Vodka History
Alcoholic beverages have been around since prehistoric times. Some of the first detectable alcohol was found in chemical traces on ancient Chinese pottery - proof that alcohol made of fruit, honey, and rice was being produced over 9000 years ago. One wonders if humanity could have gotten this far without it. The evolution of the alcoholic drink is quite interesting. With the invention of various devices and methods, we can see alcohol gradually getting more strong and more easy to produce.
Unfortunately for pre-historic humans, they could only reach about 14% alcohol content through natural fermentation. This could have all changed in the early 8th century, when the first still was invented. However, the scope of application for alcoholic beverages was not realized for quite some time – obviously they had silly priorities, devoting their time to science, philosophy, and conquest instead of spending all their effort developing stronger booze.
Vodka usually contains at least 37-38% alcohol volume, which is frequently regulated. In the UK, you cannot call a product “vodka” unless it contains at least 37.5% alcohol. That way, people know that they are buying the strong drink they have come to love. Vodka can be made out of many different things. The final product doesn’t depend on the ingredients so much as it depends on the methods of production. For all you know, you could be drinking something made of beets, potatoes, wheat, or even grapes. You’re unlikely to be able to taste the difference, since by law vodka is not even permitted to have a distinctive taste except for those that have been added in after distillation!
Today, vodka is the predominant alcoholic beverage in many parts of the world. In the USA, it is the most popular hard liquor. It is popularly viewed as one of the least dangerous alcoholic beverages, since it is filtered of dangerous chemicals, and has less of an aftereffect on the body. But at the same time, it is one of the more potent drinks, able to intoxicate quickly and effectively.
Vodka is also popular because of the fact that it is undetectable on the breath of those who have been drinking it. This trait has probably saved many marriages, and many a teenager from getting busted by his parents after a night out with his friends. Of course, clean breath won’t save you if you’re stumbling down the street in a drunken haze, singing uplifting pirate songs in your finest tenor voice.
Because of its popularity, vodka has had a huge influence in various cultures in countries all across the world. It could very well be the national drink of countries like Russia, Poland, Finland, and others. Vodka taxation in Russia even helped pay for a huge portion of the government’s revenue.
Though it can easily be used improperly and excessively, vodka is a drink with a lot to offer. If you’re hanging out with a bunch of friends, a few shots of vodka are guaranteed to make the evening more fun. Just drink with care, and always have a designated driver.