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There are several countries which claim the credit for the invention of vodka. Sweden, Finland and even the former state of Persia have all put forth their case, but the most realistic and feasible claims have to be those made by Russia and Poland. The name is in fact thought to be derived from the Russian word, "voda," meaning water.

Vodka is believed to have first been produced in Russia as early as the 8th century but it was not until the 12th century that the first recognised distillery was established. It was initially used as an anaesthetic and disinfectant and it was not actually until around the 14th century that its consumption and popularity as a beverage began to develop, an English ambassador to Moscow actually referring to it as, "Russia's national drink." It was originally distilled from rye but potato soon became its preferred production ingredient due to its wider availability. The quality of the spirit suffered considerably, however, and a variety of fruits, herbs and spices were therefore employed to mask its impaired flavour, until - in the 18th century - a scientist in St Petersburg developed an innovative charcoal filtration process which enhanced the quality and taste. It is today made from a variety of grains such as rye, barley and wheat, but most commonly from corn.

The drink soon became a part of Russian religious practices and doctrines, and was actually believed to contain its own unique "spirit." It became symbolic at Imperial Banquets and was served along with bread as a form of aperitif. When the Napoleonic Wars gripped Europe and Russian soldiers spread through the continent, so too did a much greater awareness of vodka.

The Russian Revolution and the seizure of the privately owned distilleries by the state led to many vodka producers scattering far and wide around the globe. One such gentleman re-established his family business in Paris in 1934 - his name was Smirnoff.

Polish vodka formed a very similar development pattern to its Russian equivalent but as it was originally distilled from wine, it is likely that this version would be more likely to have fallen in to the category of brandy as opposed to vodka.

It was in the 1960's that vodka began to attain its present popularity in the West, with a whole host of cocktails being devised and the drink starting to replace gin in many martini recipes. It has since grown in status to compete with all other spirits virtually worldwide and assure itself of a paramount place in alcohol culture and history.

Learn more about this author, Gordon Hamilton.
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