There is such a strange stereotype that vodka was invented by Russians, and it is in Russia that they make it best. To be honest, I kind of thought so too. What was my surprise when I learned that the word “vodka” was used many centuries ago.
And we are not talking about Russia, but Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. This prompted me to find out how things are on this front now, which countries produce a really high-quality product.
To my surprise, the Russian brand was not in the TOP-5. Here’s what it actually looks like. Naturally, this rating implies production for the whole world, and not just for a specific country.
Smirnoff (Smirnoff)
Smirnoff was created in the Russian Empire by a man named Pyotr Smirnov. His sons continued his work, but as a result of the revolution, their business was nationalized.
Vodka Smirnoff.
They made attempts to revive the brand abroad, however, they managed to do this with varying degrees of success. The Smirnov family even sold the rights to sell and manufacture in North America to another family. Now it is the most popular brand of vodka in the US and the world as a whole.
For the preparation of spirits, only the best grain crops from Scotland are used. The drink goes through three stages of distillation and tenfold purification through filters, including carbon ones. The result is a perfectly clean and soft vodka.
This allows it to be widely used in the preparation of cocktails. It is produced as a classic version, and with some variations in technology. The approximate cost for one bottle of 0,7 is about 1000-1500 rubles.
Important! The brand is currently owned by an English company. Diageo.
Absolut (Absolute)
This is already the best Swedish vodka. I was surprised by the fact that in 2012 she even won a prize as the most environmentally friendly vodka. Naturally, it looks crystal clear. Her taste is also mild, and the product itself does not have a nasty smell.
Vodka Absolut
The brand was invented at the end of the XNUMXth century. This vodka is recognizable by its unusual bottle. As I understand it, this decision was made by advertisers on the basis of a typical Swedish medicine bottle. Thus, they decided to emphasize the original Swedish origin.
By the way, if you haven’t noticed, this vodka doesn’t even have a special label. This was done on purpose so that it does not cover the crystal clear product. Now, in addition to the classic version, vodka is produced with all sorts of flavors. For example, with the taste of pepper, currant, vanilla, orange and many others. The approximate cost is 800-1000 rubles.
Important! The brand is currently owned by the French company Pernod Ricard.
Greyhound
And here is the real Ukrainian “vodka”. This company is quite young (it has been operating since 2002), but has already managed to win a lot of fans. This is evidenced by the fact that Khortytsya is supplied to 87 countries of the world. I respect the brand for the fact that even the budget versions of this vodka have the proper quality.
Vodka Khortytsia.
The main difference between Khortytsya is that a special alcohol is used for its preparation, which is called “Wheat Tear”. According to manufacturers, this is the purest and softest alcohol, but many connoisseurs may not agree with them.
As for the varieties of vodka, its range is quite wide. As I said, there are budget options (150 rubles), and there are also elite ones for 500 rubles. In some cases, flavors may be added. For example, giving the smell and taste of nuts, prunes, lemon.
Important! The name “Khortytsya” comes from the island of the same name on the Dnieper River, on which the Zaporozhian Sich was located.
Zubrowka (Zubrovka)
This is a Polish invention. More precisely, the drink appeared in the Commonwealth in the XNUMXth century. This is not just vodka, but tincture. It is brewed on a special herb “scented bison”, which is very popular with bison, which is why it got its name.
Vodka Zubrovka.
On the territory of Russia, this drink appeared at the end of the XNUMXth century. It was started by the Shustov brothers. This vodka is distinguished by its characteristic taste and color – the taste is tart, the smell is fragrant, the color is yellowish.
As for me, this is a great combination of vodka and some kind of plant. Vodka is insisted on a lot of things, but this option is one of the most attractive. The cost of such alcohol is approximately 500 rubles. It is worth noting that in addition to the classic version, it is also produced by a whole branded series.
Important! In the US, this vodka is banned because the herb used in the preparation is considered unsafe. Therefore, for the American market, this product is made using flavors and dyes.
Bread Gift
I think that Ukrainians are great fellows that they managed to push two of their brands into the top 5 manufacturers. Looks like they really know a lot about vodka. But, probably, this is due to the lower cost of the product. And again, this is a young brand (2002).
Vodka Khlebny Dar.
Prepare according to old Ukrainian and Polish traditions from fermented cereals. What surprised me was the location of the plant. It is located in a village in the Cherkasy region. Vodka is produced in several types. Everywhere, the cooking method is almost identical, minor changes are made to emphasize the special taste.
For example, there is vodka from wheat and artesian water, there is from winter or germinated wheat, there is from rye crackers, cumin and cinnamon. The cost can vary from 150 to 500 rubles per bottle, depending on the volume and type. This vodka, by the way, is quite well known in Russia, as well as Khortytsya in principle.
I was struck by the fact that there are no Russian manufacturers in this rating. Yes, we can say that “Smirnov” is a Russian idea, but now it belongs entirely to others.
So, why, in principle, in a country where vodka is almost a national drink, there is no worthy world competitor? Perhaps you can explain these reasons to me.
Dear readers, remember that alcohol abuse harms your body. Take care of yourself!