The most important difficulty for those wishing to study the history of vodka is that no reliable sources have survived to this day about the origin of vodka and the personality of its inventor. That is why the history of the most popular alcoholic drink in Russia has acquired such an incredible number of legends. According to one of them, vodka was invented in the distant XI century by an Arab doctor. Since it is strictly forbidden for Muslims to consume alcohol, vodka was originally used as a medicine, as well as for making perfume.

How vodka got to Russia

Then vodka was reinvented by a European alchemist. Here, too, the "green snake" did not succeed in gaining popularity, since other alcoholic drinks were held in high esteem. Finally, the vodka made it to Poland. Or it was invented in parallel by a local craftsman. In Poland, vodka was called "bread wine".

Foreigners brought vodka to Russia. After the capture of Kazan and his acquaintance with the local taverns, Tsar Ivan the Terrible realized how profitable a monopoly on the production of alcohol could be. The autocrat opted for vodka, and gave the right to make it to the boyars. In return, they had to give part of the profits to the state treasury.

Vodka in Russia began to gain popularity under Tsar Ivan the Terrible // Photo: rg.ru

It is worth noting that in many sources of that time it is noted that the Russians took vodka rather coldly. Until this moment, they did not drink strong alcoholic beverages. The Russians liked kvass, berry wine, and honey. The inhabitants of Muscovy and the surrounding lands used alcohol very rarely. The hostesses were engaged in its preparation and put on the table only great holidays... In Russia drunkenness was categorically condemned, and inveterate lovers of the "green snake" were taken through the streets and beaten with a whip.

Legends

However, the majority of Russians, as well as representatives of other nationalities, sincerely believe that vodka is a primordially Russian product. These misconceptions feed several legends. One of them says that the inventor of vodka is the monk Isidor from the Chudov Monastery.

But this legend is not as widespread as the version described in the book by William Pokhlebkin. He claims that vodka was invented in Moscow while it was under the rule of the Golden Horde. cookbook Pokhlebkina was published during the Soviet era. A number of researchers believe that Soyuzplodoimport was the customer of the work. Thus, the Soviet authorities wanted to prove their exclusive right to vodka, when the descendants of Russian emigrants in America, who founded their own factories for the production of alcohol, began to dispute it.

The descendants of the emigrants demanded that the USSR renounce the name "vodka" and come up with something else for the exported alcoholic beverages. Then Poland joined the dispute. Since at that time she was part of the socialist camp, and there were no genuine documents capable of proving the real origin of vodka, the conflict came to naught.

Mendeleev

Another fairly widespread legend is that the famous Russian chemist Dmitry Mendeleev proposed to make vodka with a strength of forty degrees. Allegedly, this is what his work "On the combination of alcohol with water" is about.

According to the researchers, in fact, Mendeleev was not at all interested in vodka. He despised drunkenness and considered it rather regrettable that the state treasury was replenished from income from taverns. Moreover, the great scientist studied solutions of higher strength.

Dmitry Mendeleev also, contrary to popular belief, had nothing to do with vodka and, moreover, did not represent its formula // Photo: life.ru

Forty-degree vodka really appeared in Russia. It is noteworthy that at the end of the 19th century, the Russian government became the owner of a patent for Moskovskaya Osobennaya vodka, which had forty parts of ethyl alcohol. At the same time, forty degrees appeared as a result of rounding thirty-eight and for a very banal reason - it was easier to calculate the tax this way. And the identity of the inventor of vodka remains unknown to this day.

Many foreigners associate vodka with Russia, is it really a national drink? Who invented vodka? Many people may be interested in this question.

It is known that back in the Middle Ages, conducting various experiments, alcohol was discovered in Europe, which is associated with alchemists. But regarding vodka, many believe that it was invented in Russia.

Indeed, the well-known chemist Dmitry Mendeleev came up with the ideal ratio of water and alcohol - 40% to 60%. Does this mean that he invented vodka?

How humanity discovered alcohol for itself, no one knows. Archaeologists found out that the Papuans of new Guinea could not yet light a fire, but they already knew how to make intoxicating drinks. The earliest graphic mentions of wines were recorded in the 4th millennium BC. e. Shards of clay vessels with remnants of wine traces on them date back to an even earlier period. But, strong alcohol in those days were not yet invented.

Distillation of liquids was first described by the greatest philosopher Ancient Greece - Aristotle, born 384 BC e. One must think that similar experiments on the extraction of alcohol were carried out before, there is simply no documentary evidence of this.

The first drink resembling vodka was invented by the Persian physician Ar-Razi. Distillation of alcohol-containing elements made it possible to identify ethanol... This gave rise to the emergence of alcoholic beverages.

But the Arabs did not take alcohol inside, it was used as medical and cosmetic products.

Reference! What year was vodka invented? It is believed that an Arab doctor invented an alcohol-based drink in 860 - then it was used only for medicinal purposes.

In the Middle Ages, alchemists developed and improved various techniques and methods of distilling fermenting raw materials into the “soul of wine”. Who was the first to invent alcohol, probably, will forever remain a mystery to mankind.

The unsolvable controversy of scientists

The Italians invented the distillation apparatus in the 9th century. Around the same time, the secret of obtaining spiritus blame was revealed to scientists in other countries. Doctor, scientist, alchemist - Frenchman Arnaud de Villger became the founder of the extraction of wine alcohol in Europe, he was able to separate alcohol from fermenting raw materials. The idea was picked up by the monks of France and then Italy. In 1360, a rare church economy did not actively trade in the "water of life."

Vodka in its literal sense was invented by the Poles. Then they named the drink bread wine and was used as a medicinal tincture. It was in the distant Middle Ages. All adult citizens of the country could produce and sell such vodka. The word itself also came from the Polish language, which means "water", Wikipedia also mentions this.

In the 16th century, Tsar Ivan the Terrible ordered the boyars to secure a monopoly on the production of this drink.

But the myth regarding the origin of vodka, arose during the period Soviet Union, when the well-known culinary specialist William Pokhlebkin published the book "The History of Vodka". It says that alcoholic beverage appeared in Moscow when Russia was under the yoke of the Golden Horde. Many researchers argued about who invented vodka. Fierce discussions continue today. Wikipedia, for example, displays the conflict between Pokhlebkin and Pidzhakov. The latter, as evidence of the false theory of the scientist-researcher, refers to the absence of any direct documents confirming this fact. There is no historical evidence that unequivocally gives an answer to who invented vodka and when exactly the discovery was made. Many professors and just amateurs are still trying to find an answer to this question.

There is no reliable data on this fact, so the version is classified as false. But in the minds of many people the idea was fixed that vodka appeared precisely on the Russian land.

A little about the product

Vodka has the following components:

1. Water - the main component;
2. Ethanol;
3. Methyl alcohol - a dangerous component, however, it is contained in small doses even in the most best varieties alcohol;
4. Fusel oils - their presence indicates the low quality of the product.

The taste of classic vodka is characterized as pungent and bitter. In some species, various flavors are added to soften the aqueous-alcoholic composition. This can be pepper, cinnamon, chocolate (no sugar), vanilla, etc.

Reference! What are they made of classic vodka? The raw materials for it are potatoes or cereals, purified water.

Many Russian poets and writers sang vodka, for example, Vladimir Mayakovsky wrote: "It's better to die of vodka than of boredom!"

Aureliy Markov owns the words: “Bottle excellent vodka well replaces knowledge of foreign languages. "

The emergence of an alcoholic beverage based on alcohol in Russia

A prototype of vodka was brought to Russia in the 14th century, when a merchant from Genoa delivered "Aqua Vitae" or "Living Water". It was back in 1386.

Alchemists from the Provence region had by that time learned how to convert grape must into alcohol, similar to the Arab still.

Reference!"Alcohol" in translation from Latin means spirit. In Russia, vodka was called bread wine, since it was made from cereals of wheat, rye, and barley.

Despite the fact that the concept of vodka in Russia already existed, exactly how tradename of this drink, it sounded only in the USSR. This happened in 1936 according to GOST.

The basis was taken alcohol-rectified, made from raw materials based on grain or potatoes. Subsequently, in Russia, vodka began to be produced only on the basis of grain crops.

The mass planting of vodka began during the time of Ivan the Terrible, this was done to replenish the royal treasury. Sometimes people were forcibly forced to buy this drink, and, by the way, it cost a lot.

Before the distribution of vodka, Russian people did not drink strong alcoholic drinks, preferring:

• mead,
• weak berry wines,
• beer.

Ivan IV forbade, on pain of death, the production of alcoholic beverages at home.

As a result, the tsar's treasury was replenished, but people for a long time considered selling vodka shameful, and drunkards were not respected either. But gradually Russian society began to decay. There was such a thing as an alcoholic.

Reference. Many have heard of the concept “ Aqua regia". But you can't drink it. The composition includes hydrochloric and nitric acid. Their goal is to dissolve gold. The liquid has no color, later the solution turns orange.

There are many interesting facts regarding this popular drink in Russia. To learn more about it, you can visit the Vodka History Museum in Moscow.

It covers the history of this drink for 500 years, presents 600 types of vodka, and other related exhibits. Similar museums, but with fewer exhibits, are open to visitors in Uglich (RF), St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, Kharkov.

The veracity of the expression "drinking in buckets"

Popular expression "Drink vodka in buckets" has a historical meaning. Since during the time of Catherine II, this drink was sold in buckets of 12.3 liters.

Back in 1533, the first place was opened where you could have a couple of glasses strong drinkBy the way, vodka was sold there as an elite drink. Bottled vodka was sold later in 1894.

Penalty glass

Where did the concept of penalty vodka come from? It turns out in Ancient Greece, and this is back in the 4-5 centuries BC. the inhabitants loved to host feasts.

The number of food and drinks was not limited, but there were certain rules etiquette, according to which a person who was late for a feast had to pay a fine.

Sale patent

In 1894 the government in Russia opened a patent for the sale domestic drink called "Moskovskaya Osobennaya", where 40 parts by weight of ethyl alcohol were passed through carbon filtration.

This drink has become russian national brand.

Toast to health

The concept of "toast to health" appeared in the time of Ivan the Terrible, when various medicinal tinctures were made with alcohol, based on berries and medicinal herbs.

Reference! Such strong drinks were taken only for medicinal purposes.

Drunkenness medal

The heaviest award in the world was the Medal for Drunkenness, which was established by Peter I. It was in 1714.

So the king came up with a panacea for alcoholism.

• The emphasis was on the inscription, which informed everyone around about the status of the drunkard and the weight of the award.
• Considering the collar and medals, such an insignia weighed 8 kilograms.
• The "awarding" was carried out by the police. The medal was attached to the neck in such a way that it could not be removed.
• A person had to go through a week with a similar label, this was enough to realize his actions.

About Mendeleev

The creation of vodka is associated with the Russian chemist Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev.

Reference! Indeed, he presented to his fellow scientists a thesis entitled "On the combination of alcohol with water." But the work has nothing to do with vodka and the establishment of a strength of 40%.

Until 1886, the standard strength of this alcohol-containing drink was established in Russia as 38.3%. But since it was also envisaged to "dry up" the vodka so that it had guaranteed 38 degrees, it was decided to round this number to 40%.

DI Mendeleev himself took the concept of metrology as the basis of his work, and not the goal of creating an alcoholic beverage.

Science on guard of health

Allergy to alcohol. A diagnosis that sounds like a curse. If gluten is recognized as an undesirable component for the body, there is hope for salvation. Today, many world vodka producers, knowing about the number of people with aversion to cereal grain protein, produce alternative options... What is this vodka made of? Alcohol is extracted from potatoes, grapes, fruits.

According to the regulations of the European Union, any vegetable crops are considered acceptable for the production of vodka.

No alcohol law

Even under Mikhail Gorbachev, a dry law was introduced. But it turns out that in Russia this was done several times.

The first stage took place in 1914. With the coming of the Bolsheviks to power, a number of laws were also passed regarding the reduction of vodka production.

The next ban was introduced in 1960. It was from this time that moonshine and other surrogates produced in an underground manner became popular.

Banning sales in regions

Currently, some regions of Russia have their own procedures regarding alcoholic beverages.

• So, for example, in the Ulyanovsk region, alcoholic beverages are not sold on Saturday and Sunday, as well as every day after 20:00.
• Dagestan has established legislation prohibiting the sale of alcohol on certain holidays.
• In Yakutia, they went even further, here alcohol is not sold, starting at 20:00 and until 14:00 the next day.

Culture of consumption and presentation

Slavic peoples most often drink vodka in pure form, Europeans and Americans usually use strong alcohol for making cocktails. Vodka chilled to 7-10 ° will be the most delicious, revealing its specific, burning bouquet. It is poured into glasses containing no more than 50 grams. It is not customary to add water to alcohol, vodka is considered completely ready to drink. For the same reason, ice is not put in it.

Drinking vodka is not a sign of bad taste or a violation of alcohol ethics. A good option for this is alkaline mineral water... It reduces the concentration of alcohol in the blood, prevents strong intoxication. Next come vegetable and fruit juices, pickles, compotes. Because of the carbon dioxide content, sugary carbonated drinks accelerate the absorption of alcohol. The punishment for betrayal of vodka and the use of other drinks after it will be a painful hangover. In extreme cases, they drink it after weaker products: wine, liquor, but not vice versa.

Good vodka is a noble drink. You should not drink it hastily, the varieties differ in aromas, taste, and pungency. If not intended for use worthy snack, it is advisable to eat a large meal the day before. Fatty, hearty meals weaken the intoxicating effect of vodka and allow you to drink it with pleasure, without fear of suddenly disappearing into oblivion.

What is served with vodka for a snack?

You can talk about it for a long time, but many people like to just drink it. But, everything is good in moderation. And yet, a special snack is needed for vodka. The famous Leopold Staff also jokingly said:

“Vodka should be drunk only in two cases: when there is a snack, and when it is not. But it is better to have a good snack with this strong drink. "

It used to be that it should be a variety of dishes, such as sausages, caviar, sturgeon, salmon, pickled mushrooms, dumplings or pancakes.

In later times, not so nourishing, people were content with pickles as a snack, green onions, boiled potatoes.

She is good with first courses: homemade noodles in chicken broth, red borscht, soups, fish soup. It is not customary to put vodka on the table at the same time as:

• melon;
• sweet dishes, chocolate.
• watermelon;

From a health point of view, fried are poorly combined with alcohol fatty varieties meat, spicy pepper, horseradish, adjika. These products additionally load the digestive system and the liver, "distracting" them from neutralizing alcohol in the blood. Vegetables canned with vinegar (pickled), unlike salted counterparts, create an extra stressful situation for the kidneys.

Watch a video about who actually came up with vodka:

Probably everyone knows what vodka is, but the history of its appearance on the territory of Eastern Europe and the subsequent evolution to the form in which it is known now resembles more a collection of myths and legends than reliable historical facts.

There are many versions about who and when invented vodka, one of the most widespread is that it was allegedly the work of D.I.Mendeleev, but this is not so, and there are many weighty historical facts to refute this theory, but about this more details below.

Prototype and first mention

Before starting the story about where and when vodka appeared in Russia, it must be said that the word itself is derived from the word water according to the same principle as the rarely used forms of the words mum and dad - mum and folder. Thus, the name itself does not have an initial connection to alcohol based on cereals or potatoes, but is associated precisely with water.

But if we consider the historically formed product obtained during the distillation of mash on the basis of such raw materials, then the ancestor of vodka in the territories of Eastern Europe can be considered "bread wine", it is also "bread alcohol", in our time, a very close drink is bread vodka. ...

This alcoholic drink appeared approximately between the second half of the 14th and the first half of the 15th centuries, until that moment alcohol based on grain or their products through distillation on the territory of present-day Russia or neighboring states, which then constituted a single state, had not been produced.

A possible reason for the creation of "bread wine" was the visit of the Genoese embassy in 1386. Together with them, the Italians brought a very high-quality strong alcoholic drink called "Aqua Vitae", which literally translates as "water of life".

In terms of organoleptic properties, it significantly surpassed any of the then available alcoholic beverages such as “honey” or, which was associated with its production through a full-fledged distillation, which was open by that time in Italy.

If we talk about when vodka first appeared on earth as a water-alcohol solution obtained by distillation, then the Arabs already in the 7th-8th centuries produced such a product, but for medicinal purposes, and not for everyday use, which is prohibited by the Koran.

Inception

There are several versions, each of which has its own arguments and facts in its support, the main ones can be considered the versions of Pokhlebkin and Pidzhakov.

Pokhlebkin's version

According to his calculations, based mostly on indirect indicators, professional distillation and vodka production appeared between the 1440s and 1470s, while the latest date, according to him, is 1478. As the main evidence of the beginning of the mass production of alcohol, namely, mass production, according to Pokhlebkin, should be a criterion for the emergence of the industry, the introduction of specific taxation and the beginning of a state monopoly on this type of alcohol both within the state and in foreign trade can be considered. So, in 1474 a ban was introduced on the import and trade of "grain spirit" for German traders, which is reflected in the Pskov chronicles.

Pidzhakov's version

In his opinion, Pokhlebkin's assessments are too optimistic and there is no direct confirmation of them in the annals. Thus, Pidzhakov comes to the conclusion that in the 15th century there was no distillation either on the territory of the Muscovy or on the territory of the neighboring Lithuanian principality.

At the same time, he interprets the encountered word "digest" as referring to beer, and only a single mention of "melted wine" in one of the minor historical documents can be regarded as a mention of vodka, that is, there was no mass distillation, perhaps there was an experimental single production.

The first reliable source indicating that the alcoholic beverage was produced in large volumes, in his opinion, is the "Treatise on the Two Sarmatias" by Matthew Mikhovsky from 1517. It says that the inhabitants of Muscovy "from oats ... make a burning liquid or alcohol and drink to escape ... from the cold." A later reference from 1525 testifies that "in Muscovy ... they drink beer and vodka, as we see it with the Germans and Poles."

The emergence of the 40-degree standard

In the period preceding the appearance in Russian Empire alcoholometers, the strength of "bread alcohol" was measured by means of annealing procedure. If half of the liquid burned out when the liquid was set on fire, then such a drink was called "half-burn". Her fortress corresponded to 38% and was a production standard, it was from here, and not from any research, that the "legendary" norm of water alcohol solution.

In 1817, the "semi-solid" strength of the drink became recommended, and in 1843, when the corresponding law was adopted, it became the official standard, but with a slight change, it was rounded up to 40%. Firstly, during production it is much easier to mix weight fractions of 4 to 6, and not 38 to 62, and if we take into account that serious punishment was imposed for violation of standards, then it was also safer for manufacturers.

And secondly, the excise tax was taken from each degree, and it is much more convenient to count round numbers, for which the Treasury advocated. In addition, 2% of the stock was a guarantee that in case of shrinkage, leakage or slight dilution, the consumer would still receive a drink with a “semi-solid” strength.

This is how the historical statement of the strength of the aqueous-alcoholic solution, then called "table wine", was made at the level of 40%, which was formalized in the "Charter on drinking fees", which was approved on December 6, 1886. At the same time, the standard fixed only the lower limit, leaving the upper limit of the strength of the drink at the discretion of the manufacturer.

The emergence of modern recipes and production technology

With the beginning of the technical revolution in the second half of the 19th century, there was a need and an opportunity to produce alcohol in large quantities... First of all, the chemical industry, perfumery and medicine needed it. For this purpose, distillation columns were invented, which gave not only a lot, but also better, the obtained alcohol had 96% and a high degree of purification. In the Russian Empire, such a technique appeared in the 1860s, while most of the rectification was exported.

At the same time, the distillery industry began to produce " table wine”, Which was a solution of rectified in water and, in fact, was the prototype of a modern strong drink. If you wonder who invented vodka from the point of view modern composition, then it was a technical committee under the leadership of MG Kucherov and VV Verigo, who developed both the recipe and the production technology, which remains the standard to this day, and then the drink was called "state wine".

In 1914, the war began, and with it the "dry law", which lasted even after the communists came to power until 1924. In 1936, already in the USSR, the standard of a water-alcohol solution was approved, which was essentially identical to the work of Kucherov and Verigo, and the drink finally received the name vodka, and what was called "vodka" in tsarist times was renamed "vodka products".

Vodka and Mendeleev: truth and myths

In what form do the myths circulate that Mendeleev invented 40-degree vodka, for example, famous brand "" Placed an inscription on the label stating that the recipe for the drink complies with the standard from 1894, in which Dmitry Ivanovich was allegedly the head of the tsarist commission that developed and approved this standard. The "factual" basis for such stories is the work of the great scientist, entitled "On the combination of alcohol with water."

In this connection, he is considered the father of Russian vodka, although back in 1843 a 40-degree standard was established in the Russian Empire, when Mendeleev was only nine years old. His thesis contains information mainly on aqueous solutions of alcohol at 70 degrees or more, which is more important, no experiments on the effects of alcohol on the body, its organoleptic properties or ideal formula there is no alcohol solution for internal consumption at all.

By its very nature, a scientist's work is more about metrics than any other branch of knowledge. At the time of the introduction of the 40-degree norm, Dmitry Ivanovich studied at a gymnasium, which makes it impossible for him to participate in making such a historically significant decision. As for the aforementioned vodka commission in 1894, such was formed, but in 1895 at the direction of S. Yu. Witte.

At the same time, Mendeleev himself took part in it, but not as a permanent member at the meetings, but at the very end, as a speaker, but on the topic of excise duty, and not the composition of the drink.

Instead of an afterword

As with any sensitive topic, the history of the emergence of vodka is shrouded in many myths and legends, this is not due to someone's evil will, who wants to mislead, but for the sake of embellishment, which is typical for many of us.

Often in reality, the situation is more pragmatic and measured than in stories of a miraculous insight or a sudden discovery, which turns the story into a series of boring and mostly mercantilely grounded phenomena.

So "bread wine" appeared only due to the fact that the ruling stratum saw the possibility of making a profit from monopoly sales, and 40 degrees is a convenient rounding-off option that has turned up, offered by almost accountants.

January 31 marks the 154th anniversary of the "birthday" of vodka. On this day in 1865, Dmitry Mendeleev defended his doctoral dissertation on the topic "On the combination of alcohol with water."

Vodka is a strong alcoholic drink, a mixture of rectified (food) ethyl alcohol with water. To prepare vodka, a mixture of alcohol and water (sorting) is passed through activated carbon, then filtered.

By adding infusions of herbs, seeds, roots and spices to vodka, various infusions are prepared.

Other types of vodka are obtained by distilling fermented sweet liquids.

Types of vodka

Ordinary vodka in Russia is a 40% solution of alcohol purified from fusel oil in water. Cleaning is carried out hot in rectification plants or cold - in vodka. Alcohol is diluted here with water (to a strength of 40-45%) and filtered through a series of vats filled with charcoal (best of all birch), which absorbs fusel oil (traces remain). The best vodka is made from rectified alcohol.

Special vodka is prepared by dissolving in ordinary vodka or alcohol of different essential oils and aromatic substances.

To obtain fruit vodka, ripe berries are crushed, the juice is squeezed out, sweetened and forced to ferment (adding yeast). The fermented wort is distilled.

The history of the emergence of vodka

The prototype of vodka was made in the 11th century by the Persian physician Ar-Razi, who was the first to isolate ethanol (ethyl alcohol) by distillation. The Koran prohibits Muslims from drinking any alcoholic beverages, so the Arabs used this liquid (vodka) exclusively for medical purposes, as well as for the preparation of perfumes.

First distillation in Europe alcohol-containing liquid was made by the Italian alchemist monk Valentius. Alchemists of Provence (France) adapted invented by the Arabs distillation cube for converting grape must into alcohol.

In Russia, vodka appeared at the end of the XIV century. In 1386, the Genoese embassy brought the first vodka (aqua vitae - "living water") to Moscow and presented it to Prince Dmitry Donskoy. In Europe, all modern spirits were born from "aqua vita": brandy, cognac, whiskey, schnapps and Russian vodka. The volatile liquid obtained as a result of the distillation of the fermented wort was perceived as a concentrate, the "spirit" of wine (in Latin spiritus vini), from where it comes modern name this substance in many languages, including Russian - "alcohol".

In 1429, "Aqua Vita" was again brought to Moscow by foreigners, this time as a universal medicine. At the court of Prince Vasily II Vasilyevich, the liquid was apparently appreciated, however, due to its strength, they preferred to dilute it with water. It is likely that the idea of \u200b\u200bdiluting alcohol, which, in essence, was "aqua vita", was the impetus for the production of Russian vodka, but, of course, from grain.

The method of vodka production became presumably known in Russia in the second half of the 15th century and was probably due to the appearance of grain surpluses that required quick processing.

Already at the beginning of the 16th century, "burning wine" was taken not to Russia, but from it. This was the first experience of Russian vodka export, which was later destined to conquer the world.

The word "vodka" itself appeared in Russia in the 17th-18th centuries and, most likely, is derived from "water". At the same time, in the past, the terms wine, tavern (as they called vodka made illegally under the conditions of the state monopoly introduced in the 18th century), inn wine, smoked wine, burning wine, burnt wine, bitter wine, etc. were also used to denote vodka.

With the development and improvement of vodka production in Russia, remarkable results have been achieved in terms of purification and taste characteristics drink.

The dynasties of Russian "vodka kings", breeders, were laid in the Petrine era. In 1716, the first emperor of All Russia offered the noble and merchant classes the exclusive right to engage in distillation on their lands.

In the middle of the 18th century, the production of vodka in Russia, along with state-owned factories, was occupied by noble landowners, owners of estates scattered across the country. Empress Catherine II, who patronized the nobility, who granted him many different benefits, made distilling an exclusive privilege of the nobles. A significant part of the vodka was produced in manor houses, and the quality of the drink was raised to boundless heights. Manufacturers sought to achieve a high degree of vodka purification, used for this natural animal proteins - milk and egg white... In the 18th century, Russian "home" vodkas enjoyed an excellent reputation, produced by the Kurakin princes, the Sheremetev counts, the Rumyantsev counts, and others.

At the end of the 19th century, for the first time in Russian history, a state standard for vodka was introduced. This was largely facilitated by the research of famous chemists Nikolai Zelinsky and Dmitry Mendeleev - members of the commission on the introduction of the vodka monopoly. The merit of the latter is that he developed the composition of vodka, which was supposed to correspond to 40 ° in strength. "Mendeleevsky" version of vodka in 1894 was patented in Russia as "Moscow special" (later - "Special").

In Russian history, the state (tsarist) monopoly on the production and sale of vodka was repeatedly introduced. For example, in 1533 the first "tsar's tavern" was opened in Moscow, and the entire trade in vodka became the prerogative of the tsarist administration, in 1819 Alexander I reintroduced the state monopoly, which existed until 1828, from 1894 a state monopoly began to be periodically introduced in Russia, strictly observed in 1906-1913.

The state monopoly on vodka existed throughout the entire period of Soviet power (formally - from 1923), while the technology of production of the drink was improved, and its quality was at an invariably high level. In 1992, by decree of the President of Russia Boris Yeltsin, the monopoly was abolished, which entailed a number of negative consequences (financial, medical, moral and others). Already in 1993, a new decree was signed, returning the monopoly, but the state was unable to strictly control its implementation.

The history of prohibitive measures against vodka is noteworthy. Thus, during the Russo-Japanese War, there was a ban on the trade of vodka in some provinces of the empire. "Prohibition" was introduced in Russia at the very beginning of the First World War, continuing to operate even after the establishment of Soviet power (only in 1923 the sale of liqueurs with a strength of no more than 20 ° was allowed, in 1924 the permissible strength was increased to 30 °, in 1928 the restrictions were lifted In 1986, under Mikhail Gorbachev, an unprecedented campaign was launched to combat drunkenness, in fact, the use of alcohol, which was not crowned with success and entailed the massive destruction of vineyards, the development of a low-quality "underground" alcoholic beverages, the growth of drug addiction, etc.).

As an element of everyday culture, vodka took a specific place in the history of Russian life, marked by such verbal symbols - "signs" as "mentikov dime", "katenka", "kerenki", "monopolka", "rykovka", "andropovka", "smirnovka "(by the name of one of the largest domestic producers of vodka), etc., and has also become an invariable solid payment unit (" bottle of vodka "), especially in countryside... Vodka is often perceived as national symbol Russia, on a par with a samovar, balalaika, matryoshka, caviar. Remaining until the end of the XX century one of the most widespread Russians national drinks, vodka was the basis for huge amount tinctures, the preparation of which has become a special branch of home production in Russia.

Since January 1, 2010, in order to combat the illegal trade in alcohol in the country, Russia has introduced a minimum price for a 0.5 liter bottle of vodka in the amount of 89 rubles. The corresponding order was signed Federal Service on the regulation of the alcohol market (Rosalkogolregulirovanie). If the bottle is of a different volume, the minimum price will be calculated in proportion to the capacity.

Thus, now the consumer will be able to make an informed choice between a legal and an illegal manufacturer. According to experts, taking into account the excise tax on alcohol planned for 2010, the cost of a bottle, VAT and minimum markups in retail and wholesale, the price of a bottle of vodka does not really exceed 89 rubles.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from RIA Novosti and open sources

Russian vodka is presented today in any more or less decent store anywhere in Russia with at least 20-30 types. The drink is a mixture of alcohol obtained on rectification column, and purified prepared water. But a drink called "vodka" has been known since 1386 (six years after the memorable Battle of Kulikovo), and the rectification column was invented by the French in the 19th century.

So when did vodka appear in Russia, what was it and what do we buy in the store now?

What our ancestors drank from ancient times

The sublimation process was not always the case. But they have been known since the beginning of writing. The tribes living in the vastness of South America and Africa, in order to cheer themselves up, ate the sweet fruits of some plants that began to ferment.

It's all about microscopic fungi - yeast. Simply put, these microorganisms feed on sugar and produce ethyl alcohol C 2 H 5 (OH). Wild yeast live on the skins of many types of berries and fruits. And when vodka appeared in Russia, the fermentation process was well known.

The Slavs consumed fermentation products without sublimation, in their pure form. There was no sugar in those days either, so honey or sweet fruits were food for yeast. Today, however, not everyone knows the recipe for how to cook real drinking honey, how to ferment kvass.

Also in Russia, mainly in the agrarian regions, many drinks were made on the basis of grain malts - barley, rye. These are the same kvass. In addition, beer was brewed from sprouted grain. Millet malt was also used, on the basis of which they prepared a drink adopted from the Tatars - buzu.

Who came up with the idea to distill

The one who invented vodka in Russia did not make a revolution in the history of alcoholic beverages. The earliest mentions of the distillation process found by historians date back to the first century AD. e. It was used, according to the hieroglyphs, not for drinking. Ancient Greek alchemists tried to use it to brew gold and create philosophical stones.

Distillation developed in the Ancient East in the XI-XII centuries. The East was famous for the achievements of medicine, the distillation product was used by the Aesculapians for the preparation of potions and medicines (alcohol is much more efficient than water dissolves various active substances, it can be used to prepare much more effective extracts from plants). That is, alcohol has already begun to be consumed, however, so far only for medicinal purposes.

Europe, cognac and perfumery

Distillation became widespread in Europe around the middle of the 12th century. At first, distillation was used, like among the Arabs, for the preparation of medicines and in chemical experiments... But the French would not be themselves if they did not give the distillate another use - the production of cosmetics. When vodka appeared in Russia, in Europe they already used alcohol to the utmost, including for internal consumption.

The history of the emergence of cognac is interesting - one of the most elite drinks of our time. Historians argue that, oddly enough, it was the crisis that was to blame.

Overproduction of wine in one of the French cities led to the fact that huge stocks of this drink accumulated in warehouses. The wine was sour, spoiled and promised the owner big losses. And then it was decided to distill it all into grape alcohol.

Then another crisis, thanks to which grape alcohol, which had not been in demand for a long time, lay forgotten in oak barrels for several years.

The liquid subsequently extracted from the barrels was striking in its properties. Besides unusual taste and aroma, it, unlike wines, could be stored for an arbitrarily long time and transported over any distance.

Who taught to "drive" the Russians

It is not known exactly in what year vodka appeared in Russia, but chronicle data have been preserved that for the first time a distillation product, namely grape alcohol, was brought to Dmitry Donskoy by Genoese merchants. The further fate of the gift is unknown, in any case, the drink did not receive distribution this time.

Merchants again brought a large batch of alcohol to Russia, this was during the reign of Vasily II the Dark in 1429. It is curious that the second time when vodka appeared in Russia, it did not arouse the enthusiasm of the ruling class. Moreover, the drink was recognized as harmful and prohibited from being imported into the Moscow principality.

When did vodka become a Russian drink?

The development of the production and use of vodka in the Moscow lands is usually associated with the name of Ivan Vasilyevich the Terrible. In what century did vodka appear in Russia own production? The most probable period is the end of the 15th - the beginning of the 16th centuries. Despite the ban, she was slowly driven into estates by noble nobles, as well as monks in monasteries.

It is known for certain that John IV ordered the establishment of a sovereign distillery, where vodka was produced and sold. Initially, the establishments made a drink exclusively for the royal oprichnina and archers. However, soon, realizing the benefits of the sale of alcohol, Grozny ordered the establishment of taverns for every class.

Home-made production of alcoholic beverages, including low-alcohol fermentation products, was strictly prohibited. And there were not many daredevils to disobey Ivan the Terrible.

What was the real "Russian vodka"

As it is already clear from the narration, the history of the emergence of vodka in Russia, real vodka, is the history of the emergence of refined grain moonshine, the very one that is still driven here and there in the villages. It was this drink that was the original Russian vodka.

Sugar in those days was unknown, so sweet fruits could serve as "food" for yeast ( middle stripe they are not so rich) or malt is a sprouted and dried grain, with it just in Muscovy in good years everything was in order.

The grain was scattered in an even layer and covered with a damp cloth. After a while, sprouts appeared, the grain acquired sweet taste... After that, the material was dried in the oven, rubbed by hand and sieved. Thus, the seeds were cleared of sprouts and roots. This was followed by grinding in a mill.

Instead bread yeast fermented berries were used. In general, in large productions, a part of the already working mash was simply taken and added to the fresh one.

They drove vodka, or "bread wine", in the dark. This method of production can still be found today. This is done when absent alcohol mashine, but I really want to drink.

Russian vodka on estates

Some Russian vodka is undeservedly considered a primitive drink, rough with low taste properties... But the history of the appearance of vodka in Russia is akin to the history of cognac. Initially, when the distillation of grape raw materials was done in one pass, the whole product was used for drinking without temperature control. The quality of the drink was hardly better than the most disgusting moonshine.

IN XVIII-XIX centuries Russian landowners made a completely different drink than that produced by the distilleries of the formidable tsar. We note the emergence of vodka in Russia, purified on charcoal, obtained on an apparatus with a coil.

They began to do the distillation twice, and in the process itself they began to select for use only the middle, clean from both methyl ("head") impurities and heavy fusel oils ("Tails").

From generation to generation, recipes for tinctures on various herbs were passed on. And if we take into account the fact that in those days the properties of plants were known much better than they are now (people knew when to collect herbs, how to store), then we can assume that the result was appropriate.

Ladies were prepared a special "female" vodka. There are many names for this drink: spottykach, liqueur, ratafia. They made ratafias from all kinds of fruits and berries. It was the highest chic to have liqueurs in the house:

• apricot;
• lingonberry,
• cherry;
• blueberry.

Russian vodka - one of the victims of the First World War

Making vodka from grain is not cheap. At the beginning of the 19th century, a rectification column was invented in France. From any fermented raw materials (sugar beets, frozen potatoes), it was possible to obtain ethyl alcohol of the highest purity. Nobody was going to use this alcohol for ingestion, they used it as a technical one.

In Russia, this equipment began to appear in the 1860s. And almost immediately, they began to use alcohol for the preparation of spirits, so far in small batches and as an experiment.

Then the First World War broke out. On the battlefields, Russia equipped an army of many thousands. It was too wasteful to produce vodka for the front-line hundred grams from then-scarce bread, and here the rectification column served as a real salvation for the tsarist budget. The Bolsheviks, having taken power, did not change anything. And why, such help to the budget!

Vodka and Mendeleev

We often hear a lot of fables about where vodka came from in Russia. Many of these ridiculous tales are associated with the name of the great Russian scientist Dmitry Mendeleev. For example, on many resources you can find "historical" data that Mendeleev:

• was a drunkard;
• by order of the government, determined that vodka should have a strength of 40%;
• once he got drunk to such an extent that in a dream his famous periodic table of elements appeared to him.

Dmitry Ivanovich really has something to do with 40%, but alcoholic beverage this figure has nothing to do with it. At such a concentration of a solution of alcohol and water, the maximum mutual penetration of molecules is achieved.

Regarding everything else - nothing more than fairy tales, often invented outside the territory of Russia, like the Potemkin villages or dances of drunken Russians to the accompaniment of an accordion with wild bears.