Let’s Learn a little bit About the History of Vodka

The history of vodka spans around many Eastern European countries including Russia, Poland, and Sweden. Each country produces vodka in different ways with varying alcohol content and the alcoholic beverage has progressed through the 14^th century all the way to the 21^st century. While the history of vodka is rich, every country around the world now enjoys vodka for how commonly known it’s become.

Vodka has brought the world together over time. Here are some of the most important aspects of its beginning. The history of vodka started in Russia in the 14^th century. Vodka at this time was made by the distillation of grapes, and it was considered to be a spirit wine because it was a combination of English spirits and wine. In 1430, the first Russian vodka recipe was created by Isidore the Monk, and it was a bread wine, which had a low alcohol content (no more than 40% ABV) and many people referred to it as “burning wine.” Poland also had a history of vodka around the same time period in the early 1400s. Vodka was commonly used as a medicine in the early days in Poland, but in the early 1500s, Polish writers discovered that vodka could be used for other purposes, such as for an increase in fertility and lust. There are many history polish vodka blends that are dated back to the 16^th, 17^th, and 18^th centuries. Obviously, as time went on vodka in Poland became more widely accepted as a casual drink and not just a medicinal remedy.

While the history of vodka shows that vodka production started in Sweden in the late 15^th century, it wasn’t until the late 18^th century that Swedish vodka production expanded. Potatoes became the main product used in the Swedish distillation process and distillery equipment also got better throughout the 19^th century.

At Gulp, we sell a variety of vodkas which you can find here including

• Kai Lychee Vodka – which is founded by industry veteran Marcus Bender. Kai Vodka and Shochu are distilled in Vietnam using locally grown rice. The flavors are an homage to the flavors of Southeast Asia. Distinctive natural lychee aroma with notes of sweet spice rose and honey.
• Kai Coconut Pandan – Hints of vanilla derived from Pandan, a fragrant herb found across South East Asia. Made with real coconut water.
• Stolichnaya – better known as Stoli which is a classically-styled, exceptionally smooth vodka. Crystal clear in color with marshmallow, mineral, and mild fruit peel aromas.
• Stolichnaya Gluten-Free – While all unflavoured vodka is gluten-free, this bottling of Stolichnaya has been officially certified to satisfy US requirements. Made using corn and buckwheat, it's been kosher certified by the Orthodox Union, too.
• Stolichnaya Salted Karamel – Stolichnaya Salted Karamel is yet another step forward for flavored premium vodkas. A light saltiness draws out the buttery caramel flavor, and combined with our premium vodka, the result is a perfectly balanced taste combination.
• Stolichnaya Cucumber – Stoli Cucumber is the first new Stoli flavored vodka introduction since 2012. The inception of Stoli Cucumber originally came from requests from distributors and partners and has been a collaborative effort to achieve the perfect taste profile. Crisp & cool as a cucumber. Perfect with Perrier Lemon or for a Bloody Mary.

Now with so many options of Vodka, what can you make with them? Click here for some recipes!