Smirnov vodka: history and species
An international brand with Russian roots, winner of numerous awards, Smirnoff elite vodka is one of the best-selling spirits in the world.
The drink is made according to an old recipe at Diageo's plants.
History of the Smirnoff brand
The creator of the famous vodka is considered to be the Russian Smirnov family, which owned a distillery in Moscow in the XIX century.
In the 60s, Pyotr Arsenievich became the head of the company, who gave it the sonorous name "Smirnov". The head of the plant paid great attention to quality: he thoroughly purified alcohols, water and finished drinks. The result was an excellent expensive vodka that was highly valued at court, not only in Russia but also in Sweden and Spain.
After the death of Peter Smirnov, the business passed into the hands of his sons (Peter, Vladimir and Nikolai). The brothers did not manage the company for long: when the Communists came to power, it was nationalized.
The enterprising Vladimir decided not to give up his profitable business: he left his homeland and began selling Smirnoff vodka abroad, opening a factory first in Istanbul, then in Lviv and Paris. Europeans liked the product and by 1930 it was actively exported to different countries.
In 1933, the brand was owned by an American Rudolf Kunnet, who tried to produce and sell the Russian drink in North America. However, the experiment was not successful, and the brand changed ownership again.
John Martin, the head of Heublein, organized an active advertising campaign, positioning Smirnoff vodka as "whiskey without color and smell". It was also included in the new Moscow Mule cocktail, which quickly gained immense popularity.
At the beginning of the XXI century, the alcohol giant Diageo became the sole owner of the brand.
Specifics of production
Classic Smirnoff vodka is made on modern equipment according to the recipe of the XIX century.
Before the drink reaches the consumer, it undergoes triple distillation and 10-fold filtration.
The raw materials for the elite vodka are purchased in Scotland, the water is carefully prepared.
Carbon filters made of Siberian birch wood are used for purification.
The result is a mild, crystal-clear drink with a pleasant vodka flavor that is good both neat and in cocktails.
Types of vodka "Smirnoff"
Smirnoff Red (No. 21)
The basic version, the most popular. Clean, strong product with a smooth texture and dry finish. Winner of double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2017). Strength: 40%.
Smirnoff Silver (90 Proof)
It is characterized by increased strength - 45%. Used to create cocktails.
Smirnoff Blue (100 Proof)
The strongest version: contains 50% alcohol.
"Flavors" series
These are 5 dozen cocktail vodkas with the addition of natural fruit, berry, spice or confectionery flavors.
Among them are both the usual variants with the inclusion of apple or citrus juice, and unusual ones, such as vodka with coconut, mint, marshmallow, Tuscan lemonade, whipped cream.
It is recommended to drink all variants of Smirnoff vodkas chilled (0-4 degrees Celsius), you can add ice if you wish.
Update: 11.06.2019
Category: Vodka an Moonshine