Who invented vodka? The history of vodka: who invented it and when did the standard appear?
The history of vodka, one of the most popular strong alcoholic drinks in Rus', is so vague and shrouded in myths and speculation that separating real facts from those invented by various “pseudo-historians” can sometimes be very problematic. Over the centuries, technologies and recipes for making vodka have changed, but the product in its modern sense appeared relatively recently, with the invention of a method for preparing rectified alcohol. Let's talk about this in more detail.
In the article:
A Brief History of Vodka
The first mentions of strong alcoholic drinks of our own production begin to appear in various historical sources at the turn of the 14th-15th centuries, but directly linking these drinks with vodka is a little incorrect. Different manufacturing technologies, different physical and chemical characteristics and only the Polish name “vodka”, as a diminutive of the word “water”, became the common name for all strong alcohol starting from the end of the 14th century.
It is best to divide history into two complementary directions:
- The history of the drink itself, the technology of its production and distribution.
- The history of the name of the drink, without taking into account the peculiarities of the recipe and technology in its modern concept.
The history of the drink begins in ancient times with the mention of the distillation process in the works of Egyptian alchemists, despite the fact that the products were not used for drinking, but for medical purposes or as reagents for chemical experiments.
Further references to the distillation of fermented alcohol-containing raw materials refer to the activities of the Persian physician Avicenna, who used distillation by-products to obtain essential oils.
The first documentary evidence of alcohol distillation comes from ancient Roman treatises found in southern Italy. They describe in detail not only the process of producing strong alcohol by distilling fermented fruit raw materials, but also mention the use of the resulting product not only as medicine, but also as a strong alcoholic drink.
Together with Catholic monks, distillation technology gradually appeared on Polish territory and around the turn of the 15th century it began to appear on the territory of Rus'. This time can be considered the beginning of the production and consumption of strong alcohol and the origin of the production of vodka in its current understanding. Precisely its origins, because rectification technology appeared in Russia only at the beginning of the 19th century.
The historical path of the name itself is interesting. For the first time this word was used to name strong alcoholic drinks in Poland, and the name itself, according to one version, comes from the diminutive Polish word “vodichka”, similar to Russian. And as an alcoholic drink, the name “vodka” was first mentioned in the decrees of Peter I, but it is impossible to completely identify the ancient and modern names, because until the February Revolution, Smirnovskaya vodka, supplied to the court of Nicholas II, was called “Table Wine No. 21”.
The name was finally assigned by law to the traditional Russian drink in 1936 with the adoption in the USSR of a state standard for the production of a water-alcohol mixture with a small amount of flavoring additives.
Vodka - history of creation
Having examined a brief history of the origins of distillate production, let us dwell on the history of the creation of vodka in the “correct” sense of the word, so as not to combine products made by distillation of alcohol-containing raw materials with drinks produced by mixing prepared water and rectified alcohol with subsequent purification with activated carbon.
Who first invented vodka
Documentary evidence that allows directly or indirectly to identify the creator of vodka has not been found to this day. Maybe it was some kind of monk, maybe an ordinary peasant, or maybe a noble nobleman at the court of some monarch. Purification of alcohol by distillation was used in Persia and Egypt. Later it gradually spread across the European continent further to the north. But these distillates cannot be called vodka.
Whiskey, gin, rum, cognac, and finally, everyone’s favorite moonshine - these are modern representatives of alcohol-containing drinks. Even the mention in the Treatise on the Two Sarmatians by Matvey Mekhovsky about the preparation of a fiery grain drink in Muscovy does not allow us to accurately establish whether it was vodka and find out the name of its creator.
Many historians believe that Avicenna’s production of alcohol using a distillation still is the date of birth of vodka and the name of its first inventor. One can agree with this statement if one does not take into account the alcohol production technology itself.
The first European credited with obtaining alcohol was, oddly enough, the monk Valentius, but he was never able to obtain it.
monk Valentius
We can give the palm to the French alchemist Arnaud de Villger, who first obtained alcohol from grape wine and used the product exclusively for scientific or medical purposes. But it was very difficult to obtain alcohol of high strength and the required degree of purity using a distillation cube. The process required a lot of time and a complex cleaning procedure.
Fundamental changes in the process of making vodka, as a mixture of alcohol and water, have become possible since the start of experiments to improve equipment for the distillation of alcohol-containing mixtures. As a result of the research of French engineers, Selye-Blumeital managed to invent a method and obtain a patent for a distillation column. It became the prototype of modern equipment for the production of alcohol. It is 96% purified alcohol without foreign impurities, which, when diluted with water, becomes the familiar vodka.
Distillation column diagram
In what year was vodka invented?
There are many possible arguments in disputes about the date of invention of vodka, taking as the starting point the moment of production by distillation of alcohol-containing raw materials and obtaining a product used for any purpose other than direct consumption as an alcoholic drink. Strong alcoholic drinks similar to vodka appeared in Europe at the turn of the 11th-12th centuries and were used as medicinal or aromatic agents.
Until the mid-1500s, French alchemists produced strong alcohol using a still, using huge quantities of wines from the region. In more modern terms, they made it, but it can hardly be called vodka.
The term “vodka” was first found in the granary books of the Sandomierz Voivodeship in 1405. Despite the term calling the mentioned drink vodka, true connoisseurs can’t help but dare. Most likely, we are talking about the most ordinary moonshine, made from fermented fruits, which is still popular in the territory of modern Poland.
Where was vodka invented?
If we do not take into account the peculiarities of technology, then the birthplace of vodka can be considered Ancient Egypt or the southern part of the Apennine Peninsula with adjacent islands connected to it by trade sea routes. But the place where real vodka in its modern form appeared is considered to be Russia in the 19th century, when rectification columns began to be used in large quantities to produce high-quality grain alcohol.
History of vodka in Russia
The history of vodka in Russia begins in the mid-14th century. Then the Genoese merchants brought Prince Dmitry Donskoy the first samples of a strong alcoholic drink with the promising name Aqua Vitae, which means “living water.” Most likely, it was alcohol obtained as a result of distillation from grape must. But the drink was not to the taste of the Russian princes and boyars and was forgotten about for almost 100 years.
FYI. It was from the ancient name of the alcohol Aqua Vitae (“aqua vitae”) that the word “Okovyta” appeared, which in Ukraine and in some regions of Russia is still called “white”.
The second attempt to “surprise the Russian people with overseas drinks occurred around 1429. Then the same alcohol was brought to the Russian Prince Vasily under the guise of a “miracle” medicine. Together with the European wandering monks, most of whom made their living as witch doctors, the technology for making alcohol distillation also penetrated into the territory of Rus'. But due to the lack of grapes, the raw materials were used locally.
The best results were obtained by fermenting grain, which was the impetus for the production of grain alcohol. And on its basis - the production of strong alcoholic drinks.
The method of grain fermentation spread so quickly throughout Rus'. That already in the 15th century there is evidence of the export of grain alcohol to neighboring countries.
Over time, alcohol purification technology developed, which greatly improved the taste of the drink and made it very popular among the general population. Vodka began to become a profitable commodity, which led to the introduction of a monopoly at the beginning of the 18th century, when the exclusive right to produce and sell alcohol began to belong only to the noble class.
At this time, “registered” noble vodkas, prepared with water from local sources, using “secret” technologies, enjoyed well-deserved popularity both within the country and abroad.
At the end of the 19th century, a state standard for the production of strong alcoholic drinks was introduced for the first time, defining the main technical and taste parameters of vodka.
Modern vodka appeared in the second half of the 19th century. With the introduction of technology for producing 96% rectified alcohol in large volumes using rectification columns. They allow you to obtain highly purified alcohol without additional distillation.
Who invented vodka in Russia
It is impossible to unambiguously identify the author of the recipe for the first Russian vodka for several reasons. Firstly, there is no genuine documentary evidence. And secondly, authorship is established after the invention gains popularity, and this sometimes requires quite a long time.
Monk Isidore
According to the generally accepted legend, the author of the recipe for the first Russian vodka made from distilled grain alcohol was the monk Isidore. And this happened in the Miracle Monastery of the Moscow Kremlin, but how the distillery equipment got there still remains a mystery.
Many attribute the invention of vodka to the great Russian scientist D.I. Mendeleev, but this statement still causes a lot of heated debate.
About Mendeleev and his vodka
Supporters of the theory of the invention of vodka by D.I. Mendeleev rely on his dissertation, successfully defended on January 31, 1865. But the main topic of the great chemist’s dissertation was the study of solutions of alcohol and water and their characteristics. The work focused on the behavior of solutions of alcohol and water at various concentrations and determining the optimal weight parts when mixing.
No studies have been carried out on the organoleptic characteristics of the resulting solutions and their effect on the human body. Dmitry Ivanovich found that the volume of the resulting solution varies depending on the amount of alcohol and water. Its lowest value is achieved by mixing 46 parts by weight of alcohol and 54 parts of water.
In general, we can say with confidence: Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev did not invent vodka. But this is not why we love the great chemist.
Who invented vodka 40 degrees
Many scientists were interested in the optimal ratio of alcohol and water in strong alcoholic drinks. In his dissertation, Mendeleev mentions the research of the English chemist Gilpin, who determined the optimal density of an aqueous-alcohol solution with an alcohol content of 38%.
But the final point in determining the optimal strength of vodka was set by officials who rounded the strength to 40 degrees to simplify the taxation of distillery production. In 1894, the Tsarist government registered a Patent. Its object was the production of vodka with an alcohol content of 40% with additional purification using charcoal.
Due to the fact that grain material is the main raw material for the production of high-quality alcohol, I would like to note the influence of the type and quality of grain on the characteristics of the final product.
To produce alcohol, wheat, rye or a mixture of them in various proportions is used. The type of quality grain has virtually no effect on the taste of rectified alcohol. But moldy or rotted grain can spoil the taste of the finished drink, especially if it is made independently.
A distillation column allows you to get rid of impurities. Unlike a distillation cube, not every specialist will be able to distinguish alcohol from different types of grain. But the whole highlight of distilled grain vodka is the presence of a certain taste. Wheat vodka is softer, while rye vodka contains sharper notes that do not spoil the taste of the drink.
The first Russian monopoly on alcohol was established back in 1474 by Ivan III. Strict state control over the production and sale of alcohol was introduced.
Under Ivan the Terrible, taverns, where vodka was usually served, were replaced by “tsar’s taverns,” which were farmed out to the treasury. By paying a certain amount of money, the tax farmer received the right to sell alcoholic beverages.
In 1648, under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, “tavern” riots swept across Moscow and other cities. The artisans, supported by the peasants, demanded the abolition of the “farm-out” for the tavern business and distilling. But the unrest was suppressed. In 1652, the tsar convened the Zemsky Sobor, which reformed the “drinking business.” From now on, feudal lords were forbidden to keep taverns on their estates and estates, as well as to conduct wine trade, which had previously been widely practiced.
Another state monopoly was introduced in 1696 by Peter I. To increase profits, a tax farming system was again established, which was combined with the government sale of wine. The term “vodka” itself was officially established in Russia in 1751 by Empress Elizaveta Petrovna.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the treasury began to lose control of the alcohol business, and income fell. In 1817, a decree was issued reintroducing the “state sale of drinks” at a single price - 7 rubles per bucket.
At first, this gave results and money flowed into the treasury. But gradually wine sales began to decline. As it turned out, there were many abuses in the drinking departments. In this regard, Nicholas I abolished the state wine monopoly in January 1828 and once again introduced a tax farming system. However, the arbitrariness of tax farmers, as well as widespread drunkenness, led to the fact that in 1863 the authorities were forced to replace taxation with an excise tax.
On May 14, 1885, the law “On the fragmented sale of drinks” was passed, abolishing taverns and replacing them with wine shops selling take-away alcohol in glass bottles. But sales began to fall again, and in 1893, Minister of Finance S.Yu. Witte submitted to the State Council a proposal to return the monopoly on wine. It covered the purification of alcohol, as well as the trade in spirits.
Vodka has long been considered the national alcoholic drink in Russia. It is not known exactly who and when invented this drink. There are numerous versions of the origin of vodka, the main ones are presented in this article.
History of vodka
It is believed that the Arab doctor Pares invented vodka in 860 and used his invention only for medicinal purposes for rubbing and warming. After all, according to the Koran, drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited. In addition to medicine, they began to use alcohol to make perfumes and eau de toilette. Although this data on the issue is not scientifically proven. It follows from this that the Arabs could not have invented vodka, especially since they do not drink alcohol at all.
In Europe, people first started talking about vodka after the distillation of a liquid containing sugar was first carried out by the Italian alchemist Valentius. Subsequently, all known strong alcoholic drinks, such as whiskey, brandy, cognac, and schnapps, were born.
Who invented vodka in Russia?
Some versions about the appearance of vodka in Russia
Historical documents indicate that from the period 1386-98, the merchants of Genoa brought grape alcohol to Russia. It was used only as a medicine. At the beginning of the 15th century, alcohol was recognized as harmful, and its import into the Moscow principality was prohibited. It was at this time that Russian distillation began to emerge, that is, perhaps the history of vodka originates precisely from the distillation of grain alcohol from rye raw materials. Perhaps it was bread wine that later became vodka. Around the same time, opposition arose between vodka and other intoxicating drinks, such as beer and drinking meads, which were approved by the Church. It was believed that drinking vodka would prevent various infectious diseases, since grain alcohol has disinfectant properties.
In Rus', vodka was the name for any liquid with a high percentage of strength. They did not like the Arabic name “alcohol”; alcoholic drinks were called wine, despite the fact that they have no connection with grapes. It was also the name given to the drink that could intoxicate a person.
Although these facts do not say exactly who invented vodka, many will be interested in this information. Many stories that have survived to this day are associated with the Russian drink polugar. This is bread wine that has been distilled to a strength of 38.5 degrees. If the result was a weak drink, it was strengthened and called under-drinking. This is where the name comes from - strong breath odor - fumes.
What does Mendeleev have to do with the invention of vodka?
The famous scientist had nothing to do with the invention of vodka, because vodka appeared even before he was born. Therefore, the version that Mendeleev invented vodka is erroneous.
In 1865, D.I. Mendeleev wrote and defended his doctoral dissertation on the topic “Compounds of alcohol and water” on the theory of solutions of alcohol and water. Some suggest that in his writings the chemist suggested an alcohol content of 40 degrees in vodka - as the ideal amount from the point of view of drinking. Then it turns out that Mendeleev invented 40-proof vodka, but this is not at all true.
According to existing information available to the Vodka Museum in St. Petersburg, the famous scientist believed that the ideal strength of vodka is 38 degrees. Only then was the value rounded to 40 degrees to facilitate the calculation of income tax. Mendeleev was not at all interested in vodka, he was only interested in alcohol compositions, so he has nothing to do with the question of who invented vodka. The scientist took some data for his dissertation from the earlier works of the Englishman J. Gilpin. As you know, people drank vodka even before scientific research, but the alcohol content in it was not regulated, especially at the state level.
The appearance of vodka in Russia
Since 1533, a state monopoly on the production of vodka and sale in “sovereign taverns” was introduced in Russia. The term “vodka” itself was officially established in 1751 by Elizabeth II. At the turn of the 18th century, a chemist from St. Petersburg, Lovitz, proposed using charcoal to purify fusel oils found in vodka. In Tsarist Russia it was sold only in specialized wine shops. At one time, only 2 types of vodka were sold there: “Krasnogolovka” and “Belogolovka”, with white and red caps, respectively. The first vodka, the price of which was 40 kopecks, was sold in 0.61 liter bottles. And “Belogolovka”, double purified, cost 60 kopecks. Bottles with a capacity of ¼ bucket, that is, 3 liters, were also sold in special wicker baskets. The smallest bottle of vodka was 0.061 liters and cost only 6 kopecks.
A little later, the name “Moscow Vodka” arose and firmly stuck. A patent for it was received in 1894. The vodka contained 40 parts by weight of ethyl alcohol, and it had to be purified using a carbon filter. A little later, officially registered vodka producers appeared, it is clear that they have practically nothing to do with who invented vodka, they simply produced it. This company was called “Petr Smirnov”, it produced “Smirnovskaya” vodka.
The emergence of modern vodka
In the 19th century, mass production of ethyl alcohol began, which was necessary for the chemical and perfume industries and, of course, official medicine. A special apparatus was created that produced alcohol on a large scale with a high degree of purification from essential and fusel oils; its strength was 96 degrees.
The state monopoly on the production of vodka was returned and extended throughout the country. There are a great many types of modern vodka, and now few people ask the question of who invented vodka in Russia. The answer to this question will remain open. In 1936, the Soviet government issued a special GOST, according to which the alcohol solution was called vodka, and what was produced before the revolution was called vodka products. Around the 50s, the term “vodka” became international.
Unusual types of vodka
The world's only black vodka is produced in the UK. It differs from the usual one only in color. The strongest vodka belongs to Scottish producers; its strength is 88.8 degrees. This vodka, which costs about $140 a bottle, is especially popular in China, where the number 8 is considered lucky.
The most expensive vodka is produced in Scotland. The prepared drink goes through a complex filtration system of Karelian birch charcoal and diamond chips. The price of a bottle depends on the size and quality of the stones, the cost varies from 5 to 100,000 dollars.
Historians have never been able to reliably establish who invented vodka. Most likely, it appeared in a small village and, over time, spread throughout the world. The creator of this alcoholic drink was not a famous person at all and therefore left no traces in history. But, despite everything, vodka is considered the national Russian drink.
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 (edible) 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 tinctures 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 done hot at rectification plants or cold at vodka plants. The alcohol here is diluted with water (to a strength of 40-45%) and filtered through a series of vats filled with charcoal (preferably birch), which absorbs fusel oil (traces remain). The best vodka is made from rectified alcohol.
Special vodka is prepared by dissolving various essential oils and aromatic substances in ordinary vodka or alcohol.
To obtain fruit vodka, ripe berries are crushed, the juice is squeezed out, sweetened and forced to ferment (by adding yeast). The fermented wort is distilled.
The history 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 medicinal purposes, as well as for making perfumes.
In Europe, the first distillation of an alcohol-containing liquid was made by the Italian alchemist monk Valentius. Alchemists in Provence (France) adapted the alembic invented by the Arabs to convert grape must into alcohol.
Vodka appeared in Russia at the end of the 14th 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 strong drinks were born from “aqua vita”: brandy, cognac, whiskey, schnapps and Russian vodka. The volatile liquid obtained as a result of the distillation of fermented wort was perceived as a concentrate, the “spirit” of wine (in Latin, spiritus vini), which is where the modern name of this substance comes from in many languages, including in Russian - “spirit”.
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, but due to its strength, they preferred to dilute it with water. It is likely that the idea of diluting alcohol, which in essence was “Aqua Vita,” served as an impetus for the production of Russian vodka, but, of course, from grain.
The method of producing vodka allegedly became known in Russia in the second half of the 15th century and was probably due to the emergence 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 a derivative of “water”. At the same time, in earlier times, the terms wine, tavern (this was the name for vodka produced illegally under the conditions of the state monopoly introduced in the 18th century), tavern wine, smoked wine, burning wine, burnt wine, bitter wine, etc. were also used to designate vodka.
With the development and improvement of vodka production in Russia, remarkable results have been achieved in terms of purification and taste characteristics of the drink.
In the era of Peter the Great, the dynasties of Russian “vodka kings” and breeders began. In 1716, the first All-Russian Emperor offered the noble and merchant classes the exclusive right to engage in distilling on their lands.
In the middle of the 18th century, the production of vodka in Russia, along with state-owned factories, was carried out by noble landowners and owners of estates scattered throughout the country. Empress Catherine II, who patronized the noble class and granted it many different benefits, made distilling the exclusive privilege of the nobles. A significant part of vodka was produced on landowners' estates, and the quality of the drink was raised to immeasurable heights. Manufacturers sought to achieve a high degree of purification of vodka; for this they used natural animal proteins - milk and egg white. In the 18th century, Russian “homemade” vodkas, produced on the farms of Prince Kurakin, Count Sheremetev, Count Rumyantsev, and others, enjoyed an excellent reputation.
At the end of the 19th century, for the first time in Russian history, a state standard for vodka was introduced. This was greatly facilitated by the research of famous chemists Nikolai Zelinsky and Dmitry Mendeleev, members of the commission for the introduction of a vodka monopoly. The merit of the latter is that he developed the composition of vodka, which should have a strength of 40°. The "Mendeleev" version of vodka was patented in Russia in 1894 as "Moscow Special" (later - "Special").
In Russian history, a 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 all trade in vodka became the prerogative of the tsarist administration; in 1819, Alexander I re-introduced a state monopoly, which lasted until 1828; since 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 - since 1923), while the technology for producing the drink was improved, and its quality was at a consistently high level. In 1992, by decree of Russian President 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 that restored the monopoly, but the state was unable to strictly control its implementation.
The history of prohibition measures against vodka is noteworthy. Thus, during the Russian-Japanese War, there was a ban on the trade of vodka in some provinces of the empire. The “Prohibition Law” 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, alcohol consumption, which was not successful and resulted in the massive destruction of vineyards, the production of low-quality “underground” alcohol products, the growth of drug addiction, etc.) .
As an element of everyday culture, vodka has taken a specific place in the history of Russian life, marked by such verbal symbols - “signs” as “mentikov kryvennik”, “katenka”, “kerenki”, “monopolka”, “rykovka”, “andropovka”, “smirnovka” " (after the name of one of the largest domestic producers of vodka), etc., and also became an invariable hard payment unit ("bottle of vodka"), especially in rural areas. Vodka is often perceived as a national symbol of Russia, on a par with the samovar, balalaika, matryoshka, and caviar. Remaining until the end of the 20th century one of the most widespread Russian national drinks, vodka was the basis for a huge number of tinctures, the preparation of which became a special branch of home production in Russia.
On January 1, 2010, in order to combat illegal alcohol trafficking in the country, Russia introduced a minimum price of 89 rubles for a 0.5-liter bottle of vodka. The corresponding order was signed by the Federal Service for Regulation of the Alcohol Market (Rosalkogolregulirovanie). If the bottle is of a different size, 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 the bottle, VAT and minimum markups in retail and wholesale, the price of a bottle of vodka really does not exceed 89 rubles.
The material was prepared based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources
Vodka is often called the Russian national drink. Where did it come from in Rus' anyway? And who came up with it?
"Burning liquid"
The first alcoholic distillates were obtained in the 12th century, at the medical school of Salerno (Italy). In the 14th century, the technology of distilling alcohol came to Poland - most likely from the Holy Roman Empire.
According to historical documents, in the years 1386-98, Genoese merchants supplied grape alcohol to the Moscow Principality. But they used it only as a medicine. At the beginning of the 15th century, it was recognized as harmful and banned from import.
They began to produce their own wine in Rus' only in the middle of the 15th century, by distilling alcohol from rye raw materials. The name "polugar" was common. This was the name of bread wine, the strength of which was 38.5 degrees. If the strength was lower, then the drink was called “under-drinking.” By the way, this is where the word “fume” comes from.
According to William Pokhlebkin, the first recipe for real Russian vodka was compiled by the monk of the Chudov Monastery, Isidore. There, at the monastery, he created the first distillery. However, vodka became known as a drink only in the 16th century. In 1517, Matvey Mekhovsky in his “Treatise on Two Sarmatias” reports that the inhabitants of Muscovy “make a burning liquid or alcohol from oats and drink it to escape the cold.”
Vodka monopolies
The first Russian monopoly on alcohol was established back in 1474 by Ivan III. Strict state control over the production and sale of alcohol was introduced.
Under Ivan the Terrible, taverns, where vodka was usually served, were replaced by “tsar’s taverns,” which were farmed out to the treasury. By paying a certain amount of money, the tax farmer received the right to sell alcoholic beverages.
In 1648, under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, “tavern” riots swept across Moscow and other cities. The artisans, supported by the peasants, demanded the abolition of the “farm-out” for the tavern business and distilling. But the unrest was suppressed. In 1652, the tsar convened the Zemsky Sobor, which reformed the “drinking business.” From now on, feudal lords were forbidden to keep taverns on their estates and estates, as well as to conduct wine trade, which had previously been widely practiced.
Another state monopoly was introduced in 1696 by Peter I. To increase profits, a tax farming system was again established, which was combined with the government sale of wine. The term “vodka” itself was officially established in Russia in 1751 by Empress Elizaveta Petrovna.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the treasury began to lose control of the alcohol business, and income fell. In 1817, a decree was issued reintroducing the “state sale of drinks” at a single price - 7 rubles per bucket.
At first, this gave results and money flowed into the treasury. But gradually wine sales began to decline. As it turned out, there were many abuses in the drinking departments. In this regard, Nicholas I abolished the state wine monopoly in January 1828 and once again introduced a tax farming system. However, the arbitrariness of tax farmers, as well as widespread drunkenness, led to the fact that in 1863 the authorities were forced to replace taxation with an excise tax.
On May 14, 1885, the law “On the fragmented sale of drinks” was passed, abolishing taverns and replacing them with wine shops selling take-away alcohol in glass bottles. But sales began to fall again, and in 1893, Minister of Finance S. Yu. Witte submitted to the State Council a proposal to return the monopoly on wine. It covered the purification of alcohol, as well as the trade in spirits.
The return of Russian vodka
With the outbreak of World War I, the trade in vodka was banned in Russia, since ethyl alcohol was required for technical and medical purposes. The ban continued to operate under the Soviet regime, which began to actively combat drunkenness and moonshine. However, in 1921, the sale of wine with a strength of up to 14 degrees was allowed, and the wine industry began to recover. In October 1924, the plenum of the Central Committee decided to introduce another wine monopoly.
On January 23, 1936, a state standard was adopted in our country, officially assigning the name “vodka” to the strong alcoholic drink. Before that, vodka was called wine, the labels said “grain”, “simple” or “government”.
In 1978, the Polish People's Republic appealed to an international arbitration court with a claim to recognize its exclusive right to the vodka brand. The plaintiffs pointed out that in the former territories of the Kingdom of Poland, vodka was allegedly produced earlier than it began to be made in Rus' - since 1540. But in the end they failed to prove anything. Russia continues to be considered the birthplace of vodka.