Vodka, which means “little water” in Russian, is one of the oldest and best-selling spirits in the world. The history of this clear spirit is rich in legends and anecdotes that reach far back into the past. Vodka was distilled in Russia as early as the end of the 15th century, and it was the monks from the Chudov Monastery who brought the art of distilling to Europe on their pilgrimages. However, Poland also has a long tradition of vodka production, and it was here that the first vodka was distilled from rye. This historical background has led to an ongoing dispute between Russia and Poland over who is the true home of vodka.

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, vodka production in Russia experienced a dramatic increase. An imperial decree permitted the sale of vodka in all taverns, which filled the state coffers with the resulting tax revenue. However, when Catherine the Great came to power, she restricted production rights to nobles and state-owned businesses. This measure led to a significant increase in quality, and Russian vodka began to conquer international markets.

After the Russian Revolution, the Communists imposed a ban on industrial vodka production. However, this measure was unable to quench the thirst of the Russians. Renowned producers such as Smirnoff moved their production abroad and clandestine distillation continued to flourish. During the Second World War, vodka was even issued to Russian soldiers as a daily ration, underlining its cultural and psychological importance at the time.

After the war, a new generation of vodka producers established themselves worldwide. New standards were set in production, and premium and noble brands emerged, offering vodka of exceptional purity and quality. One notable example is the introduction of carbon filtration and the use of pure glacier water in production, which makes the vodka particularly soft and smooth.

Today, the world of vodka is more diverse than ever. From mass-produced products to exclusive varieties from smaller producers - the range is broad. Vodka is not only a pleasure on its own, but also an indispensable ingredient in many classic and modern cocktails. The brands from all over the world that we offer in our online store are some of the best-tasting vodkas around and are perfect for connoisseurs.

Browse through our selection and let yourself be inspired by the fascinating world of vodka.