Vodka has been known since prehistoric times and very often its origin seems to be mysterious. Now Russia and Poland try to prove they made up a recipe of vodka originally. The word “vodka” can be translated as “little water”. Originally, they distilled it from rye but it can be distilled by using almost everything fermentable. To make vodka today they use grain or corn and get a clear liquid in the end that is very popular all over the world now.
Vodka today is light, smooth and has a slightly oily texture. You will have an opportunity to taste real Russian vodka within the guided tour of vodka tasting in St Petersburg, Russia. Three different kinds of vodka were produced in ancient Russia. They were called – good, better and the best. The name and the quality of each kind depended on the distillation process. Later stronger types of vodka were made by distilling it twice or more. Nowadays vodka is distilled several times then it is filtered through vegetable charcoal. As a result we get a very crystal, smooth and clear spirit.
Before the opening of the first official manufacture distillery in 1782 vodka was made at people’s homes and in monasteries in Russia. Russian Tzar Ivan the Terrible introduced his own franchise of taverns and ordered to give all profit from vodka to the imperial treasury. In Poland citizens were allowed to make their own vodka by king Jan Olbrecht. Also, forty-nine commercial distilleries were open in the town of Poznan that still remain the major vodka producer in this country.
Vodka for Russians is not only an alcohol drink. Having vodka with friends or people you love is the reason to be happy or sad, to reduce stress or get rid of depression. Vodka in Russia is a unique product that can not be substituted by anything else, it is a part of national cultural heritage as it is described in traditional Russian folk songs, poems, legends.
Tasting vodka is not just drinking. It is a ritual that includes tasting different types of vodka, traditional Russian snacks that are usually served with it and listening to funny stories of people who participate. Within this non-standard tour of Saint-Petersburg you will find out about how Russians used to drink vodka before, what traditions go together with this process, you will taste a little bit of vodka (we do not want you to get fully drunk) and some of traditional Russian snacks for vodka. All these things you will see and participate in during your private non-standard guided tour of vodka tasting in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Book more than one tour with us to get a great discount!
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The price includes a professional English-speaking guide, taxi (both ways), guided tour in Russian vodka museum (30 min.), vodka tasting .
Group size (number of people). Price per person.
