The History of Russians and Vodka: Tradition, Regulations, and Modern Oligarchs

Vodka, one of the world's most popular spirits, has a rich and intriguing history that is deeply intertwined with Russian culture and history. From its humble beginnings as a straightforward distillation of vegetable scraps to the current influence of oligarchs, the journey of vodka through Russian history is a testament to its enduring appeal.

Simple Origins and Versatility in Wartimes

Although vodka has become a refined product today, its roots are quite humble. The simplicity of producing this drink is one of its key attributes—merely vegetable peelings are needed for fermentation, which is then distilled, creating a potent alcoholic beverage. My brother prefers potato peels, claiming they are ideal for the process. During the two World Wars, military kitchens generated an abundance of vegetable peelings, which were not wasted. Instead, they were turned into vodka, a warm relief from the harsh conditions of war and a morale booster for soldiers.

Vodka as a Symbol of Peasant Culture

The ease of production explains why vodka became widespread among uneducated peasants. By the 18th century, it was already a popular drink. However, its consumption was not without regulation. Tsars of old banned vodka production and sales to all but those with royal privileges, creating a monopoly that generated substantial revenue for the royal family. This monopoly was so lucrative that later Russian states could not resist taking it over, both for the money and the social control it offered. A population drunk on vodka is less likely to rebel against the state, making vodka a tool of governmental control.

The Communist Era and Attempts to Ban Vodka

Communist attempts to ban vodka were met with resistance. The consequences of state subsidies for alcoholism could not be ignored, but early efforts to eradicate vodka were undone by Stalin. Later attempts by Gorbachev only led to an increase in illegal production or "bootlegging." One of the iconic slogans, “We will overcome!” was accompanied by an image of a snake with the word “Alcoholism” on its tail, symbolizing the battle against the evil of vodka.

Today, vodka production has been handed over to oligarchs, who continue to reap significant profits. This has given them considerable political and economic influence in Russia, making vodka and its cultural significance inextricably linked.

The Standardization of Vodka

Another aspect of vodka's history in Russia is its standardization. Before the Russian government got involved, vodka strength could vary widely, from barely alcoholic to overpoweringly strong. The inconsistency plagued consumers and the market as a whole. The Czar, recognizing the need for standardization, commissioned the great chemist Dmitri Mendeleev, known for his work on the periodic table, to create a suitable standard.

After meticulous research and testing, Mendeleev published the new Russian standard: vodka should be a distilled liquor of 40 vol- alcohol. This became the only acceptable definition of vodka, ensuring consistency and quality. The choice of 40 vol- was no random decision. Some claim the strength was designed to be high enough to mask the taste of impurities but low enough to still be palatable when consumed chilled. The specific figure of 40 vol- remains the standard to this day.

Conclusion

The history of vodka in Russia is a story of simplicity, regulation, and enduring popularity. From humble beginnings to royal monopolies, through the trials of war and the challenges of socialism, vodka has remained a central part of Russian culture. Its standardization under the influence of Mendeleev ensured quality and consistency, while the current oligarchic control preserves its legacy and economic significance.

Keywords: Russian vodka, history of vodka, vodka standards