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Most Russians say it’s “Putinka” – a superior vodka made by “Moscow Distillery Cristall”. They say it’s mild in flavor and very smooth. One of the promotional campaigns for “Putinka” claims that it is really excellent for relaxing and overcoming fatigue.

Robert Heugel questioned:




Boris Yeltsin will be remembered for orchestrating Russia’s transition from communism, but his fondness of vodka will forever be a part of his legacy. While Yeltsin’s admitted alcohol problems provided plenty of comedic opportunities, his impact on the Russian vodka diligence has made a crisis in Russia that continues to cripple the country today. A crisis that started with Yeltsin selling the Russian soul to Pernod-Ricard, one of a few company that continue to collect independent spirit producers like Soviet paraphernalia. Yeltsin died of heart failure, but his elixir of choice continues to devastate the people of his country daily.

To start, Yeltsin’s favorite vodka was reportedly Stolichnaya, but Yeltsin chose to share his prefered vodka and 42 other brands. In 1992, Yeltsin led a legislative effort which freed the vodka diligence from state distribution restrictions. Unfortunately, this early act against communist ideology led to skyrocketing consumption because of the availability of numerous affordable vodkas. Amid decreased regulation, thousands of Russians died from inferior, formerly bootleg, vodkas, and the looming problem of alcoholism threatened the fragile economy.

Recognizing this problem, the Russian government was forced to start regulating vodka production and importation. Unfortunately, the bootleg market emerged greater than ever, making a wave of health risks that has poisoned the Russian populace since the mid-1990s. Last November, the Russian government was even forced to declare a state of emergency in several regions because of hospitals inability to handle the large waves of individuals consuming contaminated vodka. To quantify the problem, the Russian government estimates that 42,000 Russian die from inferior vodkas every year! This situation represents the greatest threat to Russia’s future at a time when the country is probable to lose nearly a third of its population by 2050. While part of this problem is related to the fact that abortions exceed births 13 to 10, the leading cause of death in Russia remains alcohol poisoning.

So why don’t Russians just stop drinking vodka right? Uhm…because they’re Russians.

Russians drink vodka like Italians drink wine. Even the Russian military is given a ration of two shots of vodka a day. Stopping the consumption of vodka simply isn’t a possibility; unfortunately, Russia cannot simply reverse the 1992 disaster of vodka deregulation. This unexpected development occurred because during the reforms, the Russian government sold Stoli along with over 40 other companies to SPI, a partner to the massive corporation Pernod-Ricard. The price was only $300,000, less than the combined cost that Stoli spent on its Blueberry Vodka ad campaign! Russia tried to stake claim to the companies, but has been unable to find any loopholes in the legal agreements. Instead, Stoli and other companies are allowed to distill their product in Russia, but internationally distributed bottles must bottle outside of the country (now Latvia), a sort of punishment for fickleness.

Other companies have begun to produce vodka in Russia with government support, but they are focused on the international market, not domestic consumers. These companies include Russian Standard, who produces Imperia. Vodka companies that do focus on the Russian market can be found mostly in Ukraine, and these companies often confront poor cooperation from the Russian government and still do not represent a cost-effective uncommon to the bootleg vodkas being consumed by the poorer citizens of Russia.

Normally, I would start discussing some activist key to help save the Russian people from these horrible vodkas, but to be honest, no key appears in sight. Contaminated vodkas killed thousands of Russians during the period of deregulation and through bootlegging so potential government regulation shifts seem hopeless. We could blame Pernod-Ricard for taking the only affordable vodka sources from Russian, but $300,000 for Stoli and 42 other companies was a steal anyone would have taken. Additionally, the Russian government continues to disrupt any attempts made by these companies to return vodkas like Stoli to the everyday Russian.

Instead, the Russian government needs to promote cheap, domestic production to ensure the safety of its citizens. Russian legislative support has focused on companies like Russian Standard, but their focus on the international market does nothing for Russians. Help to Russian companies focused on international distribution and those that would be targeting a domestic consumer are not mutually exclusive, a fact that needs to be realized by the Russian government.

Reflecting on these issues, I feel nearly compelled to buy uncommon vodkas with less deadly histories, but doing so would only further harm the Russian populace by adversely distressing Russian jobs at companies like Stoli. Remember, even though these companies no longer target the Russian populace as a customer base, the citizenry remains as a valuable source of employees. In a country with already low job potential, disrupting even the smallest sources for employment is anything but beneficial.
Mankind’s greatest tragedies are the most incomprehensible. The vodka epidemic devastating Russia is one of the saddest because of the complex oppositions between monetary pursuits and human life or culture and the risks of vodka consumption. In such situations, the most viable uncommon for those of us fortunate enough to be outside of the crisis is to gather what lessons exist.

This situation serves as warning about the effects that large corporations can have on the alcohol diligence. Pernod-Ricard could not have predicted the implications of its takeover, and future buys are unlikely to have any remotely similar results. But, there is a touch to be said for supporting the smaller, independent company to avoid disrupting the demand and cultural practices of where our spirits come from. One needs to only look south of the border (or south in this blog if you want to read my article on the tequila diligence) to find other examples of how corporate takeovers and American demand can have negative results.

Also, the next time you drink your Russian vodka, consider the privileged opportunity that rests in your glass. Unlike those focused on effortlessness through repetitive distillation, Russia vodka has always carried a certain burn and harshness, which while as long as a preferable, distinct flavor, now exhibits a symbolic memorial. Yeltsin always appreciated his.

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Richard Chapo questioned:




In 1999, I went to Chita, a city in Siberia, Russia to teach for a year. After seven days of planes, trains and, well, more trains, I was ready to experience Chita in all its glory.

Day 1 – Lenin’s Revenge

Riding on a train for three plus days does weird things to your equilibrium. You tend to develop a natural compensation for the swaying. Unfortunately, your body doesn’t just snap back when you finally get on solid ground. As I stepped off the train, I did this sort of forward, sort of sideway shuffle. I can only image I must of looked like I had been investigating the better brands of Russian vodka. On top of this, I hadn’t had a shower for three days. Things quickly got worse.

Awaiting Grae, a fellow American, on the train platform and me were our hosts Natasha, Oleg, Dima and a few others. They were in formal wear. They didn’t smell. In retrospect, I have to give them an incredible amount of credit. Upon seeing us, they continued to smile, didn’t roll their eyes and nobody grabbed their nose. Heck, I was holding my own nose. Excellent wishes were made and off we went to promised food and showers.

Being a San Diego local, I had often warned out of town friends about “Montezuma’s Revenge” if they drank water when visiting Mexico. There isn’t anything incorrect with the water. It just has uncommon bugs than ours. You would reckon I would be smart enough to follow my own advice. [Don't say it.] Yep, I was suffering from “Lenin’s Revenge” by the early afternoon of the first day. My hosts were kind enough to leave me in peace once they noticed my distress. If only I had learned the Russian word for “Pepto!”

As seems to happen all to often, I had made a less than stellar first impression! What the heck, I was only going to be living in Chita for a year.

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Gautamm Mehra questioned:




Like everything else in life, we want to know which is the ‘best’ vodka. Which vodka is most superior to others. And like everything else in life, we realize that there is no one single answer. For example, I use the latest Intel Pentium Core Duo Processor, as I require it to power my media center, on the other hand, my Grandfather still uses a 11 year ancient IBM Thinkpad with 4 MB RAM running Windows 3.11 with Wordpad!

Anyway, back to Vodka. Vodka is defined as a neutral spirit devoid of any distinct characteristics such as odour, taste or colour. Considering the above definition all vodkas should be the same and the brand shouldn’t matter. This is right to some extent, in the sense, that the final product of all the brands are more or less similar to each other and while mixed in a blood mary, there is small or no discernable distinction between them. But, if you plot to have them as shots, on the rocks or in a martini, then you are well advised to consume a premium brand.

There are a lot of vodkas out there. And each one is trying to catch your eye, with refreshing marketing, stylish bottles and happening events. This is because of the above noted fact, that the product is more or less same, and hence, marketing plays a huge role.

Okay. Now since we are clear about what vodka really is, lets look at some of the brands. (If you are interested more about the history and other nuances of Vodka, read my article ‘All About Vodka’) I am not affiliated with any of them and I have no particular favourite among them either. So be assured that whatever is said herein is completely unbiased and in the best interest of vodka.

Lets start with the world best selling vodka. Remember, the phrase is ‘best selling’, it doesn’t make the best vodka on the planet. I guess every vodka drinker knows it. Smirnoff. Smirnoff was the first American brand of Vodka, which was bought over from Vladimir Smirnov of Russia. The Smirnoff No. 21 is the most widely sold vodka in the world and is an extremely excellent example of classical vodka. It has small judicious character, and does not pamper you with slight flavours or a mellow follow through. If you don’t like to reckon too much and are on a budget, this is the vodka to go for. Have it chilled and experience the Russian in you. Smirnoff also comes in blue and black marks which are of increasing might. It has also launched numerous flavoured vodkas such as Green Apple Twist, Citrus Twist, Lemon Twist and many more. They are fantastic to have in martinis and light cocktails.

Next up, Grey Groose. Now this is on that has had its honest share of Hollywood exposure. You can hear nearly every celebrity asking for a Grey Goose Martini. This vodka brand is truly a marketing intensity. Winter wheat being distilled with natural spring waters in a French Distillery is surely going to make some heads turn. It is this approach to vodka, that has made Grey Goose a brand to reckon with. But, nothing to be taken away, this is really fantastic vodka to have in your martini. It comes in three flavours: L’Orange, Le Citron and La Vanille. The Citron is fantastic to have in a Lemon Drop Martini.

The third among the most marketed brands is Absolut. This Swedish vodka has the one of the largest number of flavoured vodkas in the market. Its global marketing strategy seems to have paid off in recent times and is painstaking to be a truly superior vodka in many places in the world. Its neutral variety comes in blue and red marks with increasing strengths. The red bottle (50 % vol) is a really smooth spirit with nearly no discernarable taste of its own. The blue bottle mixes extremely well with nearly all mixers and makes it fantastic in most cocktails. The flavoured varieties too are very excellent and for the adventurous there are no dearth of varieties to try from.

Now, lets go onto the lesser marketed, premium brands. I’ll start with what most vodka drinkers and experts consider a truly fantastic and ‘nearly perfect’ vodka. Stolichnaya is what it claims to be “a right Russian vodka”. It was founded at the Cristill Distillery in Moscow and is now manufactured in ex-Soviet republics (Kazakhstan and Ukraine). It is quadruple distilled though quartz sand and finally passed through a woven cloth, to give you a vodka free from any flavours or odours. This one is fantastic to have on the rocks.

Next on the list is Belvedere. This is a Polish vodka. But, unlike other Polish vodka this one is made from rye rather than potatoes. The experts are always confused about this one. Many hold it in high regard, while others suggest that the other brands mentioned here, are far superior. For the record, I like it. Still one could argue that with so many uncommon brands with better marketing and “brand appeal”, this vodka still leaves you with a touch to desire more from.

Our last entry on this discussion would be Belvedere’s sibling: Chopin. But, unlike its sibling, Chopin is made from potatoes; the way authentic polish vodka should. Even though for many years, potato based vodkas have been frowned upon by Russians as inferior, the truth lies in the fact, that with the right distillery, whatever be the ingredient, you can produce superior vodka. And Chopin is a fantastic example of the same. This vodka is crisp and has a sweet and sour green apple tinge to it. It’s the only potato based vodka that is held with such high regard and just for this sake, I urge you to try it at least once. Your Polish experience will certainly be worth it.

There are some other lovely vodka brands as well. Vox, Ketel One, Three Olives and Jewel Of Russia are just a few to name. Vodka, like other spirits, is full of tradition and variety. And to cover all would be an arduous if not impossible task. I hope not to offend anyone with my views. They are mine and others may not agree. As I always maintain wines and spirits are very private in nature. The best wine or spirit is always the one you delight in most! With that I humbly conclude this article. Hope you loved it, as much as I need writing it.

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S. Michael Windsor questioned:




Ever wonder what the term ‘honeymoon’ meant? All over the world, there is much evidence that history of alcohol goes as far back as over 10,000 years ago! In fact, in some ancient cultures, the communities figured out how to make beer before even learning how to make bread! From worshiping wine to settling feudal arguments, alcohol has come to the rescue for many civilizations, as well as many more to come.

Cultures such as the Romans, Greek and Egyptians all had based many rituals and gatherings around the consumption of alcohol. The ancient Egyptians even buried people with a small alcohol to take with them in the afterlife. In ancient Babylonian times, there are over 20 uncommon styles of beer before 800 B.C., when China and India started producing their own forms of alcohol such as the world famously beloved sake, cognac and brandy through the distillation of barley and rice.

As time went forward during the Roman civil war, Caesar and his troops introduced beer to Northern Europe making a whole influx of brewing activity. Many of the monasteries in Europe started producing beer as it was a nourishing drink that they could consume in the monastery while also selling some on the side, which would help benefit their monastery. Now Don’t we all appreciate the efforts that went into such wonder beers such as Chimay which is still produced by monks?

Many years later came the Renaissance which meant more beer? Indeed this did have an impact on alcohol and brewing as it was known, but this time they place science into the equation when concocting uncommon forms of alcoholic beverages. It was around this time when the huge boom in all the uncommon forms of alcohol came about in many countries throughout the world. With these huge booms came all sorts of new types of alcohol such as Russian Vodka, Mexican Tequila, German, Belgian, English and other types of drinks for all the world to delight in!

Soon thereafter, came the boom in the newfound colonies in America which made a trade out of alcohol in the now United States. In later years, the alcohol sold and distributed throughout the U.S. were served in establishments such as local saloons with also supplemented their incomes with a small having a bet and prostitution on the side for their patrons. But, many groups of people were disgusted with this sort of lifestyle and started to fight the consumption of alcohol when all’s said and done. These abstinence fighters worked and worked tooth and nail to get laws passed in order to place a ban on alcohol throughout the United States in order to make an ideal ‘sober’ nation and to rid the nation of the ‘evils’ of alcohol. Well, in 1920 they finally succeeded and alcohol was banned. This was better know as prohibition. It was during these times, many commanding gangs, bootleggers, racketeers, and smugglers got their start and caused quite an increase in criminal activity and the well-known ‘black market’ of booze, which had made many people sick through poorly-made and contaminated beverages.

Around 1932, the government realized that a touch went very incorrect as John D. Rockefeller, a well-known industrialist stated: “When Prohibition was introduced, I hoped that it would be widely supported by public opinion and the day would soon come when the evil effects of alcohol would be recognized. I have slowly and reluctantly come to believe that this has not been the result. Instead, drinking has generally augmented; the speakeasy has replaced the saloon; a vast army of lawbreakers has appeared; many of our best citizens have openly ignored Prohibition; respect for the law has been greatly lessened; and crime has augmented to a level never seen before.”

The ban on alcohol and Prohibition in general was lifted in 1933. Many of the world’s largest breweries in existence today such as Budweiser reopened for business and not only lifted many spirits, but also started brewing the world well-known style also known as the American lager.

So what do you reckon? Was prohibition the answer to the problems of the time or did it cause more problems than it was worth? Of course we don’t have too much evidence stating in detail as to what problems had arisen in ancient times due to the alcohol trade, but it does seem in the evidence we do have that people have always been much more content with the freedom of being able to consume alcohol versus that of prohibition. When consuming alcohol, but, remember that the health benefits of alcohol come when consumed in moderation as opposed to over doing it. Delight in!

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Andrea MacDonald questioned:




When you reckon European beverages, you probably conjure up French wine, Italian Limoncello, Russian vodka, maybe Greek ouzo if you’re adventurous. Beer, although always a reliable standby, might not be the first name on your lips.

Truth is, Beer is as much a part of European culture as fine art, food and architecture. America might boast more breweries than any other country, but there’s a touch special about sipping a 200-year-ancient beer in a European bar that’s even older. It’s no bolt from the blue that one of the continent’s most beloved festivals – Oktoberfest – is a celebration of all things hops. In time for another of Europe’s favourite days for a tipple – St. Patrick’s Day – here is a guide to five countries where you’ll get a history lesson with every pint (don’t worry, you won’t be quizzed).

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic makes a excellent line of reasoning for being the home of beer as we know it. Pilsner, which today describes any light beer, originated in the Bohemian town of Plzen in the 19th century. Budweiser, North America’s number 1 beer, was brewing in the Czech town of Ceske Budejovice for 100 years before the Americans place it into a six-pack. And in case anyone doubted their claim as the Masters of Beer, the Czechs have topped the list of most beer drinkers per capita. So when in the Czech Republic, pick a side in the Budweiser debate and delight in a few pints, because chances are all around you will be having one too.

Belgium

It’s one of Europe’s smaller countries, but with over 125 breweries and 800 varieties, Belgium is one of its largest beer-producers. Not to mention, officially, The Best. Rate Beer, which surveys over 100,000 beers worldwide, consistently places Westvleteren 12 ale, from the Trappist Abbey of Westvleteren, at the top of their list. Belgium is home to six of only seven Trappist breweries, the oldest dating back to 1836. Some of these breweries, including Westvleteren, only sell beer at the Abbey itself, making Belgium simultaneously the producers of the world’s most exclusive beers, as well as the most money-making beers, such as Stella Artois and Hoegaarden, which pour from taps the world over. You’ll know a Belgian beer from its brown bottle: each beer has its own, many even have their own glass whose shape is specially paired with the flavour. Whether you’re drinking a Stella from its goblet, or a fruity Fruli in a tulip, the choices in Belgium are endless.

England

Whether it’s a cold lager by the river, an after-work bitter in a busy London bar, or a cream ale in a pub full of leather wingbacks, drinking beer is as quintessentially English as a cuppa. Its Irish neighbours have made stout their own, but English porter, named for the 18th century London Thames porters who loved it, was the original dark beer. Wander into any city or countryside pub and you’ll find many varieties of English porter that are as fun to order as they are to drink: mine’s a Santa’s Butt!

Ireland

The English might have invented stout, but the Irish perfected it, painted it black, and named it after the man who was so confident in his beer that he signed a 9000-year lease on the brewery. The rumours are right: Guinness tastes better in Dublin. No city is prouder or more shielding of its beer; visit the Guinness Brewery, or just sit next to any Dubliner, to learn all about the art of the perfect pour, the perfect temperature and wait-time, and whether or not it should be topped with a shamrock. On any given day, 10 million pints of Guinness are consumed worldwide. On St. Patrick’s Day, that number shoots to 13 million pints: tenfold the amount of beer drank daily at Oktoberfest! But long before the rest of the world place on a leprechaun hat and dyed its beer green, the Irish were licking their Guinness mustaches and shouting “My Goodness! My Guinness!”.

Germany

When it comes to German beer, it’s more about quantity than quality. With 1300 around the country, including the world’s oldest, Germany is second only to the U.S. in number of breweries, despite having just a quarter of their population. Germans trail the Czechs and Irish for most beer-drinkers per capita, but they make up for it during Oktoberfest, when nearly 7 million litres are consumed in 16 days. Thankfully for those taking part in all that guzzling, German beer itself is no slouch. Since 1516, the Germans have adhered to the Reinheitsgebot, the German Purity Law, which states that beer can only be made with water, hops, yeast and barley. The law, which originated in Bavaria and applies to all 5000 varieties of beer brewed around the country, goes a long way towards keeping beer clean and preventing hangovers; in a country that downs their beer by the stein-full, you’ll need all the help you can get!

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