Vodka "Smirnoff" (Smirnoff): types, prices. Brand History

Many Russians have an erroneous opinion that vodka is a traditional Russian product. In fact, vodka as a spirit drink appeared only in the 16th century. And six centuries earlier her prototype was obtained by a Persian doctor who isolated pure ethanol by distillation. Initially, the word "vodka" had a different meaning - the so-called infusions of herbs. And those who used alcohol or worked in the wine trade, subjected to general shame. However, over time, everything changed. After several centuries 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, the supply of Smirnov vodka is produced in more than 130 different countries. The founder of the brand is considered to be Pyotr Smirnov, who showed his wit in time, acquiring a trading house rather cheaply, which was 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 the cost of vodka - it was not affordable for everyone) that she was interested in the imperial palace. After the beverage was tasted by the emperor himself, Peter Smirnov was appointed his personal supplier. A little later, when vodka was introduced to foreign guests, Smirnov received similar proposals from the royal representatives of Italy and Sweden.

Continuation of the case

An unexpected blow to the flourished business was the revolution, then the family business had already passed from the hands of Peter Smirnov's father to the hands of three sons, and the company was named in their honor. One (Nicholas) soon abandoned the general business, and the other two continued to develop and produce a high-quality and inexpensive drink. After the death of Peter's eldest son, all affairs fell into the hands of the remaining brother of Vladimir, who by this time was known as a successful horse breeder. Vladimir put on the flow of vodka, selling a year at least four million boxes. Few people know, but the assortment of products of the trading house of Peter Smirnov was at least 400 titles. But the most popular among them used the recipe at number 21 (table wine №21).

Its main difference was triple distillation. In addition to it, souvenir types of vodka "Chinovnik" and "Pushkin", vodka "Suharnichek", table wine №31 were also produced. The revolutionaries nationalized all private factories, this fate and the Smirnovs' factory did not pass. However, Vladimir managed not only to emigrate from Russia, but also to unleash the business with a new force, but already abroad.

New life abroad

Only when he came to the new lands, Vladimir Smirnov did not find support from local entrepreneurs. And it was not surprising, because of the vodka in the countries of Europe then did not have any idea. Vladimir had to start 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 Kuhnette - one of the well-known and proven grain exporters. Vladimir agreed to sell exclusive rights to produce 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 to sell a new drink, but it was not easy to raise his rating against the background of the bourbon and gin that the Americans liked. It went well when vodka became interested in the president of the alcohol company Hubeline John Martin.

Unexpected turn

John Martin came up with how Smirnoff vodka should be positioned. He presented it to the masses as a more understandable and accessible drink, but with new and distinctive qualities of alcohol. Moreover, a prudent entrepreneur recommended it as a component for any cocktail, namely cocktail drinks were popular and claimed at that time most. So, Smirnov vodka was now advertised as white whiskey, which has no smell and taste. Need I say that the popularity of "white whiskey" immediately soared to the limit. In the new traditions, the most popular cocktail was a Moscow mule, made from ginger beer, vodka and a piece of ginger. A necessary condition was to serve a drink in a copper mug.

The glory of "white whiskey"

The new trend, caught by the Americans, quickly spread among the famous holiday homes. The basis of all cocktails was Smirnoff - vodka, recognized as the best among its kind of alcoholic duplicates. Along with the "Moscow Mule" fame began to use such cocktails as "Bloody Mary" or "Screwdriver", combined with different flavors and fruit additives.

Against the backdrop of this other brands of vodka instantly lost attractiveness - so high-quality was the production, strictly according to the traditions, handed over by Vladimir Smirnov. By the way, there was an opinion that this name was given to the drink because of its qualities. Vodka did not hit the head with drunken unconsciousness and uncontrollable violence, but gradually intoxicated a man, leaving him quiet. Only after the promotion of the brand it became known that it was named after its creators.

Distinctive features

Vodka Smirnov really stood a step above all other similar brands. Pyotr Smirnov himself managed to develop a technology that cleansed the drink qualitatively from toxic components. Very pure, transparent, like key water, filtered with activated charcoal, made from first-class grain alcohol, soft and tender, vodka was completely unlike all others. Particular attention was paid to water, which has 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). And the medicinal infusions from this vodka are qualitative and effective in application. It is well known that the Smirnov vodka has no purely Russian roots now. The beverage manufacturer is Diageo (Britain). Being popular in the US, vodka quickly found its fans around the world.

And in conclusion

And today, Smirnov vodka has not lost its traditional attributes. The price in this case speaks about quality. If you see a bottle worth less than five hundred rubles for seven hundred milliliters, it is most likely 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 bottles - Smirnov vodka 3 liters, 1 liter, 0.7 and 0.5 liters. Created and promoted by joint efforts of Russian and American vodka among the people was called "American Smirnovka." Today, alcohol is used as the basis for the most fashionable and expensive cocktails offered in elite vacation spots for quite a lot of money.