Spirit Type: Russian Vodka

Country: Russia

ABV: 37.5%

Bottle Size: 70cl

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Description:

Later in the 19th century, Pyotr Arsenievich Smirnov established a vodka distillery in Moscow. Pyotr's Vodka was a big hit and, by 1886, was reportedly the most popular vodka in Moscow. Political unrest undermined the foundations of Russia at the beginning of the following century when Pyotr's son Vladimir was in charge of the enterprise. Vladimir was compelled to surrender his factory and the Vodka brand to the government in 1904 when the Tsar nationalized the vodka industry. Vladimir's circumstances worsened later, after the Russian Revolution, and he (along with many others) left the country.

When he established a new distillery in Constantinople, Vladimir then started making vodka as he always had. A few years later, he moved to manufacture to Lwow, Poland (which would later become part of Ukraine, Lviv). He revived his vodka brand and began using the French pronunciation of his name, Smirnoff. The vodka he created must have been fantastic because, over time, Smirnoff Vodka gained popularity to the point where, according to brand owner Diageo, it is currently the most popular vodka in the world, sold and distributed in more than 130 nations. Not only is it sold in many nations, but it is also made in numerous nations.

Products that sell the most typically acquire (and keep) that position through aggressive marketing and low prices. Both criteria are met by Smirnoff Vodka, and the bottle design emphasizes this idea. The Vodka is delivered in an affordable clear glass bottle made for the bar industry. The bottle readily stands out thanks to its red label and cap, making it simple to spot amid the other bottles on the bar. It is a standard size, made to be simple to grip, hold, and pour and simple to store on the bar shelf.

As far as presentation goes, it's okay, though I don't like how the metallic top that seals the bottle is pressed on.

Vodka is frequently placed in the freezer. Therefore, it wouldn't be a good idea to use a cap that expands and contracts with the heat and cold much more than the bottle it covers.

I chilled the Vodka liquors for many hours in my freezer before serving them during each tasting session. Each spirit had a temperature of roughly one degree Celsius. In my shot glass, the Smirnoff vodka had somewhat thickened and became slightly creamy. The spirit gave off aromas of fine-grain spice, a swath of citrus (lemon and lime) zest, and delicate hints of mint. I took a taste and found the vodka to be smooth, with a flavor profile that went well with the breeze's aromas.