Vodka: The History of Vodka & Vodka Brands

Vodka is a popular and colorless liquor made of water and alcohol, as well as one or more of the following: wheat, rye, barley, corn, sugar cane, potato, molasses, and beets. A versatile spirit, it could be drunk straight (or neat), on the rocks, or in a cocktail. Vodka is found in popular bar staples like Long Island Iced Tea, Sex on the Beach, Bloody Mary, and in the whole family of martinis. The word "vodka" is derived from a Russian word meaning little water.

History of Vodka

While there are contradictory claims concerning the origins of vodka, records show that vodka originated in the area around western Russia, Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Belarus. The biggest debate concerning vodka is between the Russian and Polish people, each of whom claim that they first produced vodka. Both Polish vodka and Russian vodka are very popular, as are many vodka brands from other Eastern European countries. In these countries, as well as in Scandinavian countries, vodka is traditionally drunk straight. Countries that produce traditional vodka also maintain traditions concerning the process through which vodka is made. In general, vodka is produced by fermenting the simple sugars from grains, vegetables, or other substances. After distillation, vodka goes through a filtration process. Thus, vodka is filtered through charcoal or another substance. In the United States and some other countries, filtration is a very thorough process that ensures that the vodka is free of strong aroma or taste. Countries that produce traditional vodka do not focus too much on the filtration process. They believe that vodka should maintain rich flavors.

Popularity of Vodka

Throughout history, vodka has found its way into show business; the obvious example is that of Smirnoff Vodka in James Bond movies. Celebrities have even gone into the vodka business—Armadale Vodka is owned by Roc-a-Fella Records. You cannot escape vodka: vodka is on TV, in magazines, and everywhere. Some brands of vodka are more popular for their marketing campaigns than for the quality and taste of their products. If you have ever wondered why vodka occupies such a large part of liquor aisles in stores, you are not alone. There are many reasons that make vodka such a highly-demanded and popular alcoholic drink. Vodka is, in fact, the largest type of distilled spirit. First of all, vodka production is easy and cost-effective. In general, vodka production does not require expensive oak barrels and aging processes that take forever. Low cost of production means high profits, if all goes well. Further, one does not have to love vodka to drink vodka. Some people do not like the taste of vodka on its own, but enjoy a good Cosmopolitan or other type of vodka-based mix. Vodka is regularly used for mixing. Also, with the new types of vodka in the market, more and more people are reaching out for the vodka bottles. Variety is interesting. The ever-expanding choices of flavored vodka are particularly attractive to vodka lovers who like to try something new.