Vodka
Home / Category / Vodka
Vodka has been known for centuries. Just like many other alcohols (for example - vermouth), it was initially used for medical purposes (due to its disinfecting values). This was also the case in the Arab countries (the distillation process that reached Europe, came actually from those regions).
In Poland, the word "vodka" was officially used in writing for the first time in the year 1405 in Sandomierz, in court documents. In the 16th century (the year 1534), Stefan Falimirz in his herbarium entitled "About Herbs and Their Power" lists as many as 72 types of herbal vodkas, recommended for various ailments. Hence the term "spirit" – that came from the Latin term - "Aqua vitae" - meaning the water of life - because it was commonly believed that this noble drink could extend life. On the other hand, the word "vodka" comes from the word "water", which in the old days was sometimes the name of a cosmetic or medicinal product, or even surprisingly a term like abstinent (the one who drinks only water).
Vodka is a very broad and extensive topic. In general - it is a high-percentage liquid, made of alcoholic spirit (distillate) diluted with water, usually in a ratio of about 2: 3 (in the case of 40% ABV), with the alcohol content in vodka not being less than 37.5% ABV.
Traditionally, vodka is made from cereals (rye, wheat, barley, spelled, etc.), sugar beet or potatoes. This is how vodka is most often produced in the so-called "Vodka belt countries" (Poland, Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Scandinavian countries). Currently, it is allowed to produce vodkas from other raw materials, including those made of corn, grapes, bananas and even carrots. Vodka producers often make use of it.
We divide vodkas into: pure (regular, premium and luxurious), quality vodkas (from rectified fruit and herbal distillates, e.g. gin, grappa, mountain ash or bison grass vodka and non-rectified vodkas, e.g. rum, sliwowica which is the famous very strong plum vodka, brandy, whiskey, tequila, stark) and flavored (colored or not). There is also moonshine, which differs from vodka in that it is produced from distilled (but not rectified) spirit.
Vodka is produced all over the world, in each country in its own, unique, way. Poland is one of the few countries where vodka production takes place in two stages and two places - in the distillery and in the rectification plant. Moreover, it has been competing with Russia for centuries to be the homeland of this drink. Regardless of all this, however, vodka is an important phenomenon, both cultural and sociological. For centuries, it has accompanied both kings and mere mortals on the tables. Therefore, its existence, especially in the countries of the "vodka belt", is nothing more than a cultural heritage closely related to tradition.
Our portfolio includes a wide selection of unique vodkas from around the world. We have all kinds of vodkas, from the simple and cheap ones, to the ones which are exquisite, legendary, very rare and sought after. We invite you to see for yourself and check our offer!
