History of Vodka
Who actually first distilled vodka? This is a hot point of contention between the countries of Belarus, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. The word vodka comes from old Slavic, “voda,” meaning “ water.” The earliest documented evidence that mentions vodka comes from Poland. Dating back to 1405, in the Akta Grodzkie, the court documents from the Palatinate of Sandommierz of Poland we find the first mention vodka. On a more interesting point, wodka (Polish pronunciation), was actually a reference to the chemical compounds found in the medicines of the time. In 1533 we find another mention of wodka as a medicinal drink purchased by the Russians from Kievan Rus merchants.
There is an interesting old tale told throughout the vodka drinking belt of the story of Russia’s first purchase of vodka from the Poles. The transaction was carried out by Kieven Rus (Ukrainians) merchants who hired Belarusians to transport the shipment. The Belarusians fell so passionately in love with vodka, they stole the recipe.
Personally, I do in fact that vodka first originated in Poland. However, keep in mind that in the western areas of the previously mentioned countries lie the vast wheat fields on which the original recipe for vodka was based.
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http://evewine101.com/2013/05/30/belarus-the-theft-of-vodka/
