Many Russians have the erroneous opinion that vodka is an original Russian product. In fact, vodka as an alcoholic beverage appeared only in the 16th century. And six centuries earlier, its prototype was obtained by a Persian doctor who isolated pure ethanol by distillation. Initially, the word "vodka" had a different meaning - the so-called herbal infusions. And those who drank alcohol or engaged in wine trading were subjected to universal shame. However, over time, everything has changed. Several centuries later, vodka production was opened , gradually turning into well-known brands. One of them is the Smirnov brand.
Vodka "Smirnov". Start
Today, this brand is one of the leading in the world. For example, Smirnov vodka is supplied to more than 130 different countries. The founder of the brand is considered to be Pyotr Smirnov, who was smart at the right time, having acquired a trading house fairly inexpensively, run by his own uncle. It happened in imperial Russia. The product produced by Smirnov was so good in quality (I must say, it played a role in terms of the cost of vodka - not everyone could afford it) that they became interested in the imperial palace. After the emperor himself tasted the drink, Pyotr Smirnov was appointed as his personal supplier. A little later, when vodka was presented to foreign guests, Smirnov received similar offers from the royal people of Italy and Sweden.
Continuation of business
The revolution was an unexpected blow to the burgeoning business, then the family business had already passed from the hands of father Peter Smirnov to the hands of three sons, and the enterprise was named after them. One (Nikolai) soon abandoned the common business, and the other two continued to develop and produce a high-quality and expensive drink. After the death of the eldest son, Peter, all affairs fell into the hands of the remaining brother of Vladimir, who by that time was known as a successful breeder. Vladimir put vodka production on stream, selling at least four million boxes each year. Few people know, but the range of products of the trading house of Peter Smirnov was at least 400 items. But the most popular among them was the recipe at number 21 (table wine No. 21).
Its main difference was triple distillation. In addition to it, souvenir types of vodka “Chinovnik” and “Pushkin”, vodka “Sukharnichek”, table wine No. 31 were also produced. The revolutionaries nationalized all private factories, and this fate did not pass the Smirnov factory. However, Vladimir managed not only to emigrate from Russia, but also to promote the matter with renewed vigor, but already abroad.
New life abroad
Only having arrived in new lands, Vladimir Smirnov did not find support from local entrepreneurs. And this was not surprising, because then there was no idea about vodka in the countries of Europe. Vladimir had to start over several times before the Smirnov vodka became known not only as a traditional drink, but also as a well-known brand.
The outcome of the family business was decided by a meeting with Rudolf Kunett, one of the well-known and trusted exporters of grain. Vladimir agreed to sell the exclusive rights to make a drink and assign a brand of vodka to Ste. Pierre Smirnoff Fils, and a year later Smirnov left this world. Rudolph planned to launch a grandiose project for the implementation of a new drink, but it turned out to be difficult to raise its rating against the background of bourbon and gin already loved by Americans. Things went smoothly when the president of the Hubline alcohol company John Martin became interested in vodka.
Unexpected turn
John Martin figured out how Smirnoff vodka should be positioned. He presented it to the broad masses as a more understandable and affordable drink, but with new and distinctive qualities from another. Moreover, a prudent entrepreneur recommended it as an ingredient for any cocktail, namely cocktail drinks were popular and most in demand at that time. So, Smirnov vodka was now advertised as white whiskey, which has no smell and taste. Needless to say, the popularity of “white whiskey” immediately soared to the limit. In the new traditions, the most popular Moscow mule cocktail was invented, made from ginger beer, vodka and a piece of ginger. A prerequisite was serving the drink in a copper mug.
The glory of the "white whiskey"
Caught up by the Americans, a new trend quickly spread among well-known holiday homes. The basis of all the cocktails was Smirnoff - vodka recognized as the best among its own kind of alcoholic duplicates. Along with the “Moscow Mule”, cocktails such as “Bloody Mary” or “Screwdriver”, combined with different tastes and fruit additives, began to be famous.
Against this background, other brands of vodka instantly lost their attractiveness - the production was so high-quality, performed strictly according to the traditions transferred by Vladimir Smirnov. By the way, there was an opinion that the drink received such a name because of its qualities. Vodka did not hit the head with drunken unconsciousness and uncontrolled rampage, but smoothly intoxicated a person, leaving him quiet. Only after the promotion of the brand did it become known that it was named after its creators.
Distinctive features
Smirnov vodka really stood a step above all other similar brands. Peter Smirnov himself was able to develop a technology that qualitatively cleaned the drink from toxic constituents. Very pure, transparent, like spring water, filtered with activated carbon, made from first-class grain spirit, soft and gentle, the vodka was completely different from everyone else. Particular attention was paid to water with unique properties.
Nowadays, everyone can enjoy the taste of this drink, noting that after drinking in the mouth there is no unpleasant aftertaste, and in the morning the head does not hurt at all (at reasonable rates). Yes, and therapeutic infusions from this vodka are high-quality and effective in use. It is well-known that Smirnov vodka now has no purely Russian roots. The producer of drinks is Diageo (Britain). Being popular in the USA, vodka quickly found its fans around the world.
And in conclusion
And today vodka Smirnov has not lost its traditional attributes. The price in this case speaks of quality. If you come across a bottle worth less than five hundred rubles for seven hundred milliliters - most likely, this is a fake. Do not look for alcohol in small stores, quality products are sold only in large retail chains.
For convenience, the drink is offered in different spills - Smirnov vodka 3 liters, 1 liter, 0.7 and 0.5 liters. Created and promoted by the joint efforts of Russians and Americans, vodka is popularly called the “American Peace Day”. Today, alcohol is used as the basis for the most fashionable and expensive cocktails offered in luxury holiday destinations for a lot of money.