It is difficult to imagine a real Russian feast without vodka. However, few people know quite interesting and important facts about this alcoholic product.
Facts
Even if a person has never used vodka in his life, he probably knows what it looks like. Yes, it is a clear liquid with a pungent alcoholic smell. Foreigners associate attributes such as vodka, pickles and bears with Russia. However, the first mention of this alcoholic drink was confirmed in the tenth century in Persia. At that time, the physician Ar-Razi began to practice distillation.
This drink officially came to Russia only in the sixteenth century. Often, flour and rye grains were used for distillation. And after three hundred years, potatoes ousted the grains and firmly established themselves in their place. At that time the concept of "vodka" did not exist. The drink was called "bread wine".
Myths
There are several myths that are associated with vodka. One of the most common - the vodka recipe was invented by the famous scientist Mendeleev. By the way, according to rumors, it was he who established the strength of the drink, which is acceptable for the human body (40 degrees). This myth followed from the fact that at one time the dissertation of the scientist was called: "On the combination of alcohol with water." It is generally accepted that Mendeleev revealed the special effect of water and alcohol precisely at a strength of 40 degrees. In reality, he found that at 46 degrees of the weight fraction of alcohol, the maximum compression of the solution occurs. Thus, the great scientist has absolutely nothing to do with the appearance of vodka in Russia.
Russian vodka
Specifically, an alcoholic drink called "vodka" was donated to Prince Dmitry Donskoy in 1386 by the Genoese embassy. It is worth noting that at that time the Russians were indifferent to the gift, since they did not like it. After that, they tried repeatedly to make vodka available to the people. However, this alcoholic beverage was too strong. In this connection, after a hundred years the Russians got used to diluting vodka with water.
In the fifteenth century, vodka began to be produced in monasteries. During this period, it became more accessible. And at the same time, the tsar introduced a state monopoly on the production of vodka. Thus, he pursued good goals so that the people would stop poisoning themselves from home-made distillations. It was decided to abolish the state monopoly in 1828. Since that time, making homemade vodka has become the main Russian pastime. It was considered an honor of many houses to invite a guest to the table and treat him to a glass of their drink. Over time, vodka began to be sold in bottles to take away.
