History of Vodka
Vodka originates in Eastern Europe, The Vodka Belt, and was first distilled in Poland in the early middle ages and was known as Gorzalka a derivative of the Polish Gorzac – to burn. From the late ninth century the Russians renamed it Vodka, form the word Voda or water.
Large scale production began in Poland in the late 16th century and over the next 200 years, spread across Europe.
Early vodkas were comparatively low in alcohol and were passed throughmore tradtional stills several times, usually three), in order to purify the spirit, which was drawn off at around 70–80% abv. This was then watered down, to produce a simple vodka (30–35% abv).
From the 1950’s vodka became one of the world’s most popular drinks and in 1975 sales of Vodka overtook those of Bourbon.
European Union regulation
Following the success of grape based vodka in the States, producers in the Vodka belt lobbied and succeeded in getting legislation through the EU parliament. Now any vodka that is not made from either grain or potatoes must display the products used in its production on the label.
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