The concept of Russian vodka has long been rooted in the thoughts of people of different nationalities. And this is despite the fact that many countries have their own production of a similar alcoholic beverage. However, only Russian vodka is incredibly popular among lovers of “what’s stronger”. In the end, she even became a kind of associative image, which is inextricably linked with Russia, balalaika, bears and nesting dolls. And already “Moscow special” vodka combines a centuries-old history, as well as a certain nostalgia associated with the Soviet past. We will tell more about this variety of Russian vodka below.
A few words about the name of the drink
The name “Moscow special” vodka is due to the capital of Russia, as well as the high-profile “Moscow festivities”, which the capital was famous for in not so distant times. As a rule, festivals of such a plan ended with noisy songs, dances, crowded feasts and, of course, vodka.
Moreover, one of the most famous manufacturers of this alcoholic beverage is located in Moscow. The company was founded in 1901. It has repeatedly changed its sign, but today it is known as JSC "Moscow Plant" Crystal ". Vodka "Moscow Special" (reviews about it allows us to talk about the reputation of the enterprise as a whole) is considered one of the most famous offspring of the enterprise. The successful launch of this drink allowed the plant to gain worldwide fame.
Name in terms of state
Moskovskaya vodka became one of the very first alcoholic drinks that were patented by the state. According to preliminary data, "typical" Russian vodka and its recipe was first invented by Mendeleev himself. Although many still believe that this is more a myth than the truth. However, this version has a right to exist.
It is believed that a universal recipe for this drink was invented in early 1894. Moreover, after the official patent was received, “Moscow Special” vodka could be called only that product, which included elements of rye alcohol from domestic wheat. This is what was said in state standards and rules related to the production of hard liquors.
Stopping and temporary “freezing” of production
Since the official permission to sell vodka from the state, it began to be sold in all stores and outlets. At that time, there was a certain rise in the production and sales of this alcoholic beverage. But after some time, “Moscow Special” vodka (a photo of it can be found below), like many other alcoholic drinks, was banned. Production was also temporarily stopped and “frozen”.
After the abolition of the original Prohibition, the production of Moskovskaya and other spirits was restored. It was at the beginning of 1925, during the USSR. "Moscow special" vodka again went on sale. So, a forty-degree drink was again painted over on the tables of lovers of friendly gatherings, intimate conversations and noisy companies.
Description and appearance of the drink
Since its inception, “Moscow Special” vodka has been produced with a distinctive white-green label. Over time, it also slightly changed. Colors have become brighter and more saturated.
And the bottle itself replaced the dark and tinted glass with a lighter and more transparent one. At the same time, nothing has changed in the general design of this drink: all the same colors, the shape of the bottle and nothing superfluous in the inscriptions, including a full description of “Moscow special” vodka. On the bottles of some distilleries, the brand name is present not only on the labels, but also engraved on the glass itself. For example, this is exactly what a bottle of Lensovnarkhoz distillery # 4 looks like.
Description of vodka "Moscow factory" Crystal "
The bottle produced by the Moscow Crystal Plant has rounded shapes. It is transparent and slightly elongated. On top of it is decorated a black company label and a curly round cork with carvings. In the center of the bottle is a permanent green label with the name and image of honorary awards. It also says that the drink has a pure vodka aroma and a mild taste.
The composition of this product contains not only special purified water, but also acidity regulators, rectified ethyl alcohol of the “Lux” category. Moreover, the quality of the drink itself is strictly controlled by the specialists of Soyuzplodoimport. The strength of vodka is unchanged and is 40 revolutions.
The energy value of the product in 100 cm³ is 224 kcal. The product is produced in 0.5 and 0.75 liters. Sometimes in a limited edition you can find tiny bottles with a capacity of 0.05 liters. These smaller copies of the original drink look like toys. However, they are great as souvenirs and spirits for minibars.
Vodka Recipe Change
And if in the general concept the design of the bottle has not changed at all, then this can not be said about the recipe. It was she who repeatedly changed.
The last time the recipe was adjusted in 1936. Immediately after the innovations, sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid appeared in the composition of the product. Also among the ingredients added acidity regulators. But in general, the product was still made from high-quality, and most importantly, domestic grain alcohol.
Who owns the trademark rights?
Currently, the rights to the Moscow Special brand belong to the Russian state-owned organization Soyuzplodoimport. This company controls patents of over 120 various trademarks related to food, alcohol-containing and alcoholic products. And not so long ago, she challenged the rights to the aforementioned brand, which was once claimed by another well-known international organization SPI Group.
Brand Award
Given such a long history, Moscow Special managed to take part in numerous competitions, demonstration tastings and exhibitions. During these events, the brand received various awards. For example, at one of the prestigious exhibitions held in Bern (1954), representatives of the brand received a gold medal. In 1958 and 1969, this success was repeated. True, it was in completely different places: Brussels and Pardubice.
In 1977, representatives of the brand participated in the Zagreb exhibition, where they received the highest award. At the end of the international tasting competition in 2008, the Moscow Special brand was victorious and was named the "Best Vodka of the Year". Then there was the Grand Prix at the international tasting contest in 2014 and the title of "Best Product of 2015".
Vodka "Moscow Special": reviews
If we talk about the quality of the produced drink, then we can distinguish the following points:
- Vodka has a pleasant alcohol smell.
- She is quite soft.
- It has a neutral taste.
According to many users, the product itself is quite high quality, inexpensive, and looks presentable. Some emphasize the external similarity of this alcoholic beverage with Stolichnaya vodka. According to them, the drinks are bottled in the same type of container and made out by analogy. In addition, they are also identical in price.
Moscow Special does not have an unpleasant aftertaste. It is easy to drink and perfect for any feast. This drink, users say, goes well with good company, fun songs and a great mood. It is suitable as an aperitif.
In general, customers say that the product creates a pleasant impression not only with its appearance, but also with a good taste and smell.