,5 liter. The advantages are availability and mild taste.
Another alcoholic symbol of the USSR: the distribution of Stolichnaya vodka in the United States was handled by PepsiCo.
The leader of the rating is the updated vodka Stolichnaya (Capital). Competent rebranding, former glory and international fame. The price for 0,5 liters of Stolichnaya is 400 rubles. Pros: classic taste and nostalgia for the days of bygone youth. This is reason enough for me to choose her for my nephew’s christening, but what do you think?
Dear readers, remember that alcohol abuse harms your body. Take care of yourself!