Vodka Kalashnikov: history, overview of types + interesting facts

As you might guess from the name, Kalashnikov vodka is a brand descended from the legendary AK-47 known all over the world. Like its progenitor, the drink gained popularity in the same way, unlike the machine gun, having become famous not only in the military environment, but also among the civilian population.

The classic bottle is shaped like a cartridge, but there is also a souvenir version. It is a whole composition: vodka is poured into a glass Kalash, the machine itself is packed in a wooden box. The ensemble is complemented by glasses in the form of bullets, as well as cognac or liquor poured into a grenade.

cocktails with vodka

The history of Kalashnikov vodka

The brand of vodka has been leading its history since 1995. They began to produce the drink immediately after the change of leadership of the Glazov Distillery as a new brand from the new owners of the enterprise.

Initially, vodka was produced for a wide range of the population – it was a relatively inexpensive alcoholic drink. The original design of the bottle, coupled with the patriotic name, allowed vodka to quickly gain popularity in Russia.

In 2003, when product sales allowed the management to expand production lines and install additional alcohol purification equipment, Kalashnikov vodka ceased to be a consumer product and became a premium product.

Types of Kalashnikov vodka

Despite the fact that Kalashnikov vodka has only three types, each of them is worthy of attention and has its own key features:

  1. classical

    Forty-degree vodka from high-quality purified alcohol. It has a delicate aroma of anise and an unusually mild taste.

    The aftertaste is characterized by a hint of vanilla. It goes well with pickles or game meat dishes, as well as with classic Russian dishes.

  2. Kalashnikov Premium

    It differs from the classical one in higher quality raw materials, as well as in a characteristic sweetish aftertaste.

    It is made from alcohol of the “Lux” category, and sugar syrup gives sweetness. The aftertaste is grainy, with a spicy tinge. Most of all, this vodka is suitable for sharp food – spicy or salty.

  3. Kalashnikov Unique

    In essence, the same premium vodka, but bottled in special souvenir bottles.

    It has the same sweet aftertaste and grainy aftertaste. A distinctive feature of vodka is a gold medal from the Golden Brands of Europe festival.

    In addition to being an accompaniment to spicy meats and corned beef, this alcohol is sometimes served with lemon wedges.

Interesting Facts

  1. According to statistics, it is Kalashnikov vodka (of course, in a Kalash-shaped bottle) that foreigners most often purchase as souvenir vodka from Russia.

  2. In one of the private interviews, the factory management answered questions about production costs – then it turned out that the production of uniform bottles makes up more than a quarter of the total funds.

  3. Vodka Kalashnikov officially recognized as kosher. However, this is not the only kosher vodka produced at the Glazov Distillery.

  4. The cost of souvenir products is fully justified: apart from the fact that all bottles for Kalashnikov are made at the French Saverglass factory, handmade containers are typical for containers from a special series.

Relevance: 21.01.2020

Tags: Vodka, mash, moonshine, Vodka brands

Leave a Reply